Short answer: the Genelec 8331A if sound quality matters most, the Genelec 8320A if price matters most. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $5,750. The Genelec 8320A ranks #8, rated 4.5/5, at $1,700, $4,050 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8320A does well: A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The tradeoff: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger Genelec 8330A a practical advantage without one.
The Genelec 8331A is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 5.52 for the Genelec 8320A. Its bass reaches about 49Hz before falling 3dB, against 67.4Hz for the Genelec 8320A. The catch: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the Genelec 8320A if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Genelec 8331A if sound quality is the priority over the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8320A | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,700 per pair | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 | 8.51 |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, AES/EBU |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8320A: $1,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8330A (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The waveguide helps control the balance between direct and reflected sound. GLM room calibration is useful for matching levels and placement in a compact setup. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger Genelec 8330A a practical advantage without one. Calibration hardware is sold separately. The small woofer limits its intended listening distance and bass output; a favorable response-fit parameter is not evidence that it has uniquely well-damped bass or unusually high headroom.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons