Short answer: the Genelec 8320A. It ranks #8 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $1,700 and is still sold new; the JBL One Series 104 ranks #93 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Genelec 8320A is the better-sounding choice. 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 JBL One Series 104 is the deeper-bass pick. ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 3dB, against 67.4Hz for the Genelec 8320A. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8320A lacks. Watch for: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the Genelec 8320A. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL One Series 104 is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8320A | JBL One Series 104 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,700 per pair | $129 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 | - |
| Inputs | XLR | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
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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
JBL One Series 104: $129 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its internal equalization is part of the working speaker and should be included when assessing it, rather than judging the passive drivers with that correction bypassed. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer. The 4.9dB midrange span and a high-frequency cancellation around 7.4kHz indicate significant unevenness; the review also found some vocals bright and irritating. These are results for the original 104, not a verification of the later 104-BT. Discontinued.
Full JBL One Series 104 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Drivers | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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