Short answer: the Genelec 8330A for better sound quality, the Genelec 8020D for the lower price. The Genelec 8330A ranks #5 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $2250. The Genelec 8020D ranks #6 at $1100, $1150 cheaper.
The case for the Genelec 8330A: Sits between the compact 8320A and the larger 8331A in Genelec’s SAM lineup, with a die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide that deliver a measured 55.7Hz extension point, well beyond the 8320A’s smaller cabinet. Watch for: On axis deviation measures 0.324dB average, rougher than several similarly priced monitors in this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.38.
On the Genelec 8020D side: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, with listening-window and early-reflections curves tracking closely together - a sign of well-controlled directivity. Set against that: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam, a typical trait of small nearfield monitors at this price.
Buy the Genelec 8330A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Genelec 8020D if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8330A | Genelec 8020D | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,250/pair | $1100 |
| Ranked | #5 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) (11.8 x 7.4 x 7.0 in) | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs / 5.1 kg (11.2 lbs) each | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg each |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | 104dB | 103dB @ 1m |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) |
| Output Power | - | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8330A: $2,250/pair Bhphotovideo
Pros: Sits between the compact 8320A and the larger 8331A in Genelec’s SAM lineup, with a die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide that deliver a measured 55.7Hz extension point, well beyond the 8320A’s smaller cabinet. The bass alignment is well damped at a measured Q of 0.379, so the low end rolls off cleanly rather than peaking near the tuning frequency.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.324dB average, rougher than several similarly priced monitors in this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.38. GLM room calibration requires the separate 9320A SAM Reference Controller or GLM Calibration Kit, an extra cost on top of the speaker price. At $1,125 each it costs roughly double the smaller 8320A for a moderate step up in bass extension and output.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) (11.8 x 7.4 x 7.0 in) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | 104dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs / 5.1 kg (11.2 lbs) each |
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Genelec 8020D: $1100 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, with listening-window and early-reflections curves tracking closely together - a sign of well-controlled directivity. Horizontal directivity holds tight out to about ±30 degrees before starting to narrow. Applying EQ correction visibly closes the gap between the on-axis and predicted in-room curves, raising the calculated on-axis preference score from 5.4 to 6.4 and the in-room score from 5.6 to 6.6 - a straightforward, worthwhile tuning target for anyone using it with room correction.
Cons: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam, a typical trait of small nearfield monitors at this price. Off-axis response (measured out to 90 degrees) narrows noticeably above 1kHz, so off-center listening loses top-end energy. High price for the driver size.
Full Genelec 8020D review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 103dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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