Short answer: the Genelec 8330A for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX5 D3 for the lower price. The Genelec 8330A ranks #7 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $1125. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #30 at $149.50, $975.50 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8330A offers: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Watch for: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Buy the Genelec 8330A if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the M-Audio BX5 D3 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8330A | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,250 per pair | $299 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | 100W each |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 5.94 |
| Inputs | - | XLR and TRS |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Genelec 8330A:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8330A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8330A: $2,250 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.94 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kanto YU6
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kali LP-UNF
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Adam Audio T5V
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs KEF LSX II LT
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Airpulse A100
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- See all 37 comparisons