Short answer: the Genelec 8331A on measured sound quality, the Audioengine HD6 on price. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $5,750. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #79, rated 3.3/5, at $1,048, $4,702 cheaper.
The Genelec 8331A is the better-sounding option. Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing. The tradeoff: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Why pick the Audioengine HD6: A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8331A lacks. The catch: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the Genelec 8331A if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Audioengine HD6 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing.
A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,750 per pair | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #79 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 | - |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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