Short answer: the Genelec 8331A on measured sound quality, the Audioengine HD6 on price. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $5750. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #51 at $817.44, $4932.56 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8331A offers: 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 5.91 standalone and 7.85 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. Watch for: 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.
What the Audioengine HD6 offers: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system. Watch for: 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.
Skip the Audioengine HD6 if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 per pair | $817.44 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| 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 | 5.91 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.85 | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8331A: $4,500 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
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 5.91 standalone and 7.85 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.85 |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD6: $817.44 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system.
Cons: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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