Short answer: the Genelec 8331A if sound quality matters most, the Edifier MR5 if price matters most. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 76 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $5,750. The Edifier MR5 ranks #59, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99, $5,400.01 cheaper.
The Genelec 8331A is the better-sounding choice. 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 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The catch: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
What the Edifier MR5 does well: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8331A lacks. The tradeoff: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8331A when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Edifier MR5 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | Edifier MR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5750 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 51Hz (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) | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 | - |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | 3.5mm headphone |
| App | - | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | LDAC, SBC |
| EQ | - | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Sensitivity | - | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Measurement Source | - | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Headphone 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 October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8331A: $5750 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 6.57 standalone and 8.51 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 →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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 |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier MR5: $349.99 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The three-way active design adds a dedicated 3.75-inch midrange, and the 110W RMS system, app EQ, room-compensation controls, LDAC, balanced XLR/TRS inputs, and front headphone output make it unusually well equipped at $350 per pair. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz. Bass output is level-limited below about 70Hz and distortion/compression rise at higher levels, so it suits moderate nearfield use better than loud mid-field playback.
Full Edifier MR5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons