Short answer: the Genelec 8331A for better sound quality, the JBL 305P MKII for the lower price. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $4500. The JBL 305P MKII ranks #9 at $319, $4181 cheaper.
The case for the Genelec 8331A: A true compact point source: the coaxial mid/tweeter and acoustically concealed opposed woofers produce exceptionally uniform directivity, superb nearfield summation and pinpoint imaging. The tradeoff: At $4,500/pair it is expensive for a monitor whose protection circuit mutes near its limit rather than allowing short-term overload; larger rooms and bass-heavy playback still benefit from a subwoofer.
On the JBL 305P MKII side: A fantastic value in studio monitors. Set against that: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels.
Buy the Genelec 8331A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 305P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | JBL 305P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500/pair | $319.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum Output | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplification | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | - |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 12"H x 7.4"W x 8.3"D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs / 6.7kg each | 10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each |
| Frequency Response | - | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | XLR, TRS |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | - | 81w Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8331A: $4,500/pair Amazon Genelec
Pros: A true compact point source: the coaxial mid/tweeter and acoustically concealed opposed woofers produce exceptionally uniform directivity, superb nearfield summation and pinpoint imaging. Erin measured F3 at 49Hz and F10 at 39Hz, heard useful 40Hz in-room extension, and reached 100dB at 3m before protection activated. Response is highly neutral, distortion is low, and GLM provides calibrated level, delay and room-response correction. The die-cast aluminum waveguide/enclosure is both structurally inert and nearly diffraction-free.
Cons: At $4,500/pair it is expensive for a monitor whose protection circuit mutes near its limit rather than allowing short-term overload; larger rooms and bass-heavy playback still benefit from a subwoofer. GLM calibration requires separate network hardware, and connectivity is studio-centric—analog/AES XLR with no consumer streaming. The compact dual racetrack woofers cannot match larger Genelec Ones for deep-bass headroom, and passive sensitivity is not applicable because all filtering and amplification are internal.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| Amplification | 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 Output | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs / 6.7kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL 305P MKII: $319.00 Amazon
Pros: A fantastic value in studio monitors. Extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable. Surprisingly deep and wide soundstage. Good horizontal dispersion (~70 degrees). Has a proper limiter that controls output cleanly rather than crudely cutting bass, and holds up well under sustained loud playback with minimal thermal compression.
Cons: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels. Rear ported, can be an issue close to walls. A port resonance around 1.6kHz is audible and distracting on some tracks. Midrange is somewhat scooped rather than flat for a studio monitor, and treble runs about 1.5dB hot - Erin’s Audio Corner recommends using the -2dB treble shelf switch. Vertical dispersion narrows around the crossover, so try to stay within about 10 degrees of the tweeter axis.
Full JBL 305P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS |
| Output Power | 81w Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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