Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $5,750. The KEF LS50 Wireless II ranks #19, rated 4.3/5, at $2,999.99, $2,750.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Genelec 8331A is the more accurate choice. Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 5.43 for the KEF LS50 Wireless II. The tradeoff: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
What the KEF LS50 Wireless II does well: An all in one wireless stereo system with accurate, consistent sound, HDMI eARC and built in streaming. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Genelec 8331A lacks. The catch: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,750.01 you would save on the KEF LS50 Wireless II does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing.
An all in one wireless stereo system with accurate, consistent sound, HDMI eARC and built in streaming.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | KEF LS50 Wireless II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,750 per pair | $2,999.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 | 5.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 | 7.51 |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| App | - | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| EQ | - | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA subwoofer |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options: