Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8040B

Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for better sound quality, the Genelec 8040B for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #6 of 31 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 at $2350, $6800 cheaper.

What the Genelec 8351B offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Watch for: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.

What the Genelec 8040B offers: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. Watch for: Very expensive

Buy the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Genelec 8040B if the price matters more than sound quality.

Specifications Side By Side

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• HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A10
• Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8050B
• HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
• Genelec 8050B vs Genelec 8351B
• Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2

The Two Speakers In Full

Genelec 8351B: $9150 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.”

Cons: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.

Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →

App	Yes (GLM)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm)
Drivers	8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	113dB @ 1m
Output Power	550w Per Speaker
Weight	31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each

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• Links
  • Official Genelec 8351B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Reddit Search for Genelec 8351B Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
  • Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
  • Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8050B
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
  • Genelec 8351B vs JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor
  • Genelec 8351B vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero

Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo

Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.

Cons: Very expensive

Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →

App	No
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)
Drivers	6.5" (165mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	180w Per Speaker
Weight	20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Official Genelec 8040B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Reddit Search for Genelec 8040B Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Genelec 8040B vs Genelec 8050B
  • Genelec 8040B vs APS Klasik 2020
  • Genelec 8040B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
  • Genelec 8040B vs Kali Audio IN-8
  • Genelec 8040B vs Buchardt A10