Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8040B

Short answer: the Genelec 8351B on measured sound quality, the Genelec 8040B on price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #4 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $9,150. The Genelec 8040B ranks #33, rated 4.3/5, at $2,790, $6,360 cheaper.

Why pick the Genelec 8351B: The vertical ASR measurement scores 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer and reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB. The catch: Bass distortion increases at higher playback levels, so a subwoofer remains useful for demanding material.

The case for the Genelec 8040B: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The tradeoff: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs.

One note: the Genelec 8040B is no longer sold new, but at #33 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.

Buy the Genelec 8351B when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Genelec 8040B when the price outweighs sound quality instead.

Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

How Genelec 8351B compares with other leading options:

• Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
• Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
• Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150
• Genelec 8351B vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro
• Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A

Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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 8351B: $9150 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: The vertical ASR measurement scores 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer and reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB. Coaxial midrange and treble help maintain consistent sound as the listening angle changes. Low measured distortion at ordinary listening levels and GLM calibration make it a strong precision-monitoring choice. Measured bass extension of 33Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass distortion increases at higher playback levels, so a subwoofer remains useful for demanding material. Upper-treble distortion in the test also cautions against assuming unlimited output. Calibration hardware adds to an already expensive system, and the quoted result is for the measured vertical orientation.

Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	550w Per Speaker
App	Yes (GLM)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	113dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Genelec 8351B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
  • Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150
  • Genelec 8351B vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A
  • Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
  • Genelec 8351B vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
  • Genelec 8351B vs JBL 308P MKII
  • See all 25 comparisons

Genelec 8040B: $2,790 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay

Newer model: the Genelec 8340A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.

Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.

Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source. It is expensive. Discontinued.

Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	180w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Genelec 8040B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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