Short answer: the Genelec 8351B. It ranks #4 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $9150; the Genelec 8361A ranks #6 and costs $10900, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Genelec 8351B gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. The tradeoff: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.
On the Genelec 8361A side: Three-way coaxial design: 5” mid-range with an inset 1” metal dome tweeter. The catch: Approximately $11,000 per pair.
Buy the Genelec 8351B. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8361A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8351B | Genelec 8361A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9150 | $10900 |
| Ranked | #4 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each | 70.3 lbs / 31.9 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| App | Yes (GLM) | Yes (GLM) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m | 118dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker | 1000w Per Speaker |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Genelec 8351B:
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH420
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 150
- Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Genelec 8351B vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- Genelec 8351B vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 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.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8351B: $9150 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.
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 →
| 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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8361A: $10900 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. ASR measured a 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 33.7Hz -3dB extension and a 7.35 ideal-subwoofer score. Low distortion and restrained compression support its use at greater distances than smaller nearfield monitors.
Cons: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models. Some lower-midrange unevenness remains, and listening angle can affect perceived treble balance. The cabinets are very heavy and expensive; GLM setup and suitable stands need to be budgeted separately.
Full Genelec 8361A review and specifications →
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 118dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 1000w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs / 31.9 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons