Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for the higher ranking, the HEDD Type 20 MK2 for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #4 of 20 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #5 at $4800, $4350 cheaper.
The case for the Genelec 8351B: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. The catch: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.
What the HEDD Type 20 MK2 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice flat on-axis response with a very smooth directivity index. The catch: Horizontal beamwidth is asymmetric (+60/-80 degrees depending on reference point) and narrows above 10kHz.
Buy the Genelec 8351B if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8351B | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9150 | $4800 |
| Ranked | #4 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz | 26Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz | 32Hz |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each | 34 lbs / 15.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter | 7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| App | Yes (GLM) | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker | 900W (3x300W) |
| Outputs | - | XLR (AES pass-through) |
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.
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz |
| 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice flat on-axis response with a very smooth directivity index, plus an intentional boost at 40-50Hz for extra bass warmth. Predicted in-room response is nice and smooth. Early reflections integrate very cleanly with the direct sound, rated “very nice” by the reviewer. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is very good, staying well below the reviewer’s audibility threshold across the range. Its open-port configuration measures notably lower bass distortion than the same speaker run in closed-port mode.
Cons: Horizontal beamwidth is asymmetric (+60/-80 degrees depending on reference point) and narrows above 10kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay at or below the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. At 96dB SPL/1m, distortion rises broadly across the spectrum, exceeding the reviewer’s audibility threshold over a wide frequency range - a notably worse result than at 86dB. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows resonances lingering in the 500Hz-2kHz region. Switching to closed-port mode increases bass distortion further, so the open-port configuration is preferable.
| App | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Max SPL | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) |
| Output Power | 900W (3x300W) |
| Outputs | XLR (AES pass-through) |
| Weight | 34 lbs / 15.4 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.