Short answer: the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters most, the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if price matters most. The Genelec 8351B ranks #4 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #18 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 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the HEDD Type 20 MK2 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8351B | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9150 | $4800 |
| Ranked | #4 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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) |
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 Neumann KH 310 A
- 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.
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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
HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 6.92 with an ideal subwoofer. A 2.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids, while ported operation reduces deep-bass strain compared with the sealed setting in the review.
Cons: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting. Horizontal asymmetry and vertical crossover behavior make orientation and listening position important. Distortion rises at higher output, and linear-phase processing can add latency for live monitoring.
Full HEDD Type 20 MK2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons