Genelec 8351B vs JBL 4329P

Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for better sound quality, the JBL 4329P for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #6 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The JBL 4329P ranks #19 at $4500, $4650 cheaper.

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

The case for the JBL 4329P: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement. The tradeoff: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.

Buy the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 4329P if the price matters more than sound quality.

Specifications Side By Side

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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 Genelec 8040B
  • Genelec 8351B vs JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor
  • Genelec 8351B vs Kali Audio IN-8
  • Genelec 8351B vs Neumann KH 310 A
  • See all 13 comparisons

JBL 4329P: $4,500 Amazon

Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.

Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.

Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D
Drivers	8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn
Frequency Response	30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified)
Inputs	USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2
Sensitivity	102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary)
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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

• Links
  • Official JBL 4329P Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: JBL 4329P Will Rock Your Socks Off!
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: JBL 4329P
  • Reddit Search for JBL 4329P Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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