Short answer: the Genelec 8361A. It ranks #6 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5); the Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro ranks #10 (rated 4.7/5).
What the Genelec 8361A does well: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. The tradeoff: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models.
Why pick the Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro: The manufacturer dataset reports a remarkably even 0.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 34.6Hz -3dB extension and an 8.90 ideal-subwoofer preference score. The catch: External amplification and system setup make this less straightforward than a self-contained desktop pair.
Buy the Genelec 8361A. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8361A | Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10900 per pair | $5,930 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #10 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 22.5”H x 14”W x 13.6”D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) | 9.4”W x 15.7”H x 9.8”D (240 x 400 x 250 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | Analogue XLR, AES/EBU XLR, USB Type B |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter | 26mm aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5” long-stroke bass-midrange, 8” passive radiator |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each | 19.8 lbs (9 kg) each |
| App | Yes (GLM) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | FourAudio System Software (Windows/macOS) |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | - |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 31-23,500Hz (-6dB) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker | 4x 245W (external amplifier module, Speakon connection) |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.76 | 7.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 | 8.90 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, passive-radiator loaded, MDF |
| Country | - | Finland |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8361A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH420
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 150
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
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 8361A: $10900 per pair 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 8.08 ideal-subwoofer score. Low distortion and restrained compression support its use at greater distances than smaller nearfield monitors. Woofers above and below the coaxial driver give nearly identical vertical response whether you sit or stand. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).
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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (GLM) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro: $5,930 per pair Aalto Speakers eBay
Pros: The manufacturer dataset reports a remarkably even 0.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 34.6Hz -3dB extension and an 8.90 ideal-subwoofer preference score. If representative of the delivered system, this promises exceptionally neutral balance with useful bass reach.
Cons: External amplification and system setup make this less straightforward than a self-contained desktop pair.
Full Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 4x 245W (external amplifier module, Speakon connection) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| DSP | FourAudio System Software (Windows/macOS) |
| Dimensions | 9.4”W x 15.7”H x 9.8”D (240 x 400 x 250 mm) |
| Drivers | 26mm aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5” long-stroke bass-midrange, 8” passive radiator |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, passive-radiator loaded, MDF |
| Frequency Response | 31-23,500Hz (-6dB) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Analogue XLR, AES/EBU XLR, USB Type B |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.90 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons