Short answer: the Genelec 8361A for better sound quality, the Genelec 8050B for the lower price. The Genelec 8361A ranks #6 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $10,900. The Genelec 8050B ranks #27, rated 4.4/5, at $3,800, $7,100 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8361A does well: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. Watch for: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models.
Why pick the Genelec 8050B: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The catch: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers.
One note: the Genelec 8050B is no longer sold new, but at #27 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the Genelec 8361A when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Genelec 8050B when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8361A | Genelec 8050B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10900 per pair | $3800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 22.5”H x 14”W x 13.6”D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| App | Yes (GLM) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker | 270w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.76 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
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 Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro
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
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH420
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8351B
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 150
- Genelec 8361A vs Dutch & Dutch 8C
- Genelec 8361A vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Genelec 8361A vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- See all 28 comparisons
Genelec 8050B: $3800 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the Genelec 8350A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration. Discontinued.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons