Short answer: the Genelec 8361A for better sound quality, the JBL 308P MKII for the lower price. The Genelec 8361A ranks #6 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $11,700. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #34, rated 4.4/5, at $298, $11,402 cheaper.
The Genelec 8361A is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.76 against 5.88 for the JBL 308P MKII. Its bass reaches about 34Hz before falling 3dB, against 42.5Hz for the JBL 308P MKII. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL 308P MKII lacks. The tradeoff: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models.
Why pick the JBL 308P MKII: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. The catch: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use.
Buy the Genelec 8361A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8361A | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11,700 per pair | $298 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 22.5”H x 14”W x 13.6”D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| App | Yes (GLM) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | No |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker | 112W total |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.76 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 | 7.69 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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
More top alternatives to Genelec 8361A:
- 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 October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8361A: $11,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8331A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8341A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
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
JBL 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the JBL LSR308 (ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5).
Same family: the JBL 305P MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL 306P MKII (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs. A resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons