Short answer: the Genelec 8361A has been measured and ranked; the Genelec 8381A has not been measured in a way we can rank yet, so until it is, this comes down to features and price.
What the Genelec 8381A offers: Genelec’s flagship main monitor: each speaker combines three 15” woofers, four 5” midrange drivers and a coaxial 5” midrange with 1” tweeter, specified at ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 35kHz, so it reaches the bottom of the audible range with no subwoofer.
On the Genelec 8361A side: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability.
Price: the Genelec 8381A lists at $64,000 and the Genelec 8361A at $10,900.
Buy the Genelec 8361A if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked.
Buy the Genelec 8381A if you prefer its design or features, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8381A | Genelec 8361A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64,000 per pair | $10900 per pair |
| Ranked | - | #6 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 57.4”H x 19.7”W x 27.3”D (1458 x 500 x 694 mm) | 22.5”H x 14”W x 13.6”D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Weight | 357.1 lbs (162 kg) each | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3x 15” (380mm) woofers, 4x 5” (125mm) midrange, 5” (125mm) coaxial midrange with 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 5426W Class D (external 3U rack amplifiers) | 1000w Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 35kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 126dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (via GLM software) |
| App | Yes (GLM) | Yes (GLM) |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | XLR |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.08 |
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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 8381A: $64,000 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Genelec’s flagship main monitor: each speaker combines three 15” woofers, four 5” midrange drivers and a coaxial 5” midrange with 1” tweeter, specified at ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 35kHz, so it reaches the bottom of the audible range with no subwoofer. It is specified at 126dB short-term output from 5,426W of Class D amplification. GLM room calibration, analog XLR and AES/EBU digital inputs are included.
Cons: Only listening reviews have been published, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Each speaker is 1.46m tall and weighs 162kg, and the amplifiers live in a separate 3U rack, so it only suits a large dedicated room.
Full Genelec 8381A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 5426W Class D (external 3U rack amplifiers) |
| App | Yes (GLM) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 57.4”H x 19.7”W x 27.3”D (1458 x 500 x 694 mm) |
| Drivers | 3x 15” (380mm) woofers, 4x 5” (125mm) midrange, 5” (125mm) coaxial midrange with 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 35kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 126dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 357.1 lbs (162 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
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