Short answer: the Genelec S360 for better sound quality, the Focal Twin6 Be for the lower price. The Genelec S360 ranks #28 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $4775. The Focal Twin6 Be ranks #42 at $2200, $2575 cheaper.
What the Genelec S360 offers: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Watch for: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff.
What the Focal Twin6 Be gets right: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. The catch: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low.
Buy the Genelec S360 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Focal Twin6 Be if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Focal Twin6 Be. It ranks near the bottom of the 48 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec S360 | Focal Twin6 Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,775 each | $2,200 each |
| Ranked | #28 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Dimensions | 20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in) | - |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each | - |
| Power Output (Watts) | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) | - |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Max SPL | Peak 128dB | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Bass Extension | - | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
| Amplification | - | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
| Inputs | - | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL 306P MKII vs Genelec 8341A
- Adam Audio T8V vs Genelec 8341A
- JBL 308P MKII vs Genelec 8341A
- JBL 4305P vs Genelec S360
- JBL 4329P vs Focal Twin6 Be
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec S360: $4,775 each Bhphotovideo
Pros: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Listening window smoothness measures a solid 0.52 and the measured extension point reaches 39.6Hz, unusually deep for a monitor this size.
Cons: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff. On axis deviation measures a moderate 0.478dB average. At roughly $9,550/pair and 30kg (66 lbs) each it is one of the largest and most expensive entries in this catalog, intended for professional control rooms rather than home listening, and the model has since been updated to the S360A, so pricing and minor spec details should be confirmed with a dealer before buying.
Full Genelec S360 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | Peak 128dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Twin6 Be: $2,200 each Amazon
Pros: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Erin measured excellent harmonic distortion at both 86 and 96dB, essentially quarter-decibel dynamic compression and clean subjective output around 95dB. Mirror-configurable driver orientation, front ports, shelving/notch controls and switchable +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity support professional installation.
Cons: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low. The amplifier plate becomes notably warm after extended operation. Hiss is more audible in -10dBV mode, and safe output can be deceptive because the speaker gives little audible warning before excessive exposure. The active design has no passive impedance or sensitivity figure; low-bass extension should be augmented for full-range mastering.
Full Focal Twin6 Be review and specifications →
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons