Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII. It ranks #24 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $498; the Genelec 8341A ranks #36 and costs $6590, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL 308P MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Watch for: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
On the Genelec 8341A side: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Set against that: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8341A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Genelec 8341A. It ranks near the bottom of the 40 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Genelec 8341A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | $6590 |
| Ranked | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) | not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 112W total | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
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- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8341A
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
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Genelec 8341A: $6590 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections.
Cons: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.
Full Genelec 8341A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons