Short answer: the JBL 4329P. It ranks #20 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $4500; the Genelec S360 ranks #28 and costs $4775, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the JBL 4329P side: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. The catch: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.
The case for the Genelec S360: 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. The tradeoff: 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.
Buy the JBL 4329P. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec S360 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4329P | Genelec S360 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 | $4,775 each |
| Ranked | #20 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D | 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 | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Max SPL | - | Peak 128dB |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A10
- Buchardt A500 vs Buchardt A10
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 708P
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Genelec S360
- Neumann KH 310 A vs JBL 4329P
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 4329P: $4,500 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.
Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.
Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D |
| Drivers | 8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2 |
| Sensitivity | 102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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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.
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons