Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. It ranks #1 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the Genelec 8040B ranks #9.
What the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor offers: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. Watch for: The required bi-amplification/DSP ecosystem is expensive and complex; Erin’s Crown I-Tech 5000HD had fans loud enough that he moved it to another room for measurements.
On the Genelec 8040B side: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. Set against that: Very expensive.
Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Genelec 8040B if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | Genelec 8040B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Contact dealer | $2350 |
| Ranked | #1 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system) | - |
| Drivers | 15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| Crossover | 800Hz active DSP | - |
| Max SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified | - |
| Weight | 130 lb each | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required | - |
| Dimensions | - | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 180w Per Speaker |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- APS Klasik 2020 vs Genelec 8050B
- Genelec 8050B vs Kali Audio IN-8
- Genelec 8050B vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- Genelec 8040B vs JBL 4305P
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs JBL 4305P
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: Contact dealer JBL Professional Dealer Locator
Pros: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. Erin measured F3 at 34Hz, less than 1% THD at 86 and 96dB, and only about 0.25dB compression by 102dB. Radiation stays broadly constant to roughly +/-60 degrees through 8-9kHz, producing excellent direct/reflected-sound agreement and enormous clean dynamic range. External DSP amplification permits precise factory crossover, phase and response correction.
Cons: The required bi-amplification/DSP ecosystem is expensive and complex; Erin’s Crown I-Tech 5000HD had fans loud enough that he moved it to another room for measurements. Midrange resonances remain visible despite the otherwise neutral response, and treble dispersion narrows above roughly 9kHz before beaming above 12kHz. Each 130-pound enclosure is physically imposing. This is an amplified system, so passive impedance and sensitivity figures are not applicable to the complete configured product.
Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover | 800Hz active DSP |
| Drivers | 15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide |
| Max SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system) |
| Weight | 130 lb each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kii THREE
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Dutch & Dutch 8C
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH420
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8361A
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8351B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8050B
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Kali Audio IN-8
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Neumann KH 310 A
- See all 11 comparisons
Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons