JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8050B

Short answer: the Genelec 8050B for a cleaner measured response, the JBL M2 for its flagship build. The 8050B shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity, though a dip around 2kHz appears in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. The M2’s 15-inch woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide give it flagship scale, at the cost of an expensive, complex bi-amplification and DSP setup.

On the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor side: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. Set against that: 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.

Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor, since the Genelec 8050B is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.

Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000 per pair JBL Professional Dealer Locator eBay

Pros: A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. Measured -3dB extension is 33.7Hz. The large woofer and waveguide are particularly useful for greater listening distances. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking. It requires the correct external amplification and DSP rather than a simple built-in amplifier. The very large cabinet, installation cost and possible amplifier fan noise make it impractical for most desks.

Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Crossover Frequency	800Hz active DSP
Dimensions	49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm)
Drivers	15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide
Frequency Response	20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection)
Maximum SPL	123dB manufacturer specified
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.58
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	130.1 lbs (59 kg) each
XLR Input	No

• Links
  • Official JBL M2 Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: JBL M2 Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: JBL M2
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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Genelec 8050B: $3800 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay

Newer model: the Genelec 8350A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.

Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration. Discontinued.

Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	270w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Genelec 8050B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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