Short answer: the Genelec 8361A. It ranks #6 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $10900; the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor ranks #34 and costs $15000, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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.
What the Genelec 8361A offers: Three-way coaxial design: 5” mid-range with an inset 1” metal dome tweeter, flanked symmetrically above and below by two 10” front-loaded woofers, giving nearly identical vertical response whether you’re sitting or standing. Watch for: Approximately $11,000 per pair; Genelec’s GLM room-correction add-on (measurement mic plus software) is another ~$450 and wasn’t used in this review.
Buy the Genelec 8361A. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor and costs less, so the other one has nothing left to offer.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | Genelec 8361A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15,000/pair | $10900 |
| Ranked | #34 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system) | - |
| Drivers | 15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| Crossover | 800Hz active DSP | - |
| Max SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified | 118dB @ 1m |
| Weight | 130 lb each | 70.3 lbs / 31.9 kg each |
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required | - |
| Dimensions | - | 22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| App | - | Yes (GLM) |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| EQ | - | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | - | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 1000w Per Speaker |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8361A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8351B vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH420
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 150
- Dutch & Dutch 8C vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000/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.
Cons: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 5.67 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 →
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 21.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| 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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Genelec 8050B
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Genelec 8361A: $10900 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. ASR measured a 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 33.7Hz -3dB extension and a 7.35 ideal-subwoofer score. Low distortion and restrained compression support its use at greater distances than smaller nearfield monitors.
Cons: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models. Some lower-midrange unevenness remains, and listening angle can affect perceived treble balance. The cabinets are very heavy and expensive; GLM setup and suitable stands need to be budgeted separately.
Full Genelec 8361A review and specifications →
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 118dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 1000w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs / 31.9 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons