Short answer: the Genelec 8361A. It ranks #6 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $10,900; the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor ranks #35, rated 4.3/5, and costs $15,000, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor does well: A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. The catch: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking.
Why pick the Genelec 8361A: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. Watch for: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models.
Buy the Genelec 8361A. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | Genelec 8361A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15,000 per pair | $10900 per pair |
| Ranked | #35 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 68 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) |
| 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 Frequency | 800Hz active DSP | - |
| Weight | 130.1 lbs (59 kg) each | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.74 | 6.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 | 8.08 |
| Amplifier Power | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required | 1000w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection) | XLR |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm) | 22.5”H x 14”W x 13.6”D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | Yes (GLM) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| EQ | - | Yes (via GLM software) |
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 Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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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
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Genelec 8361A: $10900 per pair 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 8.08 ideal-subwoofer score. Low distortion and restrained compression support its use at greater distances than smaller nearfield monitors. Woofers above and below the coaxial driver give nearly identical vertical response whether you sit or stand. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).
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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1000w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (GLM) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH420
- Genelec 8361A vs Genelec 8351B
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 150
- Genelec 8361A vs Dutch & Dutch 8C
- Genelec 8361A vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Active Pro
- Genelec 8361A vs Buchardt A500
- Genelec 8361A vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Genelec 8361A vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- See all 28 comparisons