Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $5,750 and is still sold new; the NHT Pro M-00 ranks #98 (rated 1.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the NHT Pro M-00: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. The catch: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening.
The Genelec 8331A is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. Its bass reaches about 49Hz before falling 3dB, against 83.3Hz for the NHT Pro M-00. Watch for: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. It is rated higher for sound quality; the NHT Pro M-00 is no longer sold new.
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Specifications Side By Side
| NHT Pro M-00 | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each), Discontinued | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #98 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS | XLR, AES/EBU |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.51 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Genelec 8331A:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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
NHT Pro M-00: $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each) Discontinued eBay
Pros: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. Measured bass extension of 83.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening. Discontinued.
Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Drivers | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons