Short answer: the Genelec 8361A for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS8 for the lower price. The Genelec 8361A ranks #6 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $11,700. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #36, rated 4.4/5, at $797.98, $10,902.02 cheaper.
The case for the Yamaha HS8: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.58 ideal-subwoofer score. The catch: Its response and off-axis behavior are not as refined as the leading monitors.
The Genelec 8361A is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.76 against 5.85 for the Yamaha HS8. Its bass reaches about 34Hz before falling 3dB, against 43.9Hz for the Yamaha HS8. Watch for: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models.
Buy the Yamaha HS8 if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Genelec 8361A if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS8 | Genelec 8361A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $797.98 per pair | $11,700 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 9.8”W x 13.1”D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) | 22.5”H x 14”W x 13.6”D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) | 70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” dome tweeter | Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (GLM) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via GLM software) |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker | 1000w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.85 | 6.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.58 | 8.08 |
| XLR Input | Yes | 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 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Genelec 8361A:
- 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 October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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
Yamaha HS8: $797.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS5 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.58 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB bass extension of 43.9Hz gives useful weight for music, with straightforward analog connections and room-adjustment controls. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its response and off-axis behavior are not as refined as the leading monitors. Vertical positioning around the crossover matters, and a subwoofer remains useful for deep bass. Basic rear-panel controls do not replace measured room correction.
Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 9.8”W x 13.1”D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.85 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.58 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review: Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor Review More from Audio Science Review →
- Sercan Solmaz: Adam Audio T8V vs Yamaha HS8 vs KRK Rokit 8 (STUDIO SPEAKER SOUND TEST)
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A7X vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS7 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs PreSonus Eris E8 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 8 G4 RP8G4 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8361A: $11,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8331A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8341A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
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