Genelec 8331A Review: Rated 4.8/5

Last updated: October 21, 2026

The Genelec 8331A is rated 4.8/5 for sound quality, #1 of 108 Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers. See all Powered Home rankings for every top pick.

Genelec 8331A · Editor's rating 4.8/5, ranked #1 of 108 Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Check price at B&H Photo Video ($5,750 per pair) →

Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 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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Brand: Genelec

#1 Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video $2,875.00 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). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Pros: Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing. A coaxial three-way studio monitor with reference-grade measurements and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. Erin’s Klippel measurements show a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity. 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.

Is the Genelec 8331A right for you?

Buy it if

  • you want measurably neutral sound (preference score 8.5 with a subwoofer).

Skip it if

  • you want to stream from a phone without an adapter: it has no Bluetooth.
Featured on:
ReleasedJul 2020 (6 years ago)
AES InputYes
Amplifier Power72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm)
DriversDual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter
Frequency Response45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR, AES/EBU
Maximum SPL100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputNo
Spinorama Preference Score6.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub8.51
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each
XLR InputYes
Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($2,875.00) →Search eBay for Genelec 8331A →

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