I’ve owned Genelec 8000 series speakers for the past 10 years, and the fact that the company hasn’t felt the need to update this speaker line in over 20 years shows just how well they’ve nailed the design. I previously owned the 8030B model, and upgrading to the newer 8330A (part of the SAM series) brought even more improvements that perfectly suit my needs.
While much of the speaker remains unchanged, power and precision have been noticeably enhanced—especially when using the GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) calibration. I highly recommend pairing these monitors with either the 8-inch or 10-inch Genelec SAM subwoofer to achieve extended low-frequency response, which is crucial for certain genres. I produce electronic dance music, but these speakers truly excel across all musical styles.
This latest model features a revised amplifier unit, slightly higher maximum SPL, more consistent frequency response, and digital inputs. One major advantage of using the digital input is that it bypasses the need for analog-to-digital conversion when using traditional balanced analog signals. This eliminates the need to invest in an expensive external DAC, as the internal DAC is already top-tier. Feeding a digital signal is especially beneficial if you plan to use GLM calibration, since the DSP must operate in the digital domain by design.
Beyond sound quality, the mounting options are excellent—thanks to the integrated tripod thread, Iso-Pod stands, and Genelec’s official accessories. These are built like tanks; my previous pair lasted over a decade with zero aesthetic or functional degradation. They’re essentially frozen in time.
Buy these, and you’ll likely never need to think about replacing your studio monitors again.
