Does the Genelec S360A really sound better than the Genelec 8361A?

[RobL]

If you don't mind taking a trip to the Boston area and visiting Genelec. Usually they can arrange for a demo of the models one is interested in. We've had many customers visit them and some even brought their own speakers to compare. They've been very accommodating.

I might do that, my son flies there regularly so I get a pretty good rate, lol. Do they need a lot of notice?

 

[Ellebob]

I would definitely call them first. A week would probably be good but I know they've done it on shorter notice. That way they make sure they have the models you are considering in their listening room, if they have them in stock. They usually do.

 

[bungle]

I wonder why doesn't someone from Genelec just comments in this thread and can describe the difference in sound between the models

I am pretty sure Genelec would not comment anything like that. They would probably just say that they have measurements published on their website and they all sound neutral. Genelec usually has quite specific "tool" like philosophy on their professional lineup (fully treated rooms, mounted mains, purpose built for single use or specific range of uses, which a home living room is not usually one of them or at least not the main one). After all, you need to trust yourself. And I think many of us, home listeners, don't (trust ourselves, or are not even good listeners). Thus we are looking for some other to tell us how does it sound. E.g. if some respected reviewer says that he/she cannot stand the mids of the Ones. Then people will just parrot it out (many never even hearing them, yet not knowing any facts behind original comment), usually pointing that you really need the Mains or some other brand. Which honestly, may or may not be what _you_ need/want. Secondly we want someone else also to measure these objectively (because we cannot tell them apart ourselves), so that we can rank them roughly to "good", "ok" and "bad". This may again go wrong somewhat, though not as bad as subjective claims. Like coffee, it is 90+% of water. With speakers it is the room (and its geometry and treatment), placement, listening position that makes that 90+% (professionals use "tools" so that they can rely on them, home you can use your time to experiment -> no need to make money, it is a hobby -> if you want quick answers, just pick one that is objectively good, looks nice to you, fits your interior, makes you happy just seeing it, and is on your budget, and don't worry about it, if you do start to worry about it, you are moving to hobby territory, so prepare to spend a lot of time on it). And last but not least, listen and learn.