Genelec 1031A Measurements & Review

[itisljar]

Welcome to ASR!
Actually @Nuyes measured these…glad to hear you’re enjoying your 1031’s! Great speakers.

Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't want to steal credits, will change that. Getting older brings some unexpected perks, I guess

 

[srrxr71]

No wonder I didn’t like this speaker was using it at the wrong height.

 

[Lalaland]

Thanks for posting these measurements. I have these as my main speakers in my living room. They are EQ'ed close to Harman house curve with EQAPO and integrated with multiple subs. Listening distance is close to 3m.

I managed to barely save them from going in the trash at the university I used to work at. So pretty nice freebees

 

[dagfinn]

Thanks for the great work! Interesting to see how they measure after such long time. Genelec changed woofer models during the years, but keeps details quiet. Goes for 1030a too, which comes in three different woofer flavours. Service is not a problem, even for my 1985 made 1022a! Not cheap, though.

For me, the main issue with these vs new series 8xxx is self noise, there's a slightly louder hiss than newer series. However, I find them more pleasing than the 80x0 series, somehow. IMHO 1030a is really nice for nearfield. 1031a is getting big enough for more distance, and is a bit big to sit in front of mains. As for brightness/fatigue, the dip switches in the rear allows for personal preferences and room adaptions, works well for me.

People think vintage means bad sound, but really, we've had great audio for decades. My 1030a's cost way less than a used R3. Some maintanace costs will come in time, elcaps needs changing and soldering points checked/fixed. Genelec and servicepoints will service them, no problem. I have to add, I use them all with a 7360a sub, crossing at 85Hz, which helps any monitor a lot.

Btw way, anyone ever tried switching to Hypex plate amps on these? I have one 1031a in need of amp service... Sorry Genelec @Ilkka Rissanen, you're too tight about ancient schematics. Publish or perish !