Genelec 8030C Studio Monitor Review

[Miguelón]

The reason why I wanted the Genelec subwoofers is because they have built in bass management (just like the LSR310S).

However, as mentioned in my post before this one, I am just going to go with the 705P + LSR310S.

Humm, your decision is totally respectable and a good option.

But since @Mort mentioned the 8040 by Genelec, you can also consider this monitors as you’ll save around 400€ and sound phenomenal (not also good FQ but I listened and know many people who have them).

You can save some money for the Minidsp, I never used Dirac Live but I heard excellent references.

Excuse me for bothering, I didn’t think at Genelec 8040, otherwise I would have recommended as the natural contenders to JBL 705P

 

[Miguelón]

It's more of a woofer than a subwoofer

What about Genelec 7350? Is on my budget, goes low enough to me and 104 dB SPL.

Thinking on future GLM monitors can be a good choice…

 

[Mort]

It's probably fine! I listen to bass heavy at 85-90 so I need more.

But I do really like 73X0 Genelec subs for sound. The cabinets are so solid there are zero resonances. When combined with GLM the phase calibration and timing are the best I have heard.

They are huge, ugly and expensive.

 

[Miguelón]

They are huge, ugly and expensive.

I agree with the first two adjectives but I really love the aspect: is like if an industrial radiator had a baby with a speaker

 

[Kain]

So, quick question:

If I decide on 2 x Genelec 8340A + 1 x 7360A instead, what can I use with my computer (which is a MacBook Pro 14") for USB to AES conversion so I have a full digital connection to the Genelecs?

 

[Mort]

Topping D10s is the easiest. $100 for a high sinad USB to Coax/Toslink DAC.

 

[Kain]

Topping D10s is the easiest. $100 for a high sinad USB to Coax/Toslink DAC.

Can I also use the Genelec 9320A controller? Is this possible: MacBook Pro 14" USB out to 9320A USB in. Then AES digital out on the 9320A to the Genelec speakers? Basically, can the 9320A work as a USB to AES converter?

 

[Miguelón]

Can I also use the Genelec 9320A controller? Is this possible: MacBook Pro 14" USB out to 9320A USB in. Then AES digital out on the 9320A to the Genelec speakers? Basically, can the 9320A work as a USB to AES converter?

Of course! It’s made for that

A little bit expensive but if you can afford it is like GLM kit, monitor controller and DAC -amp (you can connect headphones).

 

[Kain]

Looking at the following chart provided by Genelec, it seems the 8340A might not be suitable for a 2.5 feet listening distance as this distance is in or very close to the "not recommended" red zone.

 

[TheKoC]

Looking at the following chart provided by Genelec, it seems the 8340A might not be suitable for a 2.5 feet listening distance as this distance is in or very close to the "not recommended" red zone.

View attachment 453809

I have recently test-listened to the 8330A's at about 1 meter distance, and would definitely not need bigger speakers at this distance or below

 

[pehu63]

I have recently test-listened to the 8330A's at about 1 meter distance, and would definitely not need bigger speakers at this distance or below

I have the Genelec 8030 in a 35 square meter living room, 400 sq ft. Will do 85--90db, depending on the music. And that is too loud to listen for longer periods, for me at least. Headroom mostly gone. With some deep bass in, these 8030's cannot sustain these levels in my living room. Would need 8x40 for that. For now, I just dial down the SPL a bit, still quite loud. But yes, 8040 or 8340 would have been a better choice, and still in a very small package.

 

[TheKoC]

I have the Genelec 8030 in a 35 square meter living room, 400 sq ft. Will do 85--90db, depending on the music. And that is too loud to listen for longer periods, for me at least. Headroom mostly gone. With some deep bass in, these 8030's cannot sustain these levels in my living room. Would need 8x40 for that. For now, I just dial down the SPL a bit, still quite loud. But yes, 8040 or 8340 would have been a better choice, and still in a very small package

Sure, but that's a rather large room, and I presume your listening distance is more than 1 meter?

 

[pehu63]

Sure, but that's a rather large room, and I presume your listening distance is more than 1 meter?

Between three and seven meters. Would be quite strange to sit at one meter, in a living room that is more than 8 by 4 meter. SPL is not really that different across the room. Some time ago, I had the Adam T10s sub connected. Much more power and deeper bass. But not a substantial difference in pleasure across my music preference. My neighbours did complain, contact sound. So I tossed the downfiring t10s out. Big problem with the Adam T10s is the auto power off. It does that way too quick. I would advise against living room usage, it is not compatible with low SPL levels. In line with this, Adam is deaf to this complaint ;-) Surely, the high and low pass filters are in, footswitch. Great system, cinch/XLR in, cinch/XLR out for the 8030, great sound. Just crappy power off.

If any, I would buy the Kali WS-6.2, horizontally opposed woofers. This one does not have auto power off at all, so that will cost about 25 euro each year on electricity. In the entire life cycle, about the same as the purchase cost. Nice small package btw. Kali support replied quickly on my questions, it takes 12 watt idle, no power off. Hehe, and one sub is no sub, you need two, according to the REW simulations ;-)

In my living room, I have background radio on for some 20--60 hours per week, mostly at real low SPL. The 8030 is one of my best purchases ever, so much joy. For the sound, the build quality, small package, it is a bargain, a steal.

 

[Miguelón]

Looking at the following chart provided by Genelec, it seems the 8340A might not be suitable for a 2.5 feet listening distance as this distance is in or very close to the "not recommended" red zone.

View attachment 453809

I think that because you’re listening louder than average you won’t find any problem with 8340

You will struggle to find a monitor made to be listened at 2.5 feet and with your loudness requirements, don’t bother about Genelec chart in your specific case

EDITED: excuse me, I should write “worry” instead of “bother”

 

[jdg78]

For the sound, the build quality, small package, it is a bargain, a steal.

Agreed. All things considered, for small/medium size rooms at reasonable listening volumes (ie. not ear-bleedingly loud), the 8030C/G-Three's are probably one of the most cost effective routes to excellent sound. They are extremely well built, don't require eternal amplification and are small enough to integrate easily within most rooms.

While not end game, they are probably "good enough" for most people, and the point at which one would have to start spending considerably more money to get appreciably better results.

If any, I would buy the Kali WS-6.2, horizontally opposed woofers.

I have a Kali WS 6.2 and it pairs very nicely with the Genelecs. Helps open things up considerably, and produces very clean bass with no cabinet rattle. I live in an apartment and have had zero complaints from the neighbors.

 

[Kyle_PL]

I think that because you’re listening louder than average you won’t find any problem with 8340

There will be some problem at very close distance (2.5 feet) from 8340, no matter how loud You will listen.

You will struggle to find a monitor made to be listened at 2.5 feet

There is no problem with Genelec 8341 at very close distances.

 

[Behrelec 37]

I have 8340a sam speakers in my bedroom, and they sound great even when listened to from a distance. But rock music would require a subwoofer.It is definitely worth placing them near a concrete wall, so you get more power and bass in the sound.

 

[Breeze98]

It is definitely worth placing them near a concrete wall, so you get more power and bass in the sound.

Agreed. There was a significant improvement after moving 8330a's from quite close to the wall (around 15cms) to just 5cms. The wall in question is only thin partition type but it still improves regardless.

 

[Miguelón]

There will be some problem at very close distance (2.5 feet) from 8340, no matter how loud You will listen.



There is no problem with Genelec 8341 at very close distances.

Yes, I took into account tweeter-woofer separation but is just in the limit.

I know @Kain is most worried by the SPL and had JBL 7 inch monitors, so he was ok about woofer-tweeter distance.

8341 will be ideal for him but tremendous budget… nevertheless is a good recommendation

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Does anyone else miss the index to all items?.
Very useful for comparing and just plain fun to boot.