Genelec 8030C Studio Monitor Review

[Miguelón]

And they block ways for gringos to purchase Genelec on internation websites, amigo

US humanoids cannot purchase Genelec on Thomman for example

That seems to go in both senses.

For example, a pair of Revel Concerta2 M16 are at $900 in Crutchfield, but in Europe you will pay close to $1400 for them.

I didn't search very extensively, so maybe can get them for less, but...

 

[RobL]

Didn't know that were as expensive in US.

Here in Spain you can get a 8030C by 478€, that's 558$ each

We can still get the G3 here in Canada for CA$820 (US$600) on Amazon.


8030c’s are CA$819 at my dealer.

 

[ivayvr]

Strange! Just checked and Amazon.ca have only one left at that price.
G3 in white is CAD 936 and 8030 is CAD 949 and that is USD 692 before tax for 8030.

 

[Miguelón]

Strange! Just checked and Amazon.ca have only one left at that price.
G3 in white is CAD 936 and 8030 is CAD 949 and that is USD 692 before tax for 8030.

@RobL bought them massively for resell, lowering the stock: Amazon increased the price

 

[RobL]

@RobL bought them massively for resell, lowering the stock: Amazon increased the price

Haha, yes buy them on amazon.ca and resell on amazon.com

Strange! Just checked and Amazon.ca have only one left at that price.
G3 in white is CAD 936 and 8030 is CAD 949 and that is USD 692 before tax for 8030.

You never pay street price in Canada for pro audio. I can’t post it publicly, but I’ll dm you a pic my discount to show you I’m not making stuff up.

 

[Pancreas]

I eat audiophile food on a daily basis

 

[Pancreas]

Do yall agree with this so called expert post on reddit?

Gees bashing ones and 80xx as useless and not worth getting my g

I feel like a peasant

https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/1m1el8g/genelec_buying_guidereview_for_hobbyists

80xx series

Don't get these. They're fine — especially if you already have an existing analog/XLR system — but they're not as flexible as the G series, and they're not compatible with Smart Active Monitoring/GLM system like the 83xx series below.

83xx series

While the G series were great, I felt like they were missing something so I returned them and kept researching. Come to find out, neither the G series nor the 80xx series are compatible with the Smart Active Monitoring (SAM)/GLM calibration system


that Genelec sells. The 83xx series

is though, and for only a couple hundred bucks more.


I wasn't sure how much of a difference the GLM calibration would make, so I ordered a pair to test... and holy shit. Night and day from the G series. The entire sound spectrum feels so much more balanced, clarity has improved tremendously and the bass response is SO much better. Honestly it's such a stark improvement, that it almost feels like they shouldn't sell the 83xx series without the GLM (you unfortunately have to buy it separately or as a part of a bundle).

I ordered the 8330 with GLM


, and will 100% be keeping these until I can afford the big brother 8331 (The Ones)

.


The only downside I can find for the 83xx series, is also one if it's best features. Unlike the G and 80xx series, the 83xx's have digital XLR AES/EBU inputs. I didn't really know what that was until looking it up, but it's basically the most stable/performant connection type and allows you to stay entirely digital/lossless (I know someone will come after this description lol). The downside is that figuring out how to go from your computer (in my case) to an AES/EBU input is not easy.

If you have a full on home studio with an interface, then you might not need to worry about this — but even then, most prosumer grade interfaces don't have AES/EBU outputs (looking at you UA Apollo's...). The solution I'm using is this Yellowtec PUC2 Lite converter


. Works flawlessly, but it does suck having to spend another €480 to make this system work to its fullest potential. You can use the regular XLR analog input, but since my source is my computer I wanted to keep as pure of a signal chain as possible. I will likely upgrade to this RME interface

later this year, which is what I'd recommend based on my research so far.

 

[Mort]

Do yall agree with this so called expert post on reddit?

It's pretty accurate. It's missing some material I would have included, but I don't see anything completely wrong except the part about the 80xx series. Those are no better or worse than the Home 'G' series.

 

[Pancreas]

so we are peasants then

 

[ChrisG]

I think it was just written by someone who doesn't have the experience to roll their own EQ effectively.

I don't think GLM is doing anything that can't be done with a normal parametric EQ.

 

[dfuller]

I think it was just written by someone who doesn't have the experience to roll their own EQ effectively.

I don't think GLM is doing anything that can't be done with a normal parametric EQ.

It's not, and honestly the auto-eq is often rather a bit overzealous anyway.

 

[Miguelón]

I think it was just written by someone who doesn't have the experience to roll their own EQ effectively.

I don't think GLM is doing anything that can't be done with a normal parametric EQ.

I suppose is very useful in professional audio, quicly correct a room in multi monitor and multi subwoofer new environments.

For home purposes and 2.1, 2.2 systems probably is not better than another correction software.

 

[luke2kk]

Dear community,


I have also gone down the Genelec route — or rather, I’m still in the middle of it — and I’m hoping you can help me make a final decision, which has actually become more difficult as I’ve gathered more information.


First of all, I’m not a professional, but I would describe myself as quite “picky,” meaning I do have certain expectations—especially in this price range—that I’d like to see fulfilled. I’m planning to use the speakers primarily for music listening, and maybe occasionally for some casual DJing as a hobby.


What prompted me to register and post here in the forum was a Reddit post a few lines above, suggesting that the 80XX series should largely be disregarded in favor of the G series, as they are essentially identical nearfield monitors. Since I hadn’t looked into the G series before—and it’s even a few euros cheaper—I now have several questions when comparing it to the 8030C, which I’m currently testing on my desk in a nearfield setup (about 1 meter) with the 7040 Subwoofer:


There are some clear advantages that don’t really need confirmation:

• more connectivity options
• LED can be turned off

Beyond that, the available information is somewhat limited:

1. I’ve repeatedly come across claims that the G series has less hiss — is that actually true? The 8030C is definitely audible to me in that regard, although I’m gradually getting used to the self-noise.
   
   
2. Are the 8030C and G3B really identical speakers? The latter is sometimes described as less neutral and warmer, which would suggest they’re not the same.
   
   
3. Can the G series be used with the 7040 subwoofer (without any drawbacks)? I’m currently testing the 7040, and since I’m listening in a small bedroom/office (3×7 m), it’s more than sufficient for me. The bass reflex port is front-facing rather than downward-firing like on the F-series subs. Am I correct in assuming that in a small room like mine—where the subwoofer is placed near a corner—it might actually be advantageous if the bass is not radiating downward?
   
   
4. In another thread, I read something about the G3B having different gain values. I might not be using the correct terminology here, but there seems to be some kind of difference—could someone explain what that means in practical use?
   
   
5. More generally: which of the two, the 8030C or the G3B, would you choose for my use case, and why?

Thanks in advance—I’d really appreciate any help.

 

[Miguelón]

Dear community,


I have also gone down the Genelec route — or rather, I’m still in the middle of it — and I’m hoping you can help me make a final decision, which has actually become more difficult as I’ve gathered more information.


First of all, I’m not a professional, but I would describe myself as quite “picky,” meaning I do have certain expectations—especially in this price range—that I’d like to see fulfilled. I’m planning to use the speakers primarily for music listening, and maybe occasionally for some casual DJing as a hobby.


What prompted me to register and post here in the forum was a Reddit post a few lines above, suggesting that the 80XX series should largely be disregarded in favor of the G series, as they are essentially identical nearfield monitors. Since I hadn’t looked into the G series before—and it’s even a few euros cheaper—I now have several questions when comparing it to the 8030C, which I’m currently testing on my desk in a nearfield setup (about 1 meter) with the 7040 Subwoofer:


There are some clear advantages that don’t really need confirmation:

• more connectivity options
• LED can be turned off

Beyond that, the available information is somewhat limited:

1. I’ve repeatedly come across claims that the G series has less hiss — is that actually true? The 8030C is definitely audible to me in that regard, although I’m gradually getting used to the self-noise.
   
   
2. Are the 8030C and G3B really identical speakers? The latter is sometimes described as less neutral and warmer, which would suggest they’re not the same.
   
   
3. Can the G series be used with the 7040 subwoofer (without any drawbacks)? I’m currently testing the 7040, and since I’m listening in a small bedroom/office (3×7 m), it’s more than sufficient for me. The bass reflex port is front-facing rather than downward-firing like on the F-series subs. Am I correct in assuming that in a small room like mine—where the subwoofer is placed near a corner—it might actually be advantageous if the bass is not radiating downward?
   
   
4. In another thread, I read something about the G3B having different gain values. I might not be using the correct terminology here, but there seems to be some kind of difference—could someone explain what that means in practical use?
   
   
5. More generally: which of the two, the 8030C or the G3B, would you choose for my use case, and why?

Thanks in advance—I’d really appreciate any help.

I had both to compare, side by side, is the only way to determine if they are idéntical or not.

I'm talking eclusively about G Three B, it exist the G Three A that was a home equivalent of 8030B monitor.

-Sensitivity is 10 dB lower in G Three B, with a switch that can reduce sensitivy 10 dB more. To match both speakers we reduced 8030C to the +4 dB position of the 8030C

-Hiss is lower in the G Three B, in both units of each model I received. But is still present, however only can hear it from less than 1m distance.

-Frequency response was exactly the same in all angles, looking to the graphs are indistinguible. Genelec client service confirmed by telephone that are EXACTLY the same speaker acoustically.

-If you are really a sound maniac, you can detect a little difference in the very near field, which we attributed by the attenuator or other electronic minor difference in the input section (which can justify the nuance of Genelec saying "acoustically the same").

As we could choose, we decided to keep the G Three because it allows to have a hotter signal in the by default setting, and it has double input RCA and XLR balanced.

We have the G Three directly connected to a WiiM Ultra by RCA, or we can connect it to our Kali WS 6.2 by XLR cables.

The 8030C should be matched with the input knob because a slight difference between the SPL between them (by memory around 0.5 dB or so).

We didn't find any difference of SPL between the G Three couple. HOWEVER, the gain knob could be an advantage if it was the case of an SPL difference between units. 8030C has this gain kmob.

Not particular reason can be argued to decide objectively between G Three B and 8030C, except the lower impedance and the extra input.

In Europe you will find that G Three B is more expensive than 8030C in any official Genelec dealer, so this is AGAINST G Three B.

Of course you can match both with a 7040 sub, but personally I don't advice you this subwoofer as is too expensive for its perfoemances.

Kali WS 6.2 is better in linearity and SPL, being lower in price. Or even SVS 1000 Pro is better also.

 

[luke2kk]

I had both to compare, side by side, is the only way to determine if they are idéntical or not.

I'm talking eclusively about G Three B, it exist the G Three A that was a home equivalent of 8030B monitor.

-Sensitivity is 10 dB lower in G Three B, with a switch that can reduce sensitivy 10 dB more. To match both speakers we reduced 8030C to the +4 dB position of the 8030C

-Hiss is lower in the G Three B, in both units of each model I received. But is still present, however only can hear it from less than 1m distance.

-Frequency response was exactly the same in all angles, looking to the graphs are indistinguible. Genelec client service confirmed by telephone that are EXACTLY the same speaker acoustically.

-If you are really a sound maniac, you can detect a little difference in the very near field, which we attributed by the attenuator or other electronic minor difference in the input section (which can justify the nuance of Genelec saying "acoustically the same").

As we could choose, we decided to keep the G Three because it allows to have a hotter signal in the by default setting, and it has double input RCA and XLR balanced.

We have the G Three directly connected to a WiiM Ultra by RCA, or we can connect it to our Kali WS 6.2 by XLR cables.

The 8030C should be matched with the input knob because a slight difference between the SPL between them (by memory around 0.5 dB or so).

We didn't find any difference of SPL between the G Three couple. HOWEVER, the gain knob could be an advantage if it was the case of an SPL difference between units. 8030C has this gain kmob.

Not particular reason can be argued to decide objectively between G Three B and 8030C, except the lower impedance and the extra input.

In Europe you will find that G Three B is more expensive than 8030C in any official Genelec dealer, so this is AGAINST G Three B.

Of course you can match both with a 7040 sub, but personally I don't advice you this subwoofer as is too expensive for its perfoemances.

Kali WS 6.2 is better in linearity and SPL, being lower in price. Or even SVS 1000 Pro is better also.

Thank you for the detailed response. It definitely helps, but I still have a few follow-up questions:

1 What does the lower sensitivity mean in everyday use? I am currently running the 8030C at +6 dB sensitivity because otherwise I find the self-noise too noticeable. Would the G Three, in its default setting (without the -10 dB dip switch), therefore produce more self-noise compared to the +6 dB setting on the 8030C? And if I switch it to -10 dB, that should result in the lowest self-noise, correct? But what does that imply for the sound overall?

2 You mentioned subtle differences in the near field — are we talking about my use case here? I am sitting about 1 meter away from the speakers.

3 I actually found the speakers for €585 per unit, which is even slightly cheaper than the 8030C. So the price disadvantage is no longer relevant in my case.

4 Finally, another question about the subwoofer. Isn’t it generally recommended to stay within the same brand (for crossover integration, etc.)? And the key question: how does a down-firing subwoofer behave compared to a front-firing one like the 7040? I wouldn’t mind going with a more affordable option like the Kali WS 6.2, but I do have some concerns given my small room and corner placement.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mort]

1 What does the lower sensitivity mean in everyday use? I am currently running the 8030C at +6 dB sensitivity because otherwise I find the self-noise too noticeable. Would the G Three, in its default setting (without the -10 dB dip switch), therefore produce more self-noise compared to the +6 dB setting on the 8030C? And if I switch it to -10 dB, that should result in the lowest self-noise, correct? But what does that imply for the sound overall?

The G Three plays at a lower volume by default. Turn it off and it's back to the level of the 8030c. G Three with -10db should have less self noise.

You mentioned subtle differences in the near field — are we talking about my use case here?

Some of us question that result. Genelec says they are acoustically identical. I don't think you will have a difference.

Isn’t it generally recommended to stay within the same brand (for crossover integration, etc.)?

No. You can mix and match unless you are using SAM/GLM.

how does a down-firing subwoofer behave compared to a front-firing one like the 7040?

It doesn't change much but Genelec non-SAM subs are expensive for what you get.

 

[Miguelón]

Thank you for the detailed response. It definitely helps, but I still have a few follow-up questions:

1 What does the lower sensitivity mean in everyday use? I am currently running the 8030C at +6 dB sensitivity because otherwise I find the self-noise too noticeable. Would the G Three, in its default setting (without the -10 dB dip switch), therefore produce more self-noise compared to the +6 dB setting on the 8030C? And if I switch it to -10 dB, that should result in the lowest self-noise, correct? But what does that imply for the sound overall?

2 You mentioned subtle differences in the near field — are we talking about my use case here? I am sitting about 1 meter away from the speakers.

3 I actually found the speakers for €585 per unit, which is even slightly cheaper than the 8030C. So the price disadvantage is no longer relevant in my case.

4 Finally, another question about the subwoofer. Isn’t it generally recommended to stay within the same brand (for crossover integration, etc.)? And the key question: how does a down-firing subwoofer behave compared to a front-firing one like the 7040? I wouldn’t mind going with a more affordable option like the Kali WS 6.2, but I do have some concerns given my small room and corner placement.

Thanks in advance.

@Mort has answered the noise question and the matching one, I will try to answer the sub one.

The Kali WS 6.2 has more SPL than 7040A by far, and it holds it with more authority in the low end (you can see how 7040A falls down quicker due to the lowest power and just one woofer).

The Kali has double 6 inch woofers that can do the job of a good 8 inch subwoofer.

The behavior in a coin will be the same as low frequencies goes all around the sub in spherically pattern.

If you have already 8030C and you’re happy with it, stay there. G Three wont change anything significantly.

PS: “subtle differences” is a subjective impression. Both me and my girlfriend we found a little bit more warm the 8030C and slightly more rude in sound.

These impressions cannot be translated to instruments, as harmonic distortion, impulse response and frequency response have been measured and founded equal.

When we try to make a mixed couple with one 8030C (sensitivity adjusted to +4 dB to match G Three), and one G3, it was bizarre.

We switched L and R positions, we changed the members of the pair, but still sounded different.

What I think is that the attenuator gain knob introduce a little more impedance increasing from lows to highs, my Focusrite volume knob has the same effect, as it was a very smooth high filter.

In the FQ graphs was difficult to see because of the non linearities of the room response.

We made a blind informal test, closing the LED light (green in 8030C and white in G3) to avoid identification, but we both identified easily which was which.

We didn’t found any particular problem or error in this effect. Both monitors were connected by XLR balanced signal.

 

[jdg78]

I have the G Threes, and although I never had a chance to compare them directly to the 8030c myself, my understanding is that the two should be acoustically identical.

Re: the self-noise, there is a very slight amount of hiss, but I only notice it when I get quite close (like within a foot or so). Although I should note that I live in an over 100-year old apartment building in NYC, so there is just an inherent level of ambient noise. If you're in a dead silent studio environment, it might be more noticeable.

Re: the subwoofers, I don't think brand matching matters all that much. Once you get 80Hz and below, any decently performing sub should work, regardless of brand. The Genelec subs are quite expensive for what they offer. You could probably get 2 small subs (such as the Kali WS 6.2) for a similar price as a single Genelec, which would probably result in better overall bass dispersion.

 

[Miguelón]

which would probably result in better overall bass dispersion.

More than probably: 2 Kalis will give a smoother response than a single Genelec 7050.

I prefer not compare against a single 7040A

 

[luke2kk]

Thanks all together for the input, very helpful.

As I am very sensitive to hiss, I would assume I'd definitly use the -10 dB switch if I go with the G Threes - does this affect the soundquality in any way? I heard some people say, Genelec sounded "best" never touching the sensivity knob on the back an let it stay manufacturer default on -6 dB (which is a big NO for me cause of the hiss).

Right now i am debating if I should go with G Three or G Two for desktop use (8020s are arriving tomorrow) - both supported by the 7040 Subwoofer which more than enough bass for my small room.

Has any of you guys compared this combination? I always read 8020+sub OR 8030, but never 8020+sub vs. 8030+sub. Would be interesting to hear some opinions. I also keep in mind that I MAYBE MAYBE want to use the Genelecs later in a home theater setup as rear speakers—aren’t the Genelec 8030 overkill for that anyway?