Genelec 8320a Review (Powered Monitor)

[Spocko]

Consider two things here.
1, the cost. They're $1250 a pair new.
2, the competition. Neumann KH80s are right around the same price point (maybe a bit cheaper, even) and their distortion performance is far better.

They are $1,250 because they are made in Finland, I know it doesn't necessarily add to the sound quality but it is a legitimate reason for the premium. The KH80 are currently selling for $1,000 new and made in Ireland, though not exactly cheap labor either, I'm sure if they were made in Germany the price would be similar to the 8320a.

 

[Olius]

I found it. There is an 8320A sitting on top of the subwoofer. I still wonder what it's for though.

EDIT: nvm, it says in the article: "Additionally, an 8320A compact two-way nearfield monitor sits atop the 7380A, to provide an upwards frequency extension above 120 Hz. This acts as a checkpoint into the true content of the LFE channel before it is distributed."

 

[Frank Dernie]

I found it. There is an 8320A sitting on top of the subwoofer. I still wonder what it's for though.
View attachment 132932

EDIT: nvm, it says in the article: "Additionally, an 8320A compact two-way nearfield monitor sits atop the 7380A, to provide an upwards frequency extension above 120 Hz. This acts as a checkpoint into the true content of the LFE channel before it is distributed."

This is the system that convinced me to stay stereo!

 

[Spocko]

I agree the vertical does make the directivity worse, but there are still some horizontal issue at around 7k Hz. Not a big problem but could be better, but then it will be cutting sales of their other speaker....

Well, there's the 8331 (2 inches taller and $4,500) which probably has best in class horizontal and vertical directivity measurements

 

[Spocko]

This is the system that convinced me to stay stereo!

How ironic, this is the system that convinced me to go multi-channel Genelec LOL

 

[Spocko]

using these for surround! a nice and bank breaking option man

perfectly acceptable for nearfield surround! Unfortunately, my surrounds are 7 ft away from the MLP

 

[Spocko]

Consider two things here.
1, the cost. They're $1250 a pair new.
2, the competition. Neumann KH80s are right around the same price point (maybe a bit cheaper, even) and their distortion performance is far better.

I would have bought the KH80 if I wasn't already deep into the Genelec ecosystem (stands, subs, GLM, etc.), I do agree that they are fantastic for the price and a better value than the 8320.

 

[Frank Dernie]

How ironic, this is the system that convinced me to go multi-channel Genelec LOL

A surround system like this is about 4 to 5x more expensive than a stereo of the same SQ level and rather as Dr Gedes said in his interview with Erin the source material I listen to is 99% stereo.
I use 2 side and a centre channel if I watch a film with surround sound, probably 10 to 20 times a year, so in my case the majority of my budget would be switched off most of the time
Your system will certainly be great for 3D sound.

 

[Spocko]

A surround system like this is about 4 to 5x more expensive than a stereo of the same SQ level and rather as Dr Gedes said in his interview with Erin the source material I listen to is 99% stereo.
I use 2 side and a centre channel if I watch a film with surround sound, probably 10 to 20 times a year, so in my case the majority of my budget would be switched off most of the time
Your system will certainly be great for 3D sound.

Yep, planning to squeeze every ounce of 3D performance out of them with the Trinnov.

 

[Ron Texas]

Nice desktop speakers. How about these or the KH 80's?

Thank you @amirm

 

[daftcombo]

How about these or the KH 80's?

You can tell by the panther, I guess.

 

[YSC]

perfectly acceptable for nearfield surround! Unfortunately, my surrounds are 7 ft away from the MLP

Right, just from really distant memory of gamin 5.1 systems and all those cable nightmare, I am pretty convinced to go stereo or 2.1, since mostly I listen to music recorded for stereo, and when I am gaming or during movies, I am dived into the content and don't bother about the absolute fedility

 

[dfuller]

They are $1,250 because they are made in Finland, I know it doesn't necessarily add to the sound quality but it is a legitimate reason for the premium. The KH80 are currently selling for $1,000 new and made in Ireland, though not exactly cheap labor either, I'm sure if they were made in Germany the price would be similar to the 8320a.

Yes, I'm aware of this. Makes me wonder the point of including the fancy dsp room correction if the underlying speaker isn't great.

Nice desktop speakers. How about these or the KH 80's?

Either/or; I'd personally be inclined to go for the KH80s myself. Couple hundred bucks cheaper, similar if not slightly better performance.

 

[xema]

Too large for computer desk imo

Choose 8020 then. Amir didn't test 8020, but I could imagine 8020 is better, because 8010 is even better than 8320 (except bass).

 

[Rick Sykora]

A surround system like this is about 4 to 5x more expensive than a stereo of the same SQ level and rather as Dr Gedes said in his interview with Erin the source material I listen to is 99% stereo.
I use 2 side and a centre channel if I watch a film with surround sound, probably 10 to 20 times a year, so in my case the majority of my budget would be switched off most of the time
Your system will certainly be great for 3D sound.

Could not agree more (particularly with regard to source material). The few films that would benefit from surround, give me an excuse to get back out to the theater! Many do not require a more immersive experience IMO.

My next place is unlikely to have the space to do justice to surround sound anyway.

 

[markb]

Either/or; I'd personally be inclined to go for the KH80s myself. Couple hundred bucks cheaper, similar if not slightly better performance.

Depends on location it seems, here in the Netherlands I see EUR 23 difference between them at ~EUR 470.

 

[dfuller]

Depends on location it seems, here in the Netherlands I see EUR 23 difference between them at ~EUR 470.

In the US the Neumanns are $500 each, the Gens are $625 each.

 

[daftcombo]

I don't normally like Youtube speaker comparisons, but on this video you can clearly hear the benefits of GLM and how it gets rid of the bloated bass:

 

[richard12511]

This is the system that convinced me to stay stereo!

How come?

Edit: you explained your reasons in a subsequent post.

 

[GWolfman]

I also sent @amirm my 8330a so expect a review soon! Maybe he'll test GLM on it

*Anxiously awaiting*