Genelec 8341A SAM™ Studio Monitor Review

[Mort]

Interesting read and findings, good stuff thank you. Yeah, I was happy with how low effort it was.
And as for the impact it had on much more enjoyable the speakers are after running the calibration, that was just insane. You go from these are decent, to these are absolutely amazing. I don't know if I would keep them if the calibration wasnt a thing, but with it? I haven't even used my headphones since I've got them.

Yer gonna be bummed at how bad your TV system sounds. not kidding

 

[Mort]

8341a and a 12" 7370a subwoofer in our living room.

 

[Pearljam5000]

View attachment 543093

8341a and a 12" 7370a subwoofer in our living room.

Looks great

 

[patoulol]

View attachment 543093

8341a and a 12" 7370a subwoofer in our living room.

"I really like your living room , it makes you want to stay!

 

[Mort]

I'll be honest, if I had the room I would put in some wide directivity passive speakers but these pack so much punch in a mounted system that basically takes no room.

 

[Sparky]

I thought I would report back so we are all clear. GLM indeed does apply a high pass filter (crossover) but doesn't show it in the results after you've carried out the room calibration. The GLM software only ever shows you results full range.
The only way to test the crossover that the GLM software has applied is to measure your speakers separately in REW.
This isn't ideal really as the GLM mic is not a registered mic in REW so continually swapping out your UMIK with the Genelec version is a PITA.
However, there is an easier way to deal with this.

The best way I have found is to create a new speaker group profile and name it "full range".
Carry out the usual room calibration sweeps (multiple positions always gains the best results) and save that profile.
You can then duplicate that profile, alter the crossover and save the new group as say "70hz XO" and so on and so on.

You can the go into REW and measure each profile by simply switching the profiles within the GLM software but don't forget.......STORE THE PROFILE TO THE SPEAKERS or you'll just be measuring the same thing over and over.

I hope this helps somebody

 

[Yari]

I really love them. But I do get triggered at the circle of dust forming on the coaxial and I can't touch it because it is so fragile. I want it gone, but I wouldn't dare getting anything near it. Ugh.

 

[kyuu]

I really love them. But I do get triggered at the circle of dust forming on the coaxial and I can't touch it because it is so fragile.

Is it that fragile? Typically I wouldn't expect it to be an issue to dust if off with a dry cloth. Worst-case scenario, maybe just try some canned air?

 

[Yari]

Is it that fragile? Typically I wouldn't expect it to be an issue to dust if off with a dry cloth. Worst-case scenario, maybe just try some canned air?

Yeah, with how the Genelec customer service person presented it to me, I don't want to do it with with either of them. I'd normally feel safe with a microfiber but he pretty much said I don't recommend even blowing air at it. It sucks cause I really want to take care of them but I'm just seeing the dust building up in the middle of it. Kind of sucks.

 

[kyuu]

I would guess that Genelec is just covering their butts to prevent people damaging them with overzealous cleaning methods. Careful cleaning with a dry cloth or gentle use of canned air somehow damaging the driver seems unusual -- and unlikely -- to me. However, I can definitely understand not wanting to go against Genelec's recommendations. It would really suck to find out that it really is that delicate.

 

[Martini]

That looks like a photoshopped pic of the mid-driver to me.

 

[Mort]

I dust and spray air on my 8361a.

 

[Pearljam5000]

I guess the woofers are tougher

 

[MrBlueSky4470]

I always use one of those ostrich feather dusters for the front and coaxial driver of my 8331 . They are super soft and even recommended for electronics. No way you can damage anything using it. Get it, touch it and decide yourself. And that driver really isn't that fragile.

PS: I even use it to clean the open unprotected tweeter domes of my other speakers. No issues at all.

 

[Yari]

That looks like a photoshopped pic of the mid-driver to me.

I agree, but that is how it looks on their pages.
Thanks for the input, everyone. Yeah I just can not stand the dust building there. I'm going to shop for an ostrich feather duster I guess!

 

[MrBlueSky4470]

I agree, but that is how it looks on their pages.
Thanks for the input, everyone. Yeah I just can not stand the dust building there. I'm going to shop for an ostrich feather duster I guess!

I think that is what the first version of their coaxial driver looked like.

You'll be amazed at what these ostrich feather dusters can do. Compared to them, little kittens feel like sandpaper.

 

[Yari]

I think that is what the first version of their coaxial driver looked like.

You'll be amazed at what these ostrich feather dusters can do. Compared to them, little kittens feel like sandpaper.

Yeah that is actually true, Genelec person just told me that (sorry just wanted to make absolutely sure, I don't trust myself in handling expensive equipment). He says its an earlier design and that they're more sturdy now. He cleans his 8351s with a microfiber. But I'm still going to get the duster you mentioned so that I use minimal pressure.

I'm glad I asked both here and in their chat. It's been bugging me out a lot. Anyway thanks again.

 

[MrBlueSky4470]

Yeah that is actually true, Genelec person just told me that (sorry just wanted to make absolutely sure, I don't trust myself in handling expensive equipment). He says its an earlier design and that they're more sturdy now. He cleans his 8351s with a microfiber. But I'm still going to get the duster you mentioned so that I use minimal pressure.

I'm glad I asked both here and in their chat. It's been bugging me out a lot. Anyway thanks again.

I've been using this feather duster for years on my 8331s. Not the slightest damage, not even the tiniest scratches. When I got my 8331, I faced the same problem as you now and bought this ostrich feather duster specifically for cleaning them. I wasn't disappointed. You can even clean the most delicate items with it.

 

[Martini]

Yeah that is actually true, Genelec person just told me that (sorry just wanted to make absolutely sure, I don't trust myself in handling expensive equipment). He says its an earlier design and that they're more sturdy now. He cleans his 8351s with a microfiber. But I'm still going to get the duster you mentioned so that I use minimal pressure.

I'm glad I asked both here and in their chat. It's been bugging me out a lot. Anyway thanks again.

Okay, good to know, as it didn't look anything like the driver on my 8351b.
I've uses a new make-up applicator brush to clean dust away from tweeter domes & surrounds, they are very gentle too. And, I gently use a clean microfiber cloth on the mid-driver. I'm all for taking care of good gear

 

[jonfitch]

Yeah, with how the Genelec customer service person presented it to me, I don't want to do it with with either of them. I'd normally feel safe with a microfiber but he pretty much said I don't recommend even blowing air at it. It sucks cause I really want to take care of them but I'm just seeing the dust building up in the middle of it. Kind of sucks.

KEF Reference shadow flares are super fragile too. I damaged them just lightly brushing with a microfiber cloth over them as it dust builds up over the years and the dust hardens the built up dirt can be harder than the actual surface its stuck on. Now I don't even touch anything anymore. But actually in the future I think the solution I learned with the KEFs is maybe some light fluid like water spray might actually help, in the same way if dust and dirt builds up and hardens over a hardwood floor it can scratch the finish if you try to just wipe it with a cloth, but water will soften the dirt/dust and you can clean stuck particles off easier afterwards.