Genelec 8361A Review (Powered Monitor)

[Pearljam5000]

The hifi system of @Pearljam5000

I wish

 

[Esprit]

Do you have enough electricity?

 

[Puddingbuks]

@Behrelec 37 you could use landscape mode on your camera next time.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Do you have enough electricity?

I was actually wondering if you need something done about the electricity with the 8381
Ill find out when I win the lottery and buy them

 

[Esprit]

I was actually wondering if you need something done about the electricity with the 8381

4400 watts maximum

 

[Dgob]

I feel we are drifting a little too far from the topic (8361A and optimising its performance). Maybe, as suggested by Espirit earlier, a new thread would be more fitting for much of this new strand of conversation?

The 8361A - when optimised - can afford complete excellence in hifi reproduction (all dependent - as always - on listening environment). Maybe still worthy of consideration in its own rights!?

 

[Esprit]

Maybe still worthy of consideration in its own rights!?

Good question, who are today, in 2025, the real competitors in the 10.000€ range?
Obviously also considering the complete package that includes GLM.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Good question, who are today, in 2025, the real competitors in the 10.000€ range?
Obviously also considering the complete package that includes GLM.

KH420 probably

 

[Esprit]

KH420 probably

No DSP

 

[Tovarich007]

I can say that I have listened to the 1235a speakers of the master series with an enthusiast, and he even had the biggest subwoofer 7382a with and without it. And that if any combination raised a smile very, very high with almost all music. Live sound was huh huh what a pleasure.But yes, these new 8381a speakers also sounded convincingly great.In both models, the old and the new have slightly different characteristics, and there are also many similarities. In my opinion, the live sound experience, or now electronic live music, is not the 8381a's strengths but more the advantages of the old master series.In the end, it is mostly a matter of taste and space-optimized spatial solutions which model would you prefer. Or what kind of music do you listen to mainly with hi-fi in mind.

The 8361A is set into a kind of giant wooden box. I wonder how the two 38 cm woofers on each side could properly work this way. And the 1235A are too low on the floor. That's absolutely not optimal.

I don't know where you have listened those Genelecs, but this shop or studio (?) has a very strange way to demonstrate top notch big speakers, too say the least. IMO, impossible to judge their sound precisely and thus, the differences between them in such conditions.

 

[Behrelec 37]

Tovarich007

1235a was owned by an adult man here in southern Finland near Helsinki. And the other one is a hifi store in Helsinki that also sells high end speakers in different rooms. I've posted a few pictures if that interests some. At least a lot of people seem to be looking at them.So there must be genuine interest.I'm just a hifi enthusiast like many here. I don't get any benefits or money from Genelec and I don't work for them and I never have. Just a crazy hobbyist at home, if I may say so. I love GLM settings with a super passion because they have a huge variety of different tones and even spicy spices available, like the best chef in the world would cook food for a big hunger that satisfies the nerves of a connoisseur of flavors.


This hifi shop's 8381a was on display for the first time at their place, and yes, the sound was convincing. The pictures are a bit old, but the idea is fresh. You can also listen to these big 8381a speakers from half a meter away, which is completely impossible even with speaker brands that cost almost millions. Many adults don't always realize what kind of opportunities it gives in terms of investments.

 

[Tovarich007]

Don't get me wrong, I am certain of the high level of quality of these speakers ; they're among the best today without any doubt.
And I didn't mean at all you were advertising for Genelec or this hifi store, I don't doubt of your sincerity and your passion for music and sound.

I just pointed out the fact that they are not set properly in the pictures you have posted (maybe they have been set elsewhere for the listening ? but you don't precise it).
Even with the help of room EQ by GLM and/or acoustic treatment, you cannot get optimal results with such a position in the room, that's all i say.

 

[Behrelec 37]

Tovarich007

True. The environment wasn't perfect, I know it was a demanding task to visit that person, because at first he didn't want to meet unknown hi-fi enthusiasts. The speakers were too low off the floor, but you could hear what the sound was like. I understood that he had borrowed the space, so it wasn't his own living room, so that explains why they had movable stages under the speakers.

 

[alankila]

I can say that I have listened to the 1235a speakers of the master series with an enthusiast, and he even had the biggest subwoofer 7382a with and without it. And that if any combination raised a smile very, very high with almost all music. Live sound was huh huh what a pleasure.But yes, these new 8381a speakers also sounded convincingly great.In both models, the old and the new have slightly different characteristics, and there are also many similarities. In my opinion, the live sound experience, or now electronic live music, is not the 8381a's strengths but more the advantages of the old master series.In the end, it is mostly a matter of taste and space-optimized spatial solutions which model would you prefer. Or what kind of music do you listen to mainly with hi-fi in mind.

I probably own those 1032C speakers on the top shelf (3rd picture). This looks like the MarekSound space.

 

[Pearljam5000]

I wonder why they need 8361 and 1238 at the same time

 

[Count Arthur]

I wonder why they need 8361 and 1238 at the same time View attachment 448828

Loud, Louder!

 

[Mort]

I wonder why they need 8361 and 1238 at the same time View attachment 448828

8361a are obviously for the front door intercom.

 

[Sokel]

I wonder why they need 8361 and 1238 at the same time View attachment 448828

61's are for listening, 38's are for full body massage

Seriously now, probably the rooms doubles as a control room too, so right tools for right space.

 

[Behrelec 37]

Pearljam5000

The black speakers in the back are indeed very old 1038a models. They are not from the dsp/glm sam series! The identification comes from two different square-shaped LEDs on the front panel and the woofer is a different model from the a/b series.

 

[Tovarich007]

Well done Behrelec, you've got eyes ! You're obviously a Genelec big fan, being aware to distinguish subtle details between old and new series
Anyway, old or not, these big Genelec are always doin' their job well. Good speakers stay good speakers...