Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
1238AC
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- SPL: 121 dB
- Amplifier Power: 500 W Bass (Class D) + 250 W Midrange (Class D) + 200 W Treble (Class AB)
- Frequency Response: 30 Hz - 22 kHz (-6 dB)
- Accuracy of Frequency Response: ± 2 dB (35 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Driver Dimensions: 2 x ⌀ 250 mm Bass + ⌀ 125 mm Midrange + ⌀ 25 mm Treble
- Dimensions: H 350 x W 950 x D 453 mm
- Weight: 60 kg / 132.3 lb
- Connections: 1 x XLR Analog Input, 1 x XLR AES/EBU Input, 1 x XLR AES/EBU Output, 2 x RJ45 Control
Description
Shaped by decades of engineering expertise and armed with the power of Smart Active Monitoring technology, the 1238AC is a centre channel monitor designed for the most demanding applications.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Genelec stands out for its cast-aluminum enclosures with rounded edges and integrated Directivity Control Waveguide, which embody a distinctive approach to design, aesthetics, and controlled dispersion.
- The brand's SAM (Smart Active Monitoring) system, coupled with GLM software, enables automated calibration for level, timing, and equalization of room-response anomalies, optimizing performance in diverse acoustic environments.
- Genelec offers a point-source design across "The Ones" series, where the tweeter is mounted in the center of the woofer, creating a single full-range device regardless of listening distance and expanding the listening sweet spot.
- The company is known for their comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to the design of each speaker, carefully considering everything from enclosure materials to the integration of amplifiers and DSP.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Genelec 8361A Stereo Pair
- Positioning: Positioned as a high-end studio monitor within "The Ones" series, offering advanced audio precision for professional environments.
- Description: Features Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) driver technology, ensuring a smooth frequency response and outstanding sound imaging. Compared to other models like the 8351B, offers a wider frequency range and higher sound pressure level, making it ideal for larger studio spaces where detailed sound reproduction is critical. Its Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) system allows for automatic calibration to the room, providing flexibility and precision in various acoustic environments.
Genelec 8351B W371A Stereo System
- Positioning: Combined with the W371A woofer system, represents a sophisticated stereo setup designed for full-range audio performance, suitable for both professional studios and high-end home listening.
- Description: Known for its compact size yet powerful performance, using Acoustically Concealed Woofers (ACW) technology to deliver controlled low-frequency directivity. When paired with the W371A, it extends the system's low-frequency response, outperforming standalone monitors like the 8361A in terms of bass depth and room adaptability.
Genelec 1236A Stereo Pair
- Positioning: Genelec's flagship main monitor, designed for large-scale professional studios requiring the highest level of audio fidelity and power.
- Description: Stands out with its massive sound pressure level and extended low-frequency response, thanks to its large enclosure and advanced Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) technology. Unlike the 8361A and 8351B, built for expansive spaces where maximum output and precision are paramount, making it the go-to choice for top-tier recording studios. Its Smart Active Monitoring capabilities ensure it adapts seamlessly to any room, providing unmatched consistency and accuracy in sound reproduction.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
18
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
100
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
40
Founding Year
1978
Our take on the brand
Genelec is a hifi speaker brand known for their unique coaxial driver design where the tweeter is embedded in the mid-woofer, ensuring all frequencies come from the same point in space. The brand pioneered the use of recycled aluminum for speaker cabinets in 1996, and their Smart Active Monitoring systems automatically adapt to room acoustics, making them particularly valuable for professional studio environments.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Genelec
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What if you spend more?
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What competes at this price?
Meridian
Special Edition DSP5200HC
10000
/
Released
A perfect partner for the freestanding Special Edition DSP5200, the Special Edition DSP5200HC provides full-range playback in a horizontal centre-channel package. The DSP5200SE HC is designed for mounting under a large-screen TV, behind an acoustically-transparent projection screen and is ideal for partnering with other Meridian free-standing or in-wall loudspeakers.
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Confident, solid, and real presentation
- Beefy-solid sound with very good imaging and focus, and with much better layering front to back than anticipated
- Tweeters have a near-perfect combination of articulation and musical purpose, and are absolutely never bright or in your face
- Arguably, the strongest point is their solid and unwavering presentation regardless of volume level
- Has a live-performance-like quality
Product Considerations
- Overall resolution is good, but not spectacular, and perhaps less than one should reasonably expect at this price
- Tonal balance, compared to Apogee speakers, is definitely on the dark side
- Exact same toe in is needed, otherwise focus will tend to either side
- Bass was initially thumb–but was resolved by placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Apogee: DSP 5200's have a lower stage, also, tonal balance is darker
- Compared to Kharma: Kharma's are more open-sounding–but can be ear-piercing, while the DSP 5200's are never aggressive or harsh
Takeaway: The DSP 5200 SE speakers deliver a confident and solid sound, that does not lack power, and performs well at all volume levels. They are great at filling the room with sound and creating a thrilling listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
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