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.
Product Strengths
- Mid-clarity is amazing, making vocals, guitars, and drums sound much better
- They allow one to tailor the sound to any environment with adjustable settings for wall, corner, or desk placement
- The aluminum body is durable, easy to clean, and allows for a smaller speaker size compared to wood enclosures
- Protective grills are sturdy and protect the woofers and tweeters
- The frequency response is extremely flat, which means an accurate representation of any music is heard
Product Considerations
- The bass range only extends down to 54Hz and will have to be paired with a subwoofer to really be able to hear what's going on with any recordings
- The LED light on the front can be distracting in a workspace
- Only one input—XLR
- Rear bass reflex port can cause unwanted resonances if placed too close to a wall
- One can drive these into distortion without them getting extremely loud
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Yamaha HS7, the 8030C gives lower mid information, while the HS7 is more mid and upper mid centric
- Compared to the Dynaudio BM5As, the Genelecs sounded pretty flat throughout, and the Dynaudios have a scooped sound
- Compared to the ADAM Audio A4V, the Genelec 8030Cs have the edge for neutral uncoloured mixing
- Compared to the Neumann KH 120 A, the IsoPod stands that come with the 8030Cs are a great addition—extra foam pads will need to be picked up for the KH 120s
Takeaway: The Genelec 8030C studio monitors are known for their clear, detailed sound and accurate imaging, making them a solid choice for smaller studios. With adjustable settings, durable construction, and protective grills, they're designed for both performance and longevity.
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
8030C
reviews
[{"title":"Genelec 8030C - Review for Desktop Speakers","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsEIgayveAM","source":"David Pham","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Genelec 8030C Studio Monitors - Unboxing, First Listen, Thoughts; Why you need high quality monitors","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUoCOq93guU","source":"Doug Johnson Productions","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Yamaha HS7’s vs Genelec 8030C’s!! Let’s ggooo","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvG9vCz5_lk","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Are Expensive Home Studio Monitors Worth It? | Genelec 8030c vs Dynaudio BM5a","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE4mpgUouXE","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"The Definitive Genelec 8030C Review","link":"https://soundref.com/genelec-8030c-review","source":"SOUNDREF ","datePublished":""},{"title":"Genelec 8030C | MENNO DE BOER","link":"https://mennodeboer.com/2022/08/25/genelec-8030c","source":"mennodeboer.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"8030C Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/genelec-8030c-studio-monitor-review.14795/","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 54 Hz - 20 kHz (± 2 dB)
- Low cutoff -6dB: 47 Hz
- High cutoff -6dB: 25 kHz
- Peak SPL: ≥110 dB
- Short term max SPL: ≥104 dB
- Long term max SPL: ≥96 dB
- Self-generated noise: ≤5 dB SPL
- Weight: 5 kg (11.0 lb)
- Height: 285 mm (11 1/4 in)
- Height with Iso-Pod: 299 mm (11 3/4 in)
- Width: 189 mm (7 1/2 in)
- Depth: 178 mm (7 in)
- Bass Driver: 130 mm (5 1/8 in) Cone
- Treble Driver: 19 mm (3/4 in) Metal dome
- Bass amplifier: 50 W Class D
- Treble amplifier: 50 W Class D
- Crossover: 3000 Hz
Description
A consistent best-seller, the 8030C sits in the perfect sweet spot of big monitor performance and small footprint. It offers precise imaging and staggering detail, but can go louder and lower than its smaller siblings – making it the perfect choice for slightly larger spaces.
If you love the compact format of the 8010 and 8020 models but demand higher SPL and more bass extension, meet the 8030C.
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
$501-$1,000
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.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
Genelec
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
ADAM Audio
A8H
1499
1499
/
6
Reviews
The A8H incorporates an 8-inch resonant Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fiber woofer, innovative midrange driver, and handmade precision X-ART tweeter, which together produce an ultra-wide frequency response. Like the other members of the A Series family, the A8H gives you tremendous flexibility for fine-tuning the sound through rotatable HPS waveguide technology and onboard DSP. At home across a full range of audio applications in mid- to full-sized spaces, the A8H is the right choice when you’re looking for the most detailed representation of your audio. The A8H is available in a left and right version.
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and powerful low-end response
- Articulate midrange driver
- Crisp and airy high-end without harshness
- The built-in EQ and Sonarworks SoundID Reference integration allows users to tailor the sound to their specific room acoustics
- Wide, deep, highly detailed, and solidly centered soundfield
Product Considerations
- Self-noise/hiss can be noticeable up close
- To fully use the Sonarworks feature after the trial, users would need to purchase the software
- Some users experienced initial connection hiccups with the A Control app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A8H offered a better value than the Dynaudio LYD 48 due to sound, build quality, and features like the built-in EQ
- The A8H offers more DSP capabilities, and is less expensive than the HEDD Audio Type 20 MK2 or Neumann KH310
- It is halfway between the less expensive but less sophisticated Dynaudio LYD 48 and ADAM Audio's own S2V—which, although a 2 way, offers step up in terms of sophistication
Takeaway: The A8H studio monitors deliver exceptional sound quality with user-friendly features—enhancing the overall audio production experience. These monitors, with versatile connectivity, DSP-driven room adaptation, and impressive audio performance, are a great choice for those serious about audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Product Page
Product Page
Dynaudio
Core 5
1699
1699
/
4
Reviews
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Excellent balanced delivery with precise midrange
- Well-specified, easy-to-use EQ and room correction settings
- Good low-frequency extension given its compact size
- Produces a beautifully clean and well-defined sound, with no harshness in the highs and a real sense of spatial depth and stereo width
- As mixing tools, they tell it like it is, so good mixes sound 'right' and flaws are shown up clearly, just as they should
Product Considerations
- Expensive
- There's no straightforward way to hook up the Core 5s to the Core Sub Compact if all connections are to remain analogue
Takeaway: The Core 5 is a compact, accurate, and high-quality studio monitor that delivers a balanced and detailed sound perfect for smaller studios or immersive setups. It is comfortable to work with for extended periods, making it a great choice for professional use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
ADAM Audio
A7V
799
/
Released
2022
The A7V is a contemporary 2-way monitor that represents the evolution of ADAM Audio's award winning A7X. It features a 7" Multi-Layer Mineral woofer and rotatable X-ART tweeter, which is made by hand in Berlin. DSP-based voicing, equalization and room correction options can be controlled remotely and in real time via the free-to-download A Control software, and updatable firmware allows for new filters and tunings to be implemented over the lifetime of the monitor.
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a powerful, smooth and detailed sound with flexible voicing options
- High frequency reproduction balances accuracy without being harsh
- Ability to resolve fine details
- Excellent build quality, back panel controls, and layout
- Room correction presets can be saved via the partnered Sonarworks Sound ID software
Product Considerations
- Non-stepped volume controls travel a little too easily
- On/off switch and input sensitivity controls are located on the cabinet rear panel
- Network router and ethernet cables required for computer control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A7V has a more premium sound and can be tweaked further thanks to the free A-Control software, but the ADAM Audio T7V is hard to beat due to its price-to-performance ratio
- For users coming from a set of KRK Systems Rokit 8 speakers, the A7V will be a massive improvement
Takeaway: The ADAM Audio A7V is a great-sounding monitor with multiple voicings, software integration and excellent build quality. These monitors offer a detailed audio performance, allowing users to make well informed mixing decisions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Product Page
Product Page
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