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
- Accurate sound reproduction, making them a reference piece
- Very low self-noise compared to other studio monitors
- Exceptional build quality, made out of cast aluminum and heavy
- Features a toroid transformer, which helps with hum, noise, and interference
- Class AB bi-amped speaker (90 watts for the tweeter and 90 watts for the woofer)
Product Considerations
- Weight is about 21 pounds each, which is very heavy
- Expensive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to other studio monitors, self-noise is amongst the lowest
Takeaway: The Genelec 8040B speakers provide accurate sound, and the reviewer uses them as a benchmark to compare against other audio equipment. If a reference set of speakers that will deliver music as intended is desired, then this could be a good purchase.
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
8040B
reviews
[{"title":"Audiophile review of Genelec 8040b - A true legend - Love these speakers","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukcA-VFNZ6M","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2024"}]
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: 48 Hz - 20 kHz (± 2 dB)
- Low cutoff -6dB: 41 Hz
- High cutoff -6dB: 25 kHz
- SPL Peak: ≥115 dB
- Short term max SPL: ≥105 dB
- Long term max SPL: ≥99 dB
- Self-generated noise: ≤10 dB SPL
- Weight: 9.4 kg (20.7 lb)
- Height: 350 mm (13 3/4 in)
- Height with Iso-Pod: 365 mm (14 3/8 in)
- Width: 237 mm (9 3/8 in)
- Depth: 223 mm (8 3/4 in)
- Bass Driver: 165 mm (6 1/2 in)
- Treble Driver: 19 mm (3/4 in)
- Bass amplifier: 90 W Class AB
- Treble amplifier: 90 W Class AB
- Input: XLR female, balanced 10 kOhm
- Crossover: Bass/Treble 3000 Hz
Description
Experience the true sound of your mix with the astonishing performance and versatility of the 8040B. The choice of recording professionals the world over, the 8040B's pristine performance extends to an SPL of 105 dB and reaches right down to 41 Hz. This is a nearfield monitor that can provide truthfulness and energy in equal measures.
Experience the true sound of your mix with the astonishing performance and versatility of the 8040B.
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
$1,001-$2,500
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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Genelec
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What if you spend more?
Buchardt
Anniversary 10
3988
3988
/
14
Reviews
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet. The A10 is something we are truly proud of, both in terms of sound, look and production values. It is a true celebration of our passion for amazing high-end sound, great engineering and high value products.
Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Buchardt Audio is a direct-to-consumer speaker brand that uses an "upside down" design with a back-mounted passive radiator, which helps create high-end sound at more affordable prices. Their speakers are engineered with advanced measurement technology and a proprietary waveguide design that enhances off-axis listening, while delivering deep bass from compact cabinets that rival larger floor-standing speakers.
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Dynaudio
BM 15A
3158
3158
/
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
- Delivers greater tightness and precision from the crossover point on down
- Delivers an extended high-frequency range, with greater detail and more openness without harshness
- Stereo imaging is amongst the best
- Has no sweet 'spot', which allows the engineer, producer, and client a fairly similar listening experience
- Has a smoothly extended bass response that reveals what is really going on in that elusive bottom octave
Product Considerations
- The BM-15As may be overkill for a smaller mixing environment and better suited for larger rooms
- High end is as clean and accurate as the BM-12s, but the mids were a little lacking
- While they have a slightly forward characteristic, it doesn't get in the way of accurate monitoring
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dynaudio BM-12 MK3s—BM-15A has more bass extension and pure raw SPL power
- Vs Dynaudio BM-12 MK3s—BM-12 MK3s have more detail in the mid-range
- Vs Dynaudio BM-12 MK3s—BM-15A are far louder and put out substantially larger amount of energy in the bass and subs
- Vs Genelec, Focal, Neumann, and Event—the Dynaudio BM series are in the same class as these monitors
Takeaway: The BM15A is a speaker that gives great stereo imaging with a wide frequency range, and produces an accurate sound which is nice to listen to for long periods. Full-range monitoring in a smaller studio is possible with these speakers.
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.
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What competes at this price?
ADAM Audio
A8H
1499
/
Released
2022
The pinnacle of the A Series, the A8H is a 3-way speaker that delivers the extremely accurate and analytical sound required for critical-listening environments. 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.
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.
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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.
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Dynaudio
Core 5
1699
/
Released
2024
Core 5 is the most compact model in our range of high-end professional reference monitors. It's a two-way nearfield design that's been created to work in cramped spaces in a stereo configuration, or to provide width and height support in an immersive set-up. And, crucially, to give you usable SPL for those jobs – so if you're in an OB truck or a smaller mix-stage, you won't strain to hear, and your eardrums won't be blasted.
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
Our Summary
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.
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