For every digital desk setup enthusiast, Genelec speakers are an unavoidable brand. Even Steve Jobs himself used the Genelec 1029A alongside his Mac G5 and Cinema HD display.
Genelec speakers have also appeared at Apple launch events and on their official website. In the image below, the Genelec 8331 is subtly hidden behind the setup, demonstrating Apple’s recognition of the brand. I believe both brands share a similar vibe—minimalistic yet distinctive. Just like Apple’s sound signature, from the iPod era to today’s true wireless earphones, their sound tends to be cold and neutral, with minimal coloration. This pure, “transparent” tuning has been well received and has remained deeply influential.
Genelec has many stories in the professional audio world. As an average user, I look for professional validation—because while everyone has their own subjective feelings, professionals make the right choices, and following them minimizes the risk of going wrong.
Why Choose Genelec for Speakers?
My obsession with Genelec began when I learned that 70% of recording studios worldwide use Genelec as their monitoring speakers. There’s a saying: “The sound the artist wants you to hear is what you get from Genelec.” For most audiophiles, we neither have the time nor the budget to try out countless audio devices. A speaker that offers a one-step solution is the most cost-effective choice. Many in the audio community say that Genelec can “end the pursuit of high-fidelity sound.” From my own experience with various audio equipment, it’s hard to know exactly what style you prefer until you try many. But Genelec’s clean and pure sound is also a style of its own.
The English term “HiFi” is short for “High Fidelity,” a technical term for sound quality from the 1950s and 60s. In essence, high fidelity should be the final destination for audio equipment. However, HiFi doesn’t always mean pleasing to the ear. Everyone’s listening preferences differ—some like or dislike audio coloration or the added emotional expression of the music. Many old-school audiophiles argue that monitor speakers are for work, not for enjoyment, but that’s quite subjective. If you’re unwilling to invest time in research and experimentation, monitor speakers are one of the best choices. Plus, with Genelec’s active speakers that include built-in amplifiers, users don’t need to worry about pairing components, making it an easy, one-stop solution. The built-in amplifier also means better compatibility with the speakers themselves. Genelec caters to the growing demand for easy-to-use audio equipment, a trend that even established brands are now following by releasing Bluetooth speakers—something unimaginable a decade ago.
I’ve been an “audiophile” for seven or eight years, owning everything from earphones to high-end headphones costing thousands. Listening to music is indeed a subjective experience. Sometimes, the most joyful moments can come from listening to the perfect song on a pair of AirPods on a bright morning, bringing unparalleled happiness. Other times, sitting in front of a six-figure sound system, the focus on technical performance can completely disconnect you from the music’s emotional appeal. If you love music and can find time in your busy life to listen, then investing in audio equipment is worth it. The best way to save money is to choose the best within your budget, fall in love with it, and not worry about what others think. That, I believe, is the mindset one should have when playing with audio gear.
Genelec’s product lineup is quite simple, with only two main series for monitor speakers: the G series for home use and the 8-series professional monitors. The G series includes the G1 to G5, while the 8-series is Genelec’s best-selling line, including the 8000 series, the 8300 SAM series, and The Ones series.
The G series and the 8000 series are the top sellers. The main difference is that the G series is targeted at home use, offering a white color option and replacing the XLR connectors with RCA on smaller models. Other than that, the performance is almost identical. The G1 is a star product, offering the benefits of Genelec at a reasonable price. Although the domestic price is a bit high, the difference in price between official and gray-market second-hand models isn’t too large, so it’s still worth considering.
Another worthy choice is The Ones series, with its three-way coaxial design. To be honest, I was initially put off by the price, but after using the G1 for two years, I was determined to stick with Genelec. Genelec’s unique three-way coaxial design ensures that all sounds are emitted from a single point, maximizing sound accuracy and imaging. The coaxial design also minimizes off-axis coloration from the crossover points, ensuring consistent sound quality from different positions. Additionally, all speakers in The Ones series come with GLM room calibration technology. With the GLM calibration kit, you can professionally tune the speakers to your room’s acoustics. If you change your room’s layout or move furniture, recalibrating the setup can ensure optimal sound quality. Many users are drawn to this feature.
Both the G series and the 8000 series are highly regarded in both the audio and tech communities. The cabinet design of Genelec speakers stands out, with a sleek and identifiable look, enhanced by the benefits of die-cast aluminum, which improves acoustics, reduces resonance, and minimizes diffraction. This approach is far more effective than simply piling on materials and offers much better value for money, especially given the design’s balance of size and acoustic performance.
If you’re used to desktop Bluetooth speakers or smaller speakers under $800, the Genelec G1 will be a revelation. I purchased my Genelec G1 in 2021, and from the very first listen, I couldn’t believe such a small speaker could produce such powerful, wide-ranging sound. Simply plugging it into my computer allowed me to experience music in a way I never had before—it was a game-changing experience, much like when I first tried Shure in-ear monitors during college.
In 2023, I decided to upgrade again and bought an all-in-one digital streamer to improve my source quality. This all-in-one unit allows me to play streaming media directly, connect an external hard drive, and function as a DAC for my computer. While the audio quality improvement was noticeable, it wasn’t as immediate as upgrading the speakers. That’s when I started considering Genelec’s three-way coaxial speakers. For most desktop setups, the 8331 is more than enough and represents the smallest three-way coaxial monitor speaker on the market.
Without considering the budget, Genelec’s three-way The Ones series is undoubtedly the best choice for desktop monitors. The Ones are probably Genelec’s highest-value series. The G series faces plenty of competition, while the 83-series remains relatively unrivaled. For near-field monitoring or desktop use, The Ones are truly exceptional, and the 8331 is the smallest three-way coaxial speaker available. It’s perfect for near-field monitoring at half-meter distances while still ensuring rich, accurate sound, making Genelec an unmissable brand for desk setup enthusiasts.
In Conclusion
I rarely recommend speakers to friends because speaker preferences are highly subjective, but I’ve noticed one thing—Genelec’s sales and ownership rates are incredibly high. There aren’t many Genelec speakers available on the second-hand market, and they sell quickly when they do appear. Other brands, by comparison, attract far less interest. Many seasoned audiophiles say Genelec is perfect for “ending the pursuit,” which essentially means finding satisfaction with a system and moving away from constantly upgrading. Regardless of preferences, it’s wise to keep a high-value or personal favorite speaker for the long term. I’ve sold Genelec speakers before, and there was always strong demand, unlike with other brands.
When it comes to choosing speakers, I think there’s no need to overanalyze frequency response curves. Just listen to what you like, and pick a brand with the right aesthetic. To sum up my recommendations:
- G1: Incredibly cost-effective, a great entry into Genelec’s sound signature, perfect for desktop use or surround sound. For movie setups, pair the G1 or G2 with the F1 subwoofer. If you have a higher budget, go for the G3 + F2 setup. For music, a subwoofer isn’t necessary; the G1 is sufficient on its own.
- 8331: The smallest three-way coaxial speaker, suitable for both desktop and living room use. It’s the ultimate one-stop solution, with size selection based on budget and usage scenarios. A 2.0 system is already plenty for an immersive experience.
