Genelec 8330A: Go-To Small Active Speakers (v. KEF LSX)

[@klaverro]

Wow you really did a Rolls Royce job with this video Simon! Finland and Genelec should be proud of what you done... ;-). I've never listened to or seen Genelec at a show or dealer in the Netherlands, but these speakers are looking great. When it comes to studio monitor speakers, I've often found them to be too much for home use (details, transparency, etc.). Apparently not this one from Genelec. Keep up the good work!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much for such lovely comments. These are not too lively with treble etc. In my room I’ve had them sounding better than some more expensive. Very neutral indeed. Really want to try a Genelec sub with them now.

[@evankok3105]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Add a sub! I have the 2.1 setup. The crossover is just beautiful.

[@sparfis]

look into the 8331 / 8341. I have the 8330 sounds ok but is far behind the 3 way speaker (8331/8341) . You will experience life at another level and will be very hard to accept the traditional 2 way speakers in your life again :)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, I’ve had experience of 3 ways so know what you mean. Sometimes the sound is more integrated and balanced I find. Although 2 way can sound all you need too. Depends on materials and engineering.

[@oliivioljy9700]

@@sparfis That is f...ing insane but very very true.

[@jeffgriffithsmusic]

Couldn't agree with this approach more. I use 8330A's with a Genelec Sub (fed from a Focusrite Clarett interface) in my recording studio and a pair of 8350A's in my living room (fed from a Simaudio DAC and Bryston pre-amp) The quality and consistency is just so great to the point that I just don't think about other hifi products anymore. And I can use my living room speakers as secondary monitoring for my music production when I need. Thanks for the great content. Cheers.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks too. Brystom is a great brand, tried one of their pre amps a while back .

[@ndavies8]

Yup same here. I have the 8340s and 7360. I have no need for more any new monitors.

[@jsvedjefalt]

my first pair of active speakers was a couple of Genelec 6010, later named G one. Perfect for my small room at the University. The gaming got to another level. Ever since then, Genelec has always been with me some way or another. Thx, great vid!

[@olovikka]

I have 3x8330A, 2x8320 and 1x7360 for home theater / gaming and music. They are so excellent and dsp does wonders. Excellent review!

[@sydsM3]

I’m so happy you did this review Simon! We spoke a while back if you recall as I have a pair Genelec 8550a speakers. I am currently looking for a good streamer solution with AES outputs and digital volume control to go direct into Genelec’s digital inputs for optimal 2 channel listening. Right now I have them jury rigged to my TV’s headphone output with a 3.5mm to XLR (analog) cable into the Genelec’s analog inputs, and even with this cheesy setup, I can tell you that 8550a’s with their 8 inch woofers and after GLM room correction has unbelievable bass in my room, which is on the large side (17ft x 23ft). No subwoofer is needed with these, but they are more expensive. I recently purchased another 8550a (for a center channel) and a pair of 8330a speakers that I’m going to use with a surround sound processor (yet to be purchased). My plan is to hook the processor into all 5 speakers analog inputs since I can’t find a surround sound processor that has Digital outputs (accept for TrInnov which is prohibitively expensive). I will essentially then have an optimized 2 channel digital direct system via the Genelec’s digital inputs, and a surround system using the same L/R speakers with their analogue inputs plus the center and surround speakers analogue inputs. That’s the plan for now anyway…

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much syds, that sounds like it could be awesome . Enjoy 😀

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Sent you a message Syd. Free next week now

[@CHILE_TZ]

I hear many about Kali. I listend LP-6 v1 ,and I doubt all above can sound much much better. Lows are boomy, mid and highs are not transparent. It would help if people say , what for they use monitors . For live instruments or big band sound nothing transparent is in those Kali I tryed. I guess much comments came from people that ARENT musicians at all. They use virtual instruments to create some....I guess ..music? I bought AKG 240 MKII because of reviews and comments, and find them muddy like I have problem with inner ear. If you can hear, go and hear, dont buy equipment from reviews. Now about a topic, I hear Genelecs many times since I work like pro musician in RTV production and they sound great.

[@raytheonbuna1021]

Really enjoyed this review. At 06:53 your very good diagram shows the 7040A/7050C subs but after doing a deep dive on the GLM software, I think it's only th e73 series that are compatible. Aside from that, I'm convinced to buy some I think. 🙂

[@hubert8694]

Your video editing is excellent

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. I work very hard at it and getting new skills

[@morrimoto]

thumbs up for the thatcher clip!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

The lady wasn’t for turning …😂

[@danieloherrick6332]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thacher--a real man!

[@mikebooth8858]

I have a pair of Kali Audio IN8 studio monitors. These are a 3 way speaker with tri amped class d amps, a co axial mid / tweeter and an 8'' bass driver. Kali say they can be used from near field to 3.5 Metre listening distance. They provide adjustments for listening set up. The speakers offer RCA or XLR connection and the channel output can be set for each speaker which I find to be useful. Cannot complain regarding sound quality.

[@otffin]

I don't understand 98% of what you are saying but your enthusiasm for the speakers is encouraging for someone who just got a pair of them! ;) all the best

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

On KZbin You can put on subtitles in your language then look at meaning of words too if necessary

[@otffin]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 haha, good roast :)

[@kevinf9822]

Thanks very much for this review. I already purchased the KEF LSX IIs (very happy with them) but that has led me to do a lot more research on other active brands (Dynaudio, Buchardt, etc.). Genelec is a brand that I eventually got to and it has intrigued me since everyone that has looked at it has nothing but great praise for the speakers. Genelec manufactures two lines of speakers: those made for a home environment and those made for the studio. The studio monitors are the ones that intrigue me, like those reviewed here, but one question I had is how would one actually go about connecting them in a home environment (since the inputs and output connections are a little different than for a home system). This video addresses that issue in a very easy to understand manner. Well done.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Kevin. I’ve got some Adam audio actives at present waiting for review after some others.

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

Nicely done ✅ as always. I loved the Vangelis ending title music. Very appropriate.👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Hamid. Got away with a cover version in the YT algorithm 😀

[@kjbiz]

Great video once again. Makes you think about minimalising the separates. Love the music recommendations as well as that’s what it is all about. I bought the Floating Points on vinyl in while travelling in Europe recently. Great album! Thanks once again 🙏

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much 😀🎶

[@canersahin]

Easy of use of GLM looks like game changer. I watched couple of videos to understand what it does and it convinced me to spend more to get that feature. Great review thanks

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks I’m doing the 7350A sub to go with it atm

[@filipepaninho6558]

Nice review! I find the G Three model very interesting!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. Easy plug and play and as pointed out by syd you can tweek tone controls with back switches

[@strannostrannovasrr]

I will definitely try them out. Thanks for this wonderful made vid. I like your music recommendations as well.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. The scenery around their factory (and great sound of this product) was pretty easy inspiration in this one. 😀👍🔉

[@syntheee]

Got a pair of 8331 and a 7350 sub with WIIM for spotify connect and computer input. "Final destination" for me as a computer / workplace setup. There are many people complaining about these speakers to run out of juice which I can't comprehend. At 1,5m listening distance they offer 85 dBSPL at -42 dB output setting (0 dB is max. output). I once messed up with GLM and accidentally played music at full volume which was such a shock ... All I could do at this moment is switch off power as fast as possible. After this "experience" I immediately stored -30 dB as max. output in the speakers.

[@danieloherrick6332]

Maggie Thatcher--- a real man!

[@Mal-xz4zu]

Check the WiiM Pro - I think that has optical out (but unfortunately, for my Topping 10s DAC, not USB out...)

[@krazydiamnd8204]

I mainly used active monitors for my hifi needs. I used adam a7x and now their hifi cousin adam Tensor delta and if I was going to buy another speaker again.it would be actives. It's just crazy spending so much on amp to squeeze out the best from your speakers.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’ve got a sub coming soon so looking forward to getting these out again

[@krazydiamnd8204]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Personally I would go with 6.5/7 version & call it a day. My dream is to make atmos home theatre with studio actives probably adam audio's or genelacs but I can't imagine living without the Adam Audio Ribbon tweeter.

[@krazydiamnd8204]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Yea it should benefit greatly from sub. Looking forward to that.

[@KAL-589]

Cheers mate for the review. Quick question, if I'm using the digital input, would it make zero sense spending much money on a dac with volume control? Meaning, I need to buy a dac with volume control but would sound quality be unaffected going digital out from dac, since the Genelec would then do the digital to analogue conversion anyways. ?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, Or by a streamer with volume control. ….

[@juhaheikkila4424]

Jees, Thanks. do you have to hear All through pair of SAM quality, my first pair was M040. Point: Scared? you will...

[@evankok3105]

Finally someone whom agrees that studio monitors can be used at home! Ive been using the Genelecs for 7 years at home now. How do you think the Genelec will pair with a set of Denafrip Ares II?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not sure if technically correct but I wouldn’t think the dac would matter on these because analogue to digital conversion has to happen at the speaker if using ares 2

[@seymourclearly]

More excellent content, thanks

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Trevor

[@Jim181059]

Great timing - I have the LSX on my desk and I do love the sound of them, But I was googling for alternatives just this week and didn't really come up with anything.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Why were you looking for alternates out of interest?

[@Jim181059]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I've been having connection/streaming problems (via Roon) and just got to thinking about it. I bought the KEFs for a good price and could probably sell for not much less. However, I think I've realised that the issue is not with the speakers' connection, which is great, as i do still love listening to the LSX - they are so engaging. Crap apps though, but we'll overlook that.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@Jim181059 lots of people say that with the app, I persisted in my review and maybe if I’d had them longer I’d hold the same view.

[@Mal-xz4zu]

KEF LSX I are now down to about £800 new, I bought them and am happy I did. The apps are tricky... but there's so much detail in the forums, and KEF have three years to tweak them, so they weren't much of a problem in setting up my light baseline - Spotify Connect ethernet, TV optical in, and my old CD player aux in...) And I'm so happy wth the sound! I'm no longer running to change to my Senn HD650s. (Caveat - setting up Tidal and Amazon Music was a bad experience - if you want these, & Roon etc., maybe look at the LSX II which people are saying have a better app & greater connectivity...)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Genelec’s on a deal or similarly priced are better sounding more precise speakers

[@danhammer1278]

Just purchased the Genelec 8330 speakers , also waiting on the EverSolo DMP-A6 streamer ….I’m going to use XLR connections from the streamer in to the speakers ….I noticed you connect one XLR cable to the other speaker …I should be fine though connecting both speakers to the EVERSOLO?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Or use digital rca output into input of one using a rca-xlr converter like I used, then cheap belden xlr to daisy chain. That’s what I’d do

[@danhammer1278]

⁠@@13thnotehifireviews7although at the moment I have the bluesound node , can I not use the RCA audio outs on the node to the XLR digital in to each speaker? That’s the cables I have at the moment

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@danhammer1278 yes but as said in video you are doing double dac conversion. Are these genelecs the digital a version or analogue inputs only

[@danhammer1278]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 digital A version

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Then use digital connection cheers, but you could experiment

[@markhouseholder]

great job, if you did videos on bottle openers, I would watch...you are very talented my friend...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Mark. You’ve given me an idea….

[@schoebelski6602]

lover your vid's. many thanks. ...I ponder whether Genelec 8030 or 8330, OR: Neumann KH 120 to chose ( there is a new version KH 120 II out, April 2023).

[@GhostTheAssassin]

Very informative review, I love the album recommendations as well it's a nice touch and for anyone looking to expand their listening library, you compare these monitors to KEF LSX's alot, but what about the KEF LS50's/ wireless II , the 8340a's from genelec are roughly around the same price for a pair, would you expect them to be very competitive in that price bracket, what set of genelecs would you get to completely satisfy any future purchasing, if you had a substantial budget?

[@s7robe297]

Are these good enough on their own for a smaller room in a near field 2.0 set up?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Absolutely, you’d be struggling to find better, plus the room eq. 😀👍🎼

[@gino3286]

Hi wonderful speakers indeed Just i don't get the thinner cabinet to increase the internal space Can't they just build them bigger like 20-30% more? They could improve the bass response a bit maintaining all other good qualities Thanks for the very nice video Kind regards Gino Ps if they are in aluminum anyone can just polish them up to a mirror finish like i see some big Kefs?

[@vtkz]

I use Studiomonitors now since over 4 years because i'm always dissapointed after i tested typical Hifi stuff. First KSDigital c88, than Neumann KH120 & 310 and now the stunning Unity Audio Super Rock with a CraneSong DAC (wich is also a studio based piece of Gear). I def dont go back to passive or even normal Hifi Bookshelfs. Pro Audio Gear is awesome and fun for me. Goal is in the next years maybe the chance to purchase some ATC's

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I had the atc scm 40 a for a review and I actually prefer these Genelecs. Different size and type of speakers but using big speakers in smallish rooms or not amazingly well set up rooms is problematic and I subsequently had a niggle about the atcs that they are a bit bland with detail. These Genelecs with a sub could be totally different , I don’t know , I just go on my experiences because I hate the mumbo jumbo nature of who is technically right in hifi. I couldn’t care less. These speakers appeal as plug , measure and play and they are incredibly good for the money

[@ralfm3710]

Thank you very much for this nice video, Simon. Why do audiophiles expect better sound quality with very expensive hi-fi speakers when the product they enjoy is made with reasonably priced snake oil free speakers like these? Unfortunately the 8330s are currently difficult to get in Europe. I ordered a pair plus subwoofer in December already but Genelec seems to have supply issues...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Ralf 😀 my attitude is you can get better sound as you spend more (obviously) buts it’s a question by how much and that’s why I 💗 products like these. Hopefully you get them soon , do please let me know how you get on with the sub, perhaps another comment back on here. Which one did you go for, using for hifi use?

[@paulmurray6663]

Really Serious Kit 👍

[@paulmurray6663]

Hi, Hopefully Your Genelec Speakers Have Arrived 🙏, As A Speaker Builder going Way Back to Analogue Days, You Can't Go Wrong with These, I Have 8030B x2 and Matching Subwoofer.

[@ralfm3710]

@@paulmurray6663 Thanks, Paul. Yes, I have them now for approx. 4 months and couldn't be happier...

[@sloboat55]

Looks like you ground them down to the metal. Hot Ass. Excellent.

[@davidgill2520]

Hello from Montreal, l love the opening fly over segment, looking for a speaker for the telle tv. Unfortunately this speaker will need an amp with a volume control. All the best

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, these are actives so no amp needed. I’m doing a good video on the 6040r’s atm with better graphics.

[@GavinHodgson]

How would they compare with 'The Ones' 8331A? Hmmm...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’m going to be reviewing more of them later in the year but sub with the 8330A first. 😀

[@GavinHodgson]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Nice!

[@jamespinkerton1550]

Top Video Simon, I am in the market well was in it for KEF, but after this it has to be a pair of these....Please tell me is it really necessary to buy the GLM???, if not is there a work around???....Please let me know and if possible list me a small set up to use with these.. Extremely Recommended Cuts It For me...Eagerlyawaiting your advice...Good health to you and your kin...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much, I always say it’s up to you to affirm your views on trying to. You don’t have to buy glm - go for a g three for example. Im helping people with system set ups on patreon, as per description to this video, so please subscribe and happy to help. 😀

[@oliivioljy9700]

With glm you get very intensivi to soundquality. Of course you have to own a pc or mac computer with that setup time.

[@danhammer1278]

What connector did you use to connect the coaxial cable to the Neutrik device?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Just a cheap bnc to rca adapter

[@yoddeb]

Great video. Can you plug a digital spdif cable directly into the ohm converter (it has bnc)?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. If you mean RCA digital plug then no, but you can use cheap rca to bnc adapters which I used in the clip when I hold the neutrik converter up.

[@tonyhodgkinson2569]

I prefer all analog actives to be honest as how long before all the dsp stuff etc becomes obsolete?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It doesn’t become obsolete Tony as the digital crossover functioning stays throughout lifespan.

[@hireality]

Brilliant review, subscribed 👍 Regards, Babak, Hi-Reality Project

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. 💗Enjoy some more I’ve got coming…😀

[@hireality]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Absolutely.

[@Merlijn39]

Is there any disadvantage of getting the G Three?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Check out the 6040R vid I did. Those are the best Genelecs I’ve tried.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Currently around €730 each here in continental EU

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Very good for that money still.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 good to know 👍🏼

[@Merlijn39]

Would you say the KEFs are more forgiving? Was there any ear fatigue on the Genelecs?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

The Genelecs have room correction - I think lsx have tone controls in app but you’d need to check that out on lsx2. Genelec’s can be tailored to requirements and not fatiguing.

[@yoddeb]

It just occurred to me: is it notpossible to run the 8330 from a coax digital source without GLM. I have a temporary setup here with a pair of 8330 that I have resetted to factory settings. Running digitally from a bluesound node (coax to AES/EBU) into the left speaker and then AES/EBU from the left speaker to the right speaker. This results in a mono signal being sent to both the speakers. The only way to assign the subframes to the left/right speakers is to connect them to GLM and place them on the grid and then store the setup to the speakers. Never seen this mentioned anywhere.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not sure the premise of the question Lars as if you buy these , you’d probably buy the GLM to set up room adjustment. Once you set it up you can take the glm box away as it’s stored in the speakers. You could then just sell the glm box and microphones etc, or maybe just borrow them off a dealer in the first place.

[@yoddeb]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 yes I know I know, just think it's a funny inconvenience due to the lack of dip switches (you can assign left, right using dip switches on the 8340 and the 8350). The 8330 are unusable with coax source if one does not have access to a glm kit. Pretty weird.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@yoddeb they may be a defaulted to take a digital source straight away. Not sure as I obviously have the glm. I’ll check that out in my next video when I refer to these. 😀

[@yoddeb]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 straight out of the box with a digital coax source you get mono in left and right, not sure what you mean with defaulted

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Oh ok sorry see what you mean, as you said you reset.

[@harisshaukat4780]

I can't find this speaker in the color scheme you got. White isopods and white grills. Where did you get these from?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Non standard I think but ask Genelec is my advice 😀

[@FelipeSB]

I would like to know if i could buy an DMX cable with 110 Ohms instead a Mogami 3080. Mogami here is too expansive. Is there any problems? I’m using the aes out with normal And short XLR cables, it works but the volume is too loud in my rme ucx ii. I think buying a 110 ohm will solve the problem, but i really wanna know the difference between DMX and AES XLR with the same 110 Ohm

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not sure of that type of cable tbh, but it is meant for AES but I’d consult Genelec. You don’t have to go for mogami and you can get other brand aes cables really cheap too

[@sparfis]

Great video! :) did you got the custom white grill version or is self made?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. I wasn’t sure on that and realised right before publishing this video that all the grills are black in pictures, so I didn’t ask Genelec because I thought if they are not in the pictures on the website, they must be non standard. I’m sure if you ask them they might offer it, if you are buying, but I’d check with them obviously.

[@GhostTheAssassin]

Subscribed, I would love to see more genelec reviews and comparisons to other speakers, would love to see the 8340a size up, compared to KEF's and Buchardt's, another review I'd love to see would be the "the one's" series, I'm looking at upgrading from the svs sb1000 and pair of JBL 305's, probably going to pull the trigger on a pair of Genelec 8330a's or 40a's in a small bedroom but likely moving to a bigger space in the next few years, can you recommend the 40a's at lower listening volumes in a small room with the GLM calibration?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. Watch this space as I have more higher up the range genelec’s planned for reviews. 😀👍

[@miguelalonsoperez5609]

In my opinion is an unfair comparison: Genelecs are pro studio monitors with flat response profile, and address to DJs, producers… for me way more superior than Kefs in all of its range because I’m pianist and Kef sound horrendous as monitors or simply for classical music listening (you loose half of the orchestra with the kefs even the LS50). For people who aren’t pro as me, I recommend the home variation Genelec G Three as they have similar sound profile (the same as 8030 CPMs) without DSP. DSP aren’t miraculous and complicate things a lot: you can loose fidelity by redundant AD-DA conversion or you should buy streamers and special AES cables. What you showed (roughly speaking) in your demo of GLM was essentially a -6 dB bass filter apart form some minor peaks: you have a bunch of corrections (completely analogue) in the G Three. -2, -4, -6 dB bass, -4 selected low-bass, -4 dB around 170 hZ (which are very useful when placing on a bookshelf or a desk)..,

[@sorenrichenberg3313]

First video ez subscribe

[@macmovieman1]

I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on these speakers.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I doubt you’d find better at price. Make sure to get the GLM kit which is essential.

[@macmovieman1]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I need the 8341A with the GLM kit and I am on the fence about the sub and think I will wait until I can decide if I need it or not? Definitely going to get the raw but I cannot find stock anywhere in the states right now? Can you get them or know where I can order them?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

If you send me a message on my website I’m sure I can help.

[@macmovieman1]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Sent.

[@colinbenfield326]

Thanks for this. I’ve been thinking of genelics to use with my Cambridge cxn. Why this model rather than the G series?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Personally I’d be thinking cost is still very good but depends on connections but room correction adjustment is not something you can do with G series.

[@sydsM3]

Indeed… As I recall the G series’s has an analogue RCA input connection only I believe, with several dip switches in the back of the speakers for basic room correction based on speaker placement. The SAM pro monitor series with the GLM software takes the room correction equation to a whole other level, probably up there with the best of them in my humble opinion.

[@johnwright8814]

Very surprised that you reviewed these - more surprised that you liked them.I have non-SAM Genelecs with their sub, and I consider them end-game, especially with my RME interface.The Hi-Fi world is now - just inferior.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

How come you are surprised I reviewed them and that I liked them too John?