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Genelec 8331a Review - An Audiophiles take
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2024
- I spent a few days with the Genelec 8331a studio monitor and here are my thoughts.
Let me know what your favorite studio monitor or desktop speaker is in the comments!
Music by: Notaker
Song: Believe - Notaker
notakermusic.com
/ notakermusic
/ notakermusic
time stamps:
Lets take a look: 0:24
GLM technology: 4:15
Imaging and soundstage 6:36
Soiund impressions 8:17
This was an excellent analysis of these Genelecs. As a producer I've worked with the ubiquitous (and horrible-sounding) Yamaha NS-10's, Yamaha HS7's (meh!) and Focal CMS65's (my faves) in tracking and mixing. You hit on it that proper monitor speakers are supposed to sound unflattering, but have good sound staging and excellent transient response. Most of the tough work in mixing is in sorting out the many instruments and vocals crowding in the 150~5K frequency range. Low bass frequencies (below 150 hz) can usually be sorted out using a good, properly phase-aligned sub, but we only use the sub when that is the portion of the mix that needs attention because low bass frequencies can mask details in the lower midrange. When mixing you want clarity to almost a clinical state, which is why most near fields have a bit of lift in the upper midrange and a touch of scoop in the lower midrange. If it sounds "too sweet" on your near fields, then you have done something wrong in the mix and you will be passing on flaws to mastering that might not be correctable. Now with mastering, those cats do use audiophile speakers in their setups and you might want to research this area for more insight into what they prefer to use. Again, good job!
thankyou for the kind words and very well said about everything yourself!
One sub is always sub-optimal (pun intended) unless you have a very heavily treated room. Most don't have a meter worth of stuffing on all surfaces... By using 3 subs in the room, group delay and standing waves can be negated almost totally with proper positioning of the subs (they must be spread around the room preferably to calculated locations) but even random placement is most of the time better than just one sub as long as you don't just stack them in the same spot. Read Dr. Geddes's findings on it if interested...
You should get yourself a you tube channel. I mix on vxt 6s the reason why I chose them over Adam's because Adam's sounded too good. VXTs to get them sounding right means the frequency responses would have to be right. That's how I know a good mix translates. Not the box sounding great but everything in its proper place. When it's right my speakers sound like I'm in a concert.
What speaker you recommend under 400?
Great speakers, I bought these beauties in white. My work-from-home-/computerroom is quite small and acoustically imperfect even with absorbers. Now I can enjoy the "stage" sound even at a small listening distance of only 1,5m. The stereo panorama and tight bass are just incredible for the size. Sound level accuracy is 0db at 34 hz and -3 at 32 hz in my room according to GLM, between 40-60 hz GLM even has to compensate with a -4 to -8 db filter, so there is definetly plenty even below 50 hz. Before ordering I was hesitating if the 8341s would be the better solution. Well at least if you plan using them as nearfields I guess not. While listening at 80-90 db I typically set the volume somewhere between -45 and -40. You should either place the speakers close to a wall or far away to avoid bass cancellations.
I have to agree with you though that these speakers will show in all honesty if a record was done well or not. Bad recordings really do sound bad on them because you instantly notice the full potential is not used. But I don't see that as a disadvantage as on the other hand good recordings blow me away everytime.
You would have struggled to do any better! Glad you are enjoying them
What you just described, is every reason why people should use these in small home studio’s. They’re perfect. If your recording is shit, it’s shit. If it sounds good on them, it will sound good on most things.
One of the main reasons Yamaha NS-10’s are found in most studio’s, is because of how ‘revealing’ they are. They don’t sound good imo, but they are great for the job. These seem like ‘new age’ NS-10’s, except backwards.
In depth review, keep it up
The mids are not tilted up, the whole frequency range is neutral that's the design goal of monitors and these are £3.5K they are some of the best monitors manufactured today. If the mods are tilted up it's your ears or your room not these speakers.
Also they go down to 35hz I'm tested it using a tone sweep on here.
Great review, in depth and explained well, nice work bro
Thank you for this review, probably the best subjective review that I've ever watched. There's a saying : if you don't like Genelec, the problem is with your ears, not the Genelec. And that's perfectly fine, nothing wrong with it at all. Many people like a little color with their sound, the same way many like a little salt and pepper with their food. But for true sound reproduction, go with Genelec. It's a true What You Hear Is What You Get speaker. Again, thank you!
Thanks so much for the kind words Steven.
I continuously play devils advocate with myself which I guess helps with subjectivity in reviews.
Hope now I am back I can make new videos you enjoy equally as much
Genelec makes a very neutral, dependable product. A quality firm that supports their products for a long time. Their larger models have been disappearing from the market, probably due to most people doing home studios now.
Great review!
The 'best' active speakers I've heard for musical enjoyment are the Focal Shape 65'.
Would love to see a review on those :)
Ah-ha! I thought my friend had a smaller version than these but as you say, smallest in the series... her synth setup must be a lot bigger than I thought :D
Loved the new dynamic camera work man - really nice to see things up close.
thanks Dan, I gotta get a lot more stable with it.
Really appreciate the feedback and support as always!!!!
My favourite desktop speaker, the one I use daily for most of my listening at home, is KEF LSX I. The Genelec GLM looks very interesting. My KEFs didn't come with anything like that! Thay have basic non-techie DSP, where you indicate where the speaker is in the room, if the room is active, etc. This got them sounding great for me, subjectively. But GM sounds like a much more exact solution. Can you buy anything that does the same job with KEFs or other speakers?
I listen a lot to BBC Radio 3, BBC TV, Spotify Premium, and other "not highest quality" streams. Is the Genelec likely to sound unforgiving with these sources? Less forgiving than the KEF LSX (which, I think, is quite forgiving...)?
almost at 10k views congrats man
Thankyou :)
thankyou!!!
It is possible to adjust the frequency in the way you want manually or via GLM. So the reviewer should not have criticized his frequency curve with the settings changed by the software.
ok, so the choice is to get a neutral correct sounding box and add character or diversions if wanted or needed, or then, get a premixed fixed coloration and try to fix it, or live with the tint.
Great review. I agree 83XX series is flat and clean sounding. However, for my ears the bass sounded too boxy and and lacking in texture.
you could add the missing range in the GLM software no problem
Seen measurements, these genelecs are ruler flat, especially when using the glm hardware to calibrate them and take the room out of the equation, then you really can hear what they can do.
Well done review thanks
thankyou :)
thank you for this comprehensive review. they are so expansive, but maybe worth it. I might upgrade for these, i have Genelec 8030A at the moment for more than 10 years!
OH wow,
Well you will for sure be making a substantial upgrade!
I don't know about your current 8030 version but from what I've heard, the 8331 is only a marginal upgrade over the 8030, especially if you're already using room correction.
Thanks for your review! I agree with what you say; these won’t sound pleasant for listening as they are just so flat in their response but they will give you a true, unbiased sound. I think I would have a hard time adjusting to them because I always look for some coloration in speakers haha!
Think of coloration as looking through a green tinted window... You actually see more colors once you remove the coloration and make sure it's a clean window. I think you'd be surprised.
Really enjoyed this review, thank you! I've been trying to pull the trigger on a desktop setup for a while, listening not production. I listen to mainly electronic music (experimental, IDM, techno, ambient), but also acoustic, rock, piano music.... I'm so torn between something like these (or the PMC's ATC's, Nuemann) and the Harbeth p3esr XD, do you think the Harbeth are not fast enough, or detailed enough for electronic music? Do you have any other recommendations for a near-field setup? Budget sub $5k...
I wouldn't discount the new LS50 wireless 2 (meta), they can be had for a bargain and I think you can pair them with the sub all for within $5k.
P3esr XD is probably my favourite desktop speaker however I love live recordings, acoustic, jazz etc.
Also I listen to a lot of music that sounds a bit terrible on speakers that are too critical eg: Mac Demarco, Tame Impala
So I also like something that isn't going to make that all sound terrible
@@BelieveHiFi Thanks for the comment. I went with P3esr XD, Chordqutest into a Naim SuperUniti + JLd108 sub - couldnt be happier 9 months in!
I recently purchased a pair of Harbeth P3ESR for desktop purposes, after having tried out several studio monitors (Adam A5x, HEDD type 05). The Harbeths are as you say (also in your other video) a completely different experience, more laid back a very suited to vocals and smaller ensembles. Although the dynamics of the studio monitors were attractive in the beginning I now like the more laid back and enjoyment of the Harbeths. I am still struggling a bit with source components. Currently using a Burson conductor Dac and Vista Spark. Somehow this results in too much sharpness or edginess still in upper mid range / female vocals. So I am looking also at the Heed Abacus and Elixir combo for a next step, which is actually the combo that Sean of ZeroFidelity liked best with his P3s. Do you have any suggestions in this respect? And are you still planning on making a separate video on the P3? I also have a Rel T5i on its way to further extend the lows :)! Nice to have found this channel, hope you enjoy Malta and can share some more experiences. Great content so far, so keep up the good work and happy holidays :)!
Thankyou for the kind and in depth comment!
I found my Harbeths were edgy when I didnt supply them with enough good quality power just as a side note. I had a rotel A10 that I was demoing as a budget option and with that amp they sounded edgy and spikey.
Welcome to the channel Gerard
@@BelieveHiFi I can buy an almost new Heed Elixer for a good price, so will give that one a try. Rel t5i came in a few days ago and made a profound change to the Harbeths. It is very easy to integrate and fills out the bass nicely, it disappears just like the speakers. Perfect for desktop. Also upgrading my RCA cables to Oyaide Neo D+ Class A, had a big impact. The Harbeths are very revealing to the source equipment, and at the same time also forgiving enough to source material.
RE: the mids 150- 300 Hz shallowness, thin vocal, could you not simply adjust the DSP curve (for HiFi comfort listening)? Would that fix it?
Yeah it's a possibility, I didn't experiment too much to be honest. I find with EQ I go down a rabbit hole spending days upon days making small tweaks and can go in circles a bit hahaha
excellent video mate :)
thankyou :)
would they be good for enjoyment when it comes to daily listening if I mainly listen to edm
Umm yeah actually I think they are FANTASTIC for EDM especially if you add a sub
Hey, You mentioned some PMC monitors you liked for drum reproduction. Were those the PMC Result 6?
No I actually was referring to the other models which were slightly more expensive, but still in the near field category, I can't remember the names but I think they have been discontinued and replaced.
Is the coaxial design worth it? They're studio monitors mate, they require a balanced input, and XLR is extremely common. Plus it's worth pointing out the XLR input doubles as a digital XLR (AES?) input.
In comparing these with the non-coaxial genelecs I would say definitely. The imaging is miles better and the coherence to the sound is much improved. There is also less of that harshness in the upper mids that I typically dont enjoy with genelec for music listening enjoyment
Coaxial design in terms of all cones and sound coming out of a singe point
Thank you for sharing your subjective impressions. I’ve been looking to buy a pair of larger Genelec’s for my main system. Either a 40 or 50 size. But I’m hesitant about the coax design... Especially because in my system they’d be at 3 meters from my ears... Did you have a chance to compare them to the 83X0 2 way Genelec monitors when you were demoing the 8331? I’ve been looking at the 8350.
I compared them to the traditional 2-way for about an hour in the past and I found them to be less fatiguing and upward sloping. Also they image better for sure
I have the 8351a’s for home listening. The stereo image sweet spot is huuuuuge. I have them paired up with the 7370 sub and use the GLM for room correction. I love these speakers.
bondi5000 I just bit the bullet and ordered a pair of 8351B’s... I’m looking forward to having these babies making music in my home! :-D
Turbulence3000 you are going to be in heaven - the 8351b’s take things to another level from what I’ve read. Enjoy!!!
@@sphaera3809 those are some of the best nearfields I’ve ever heard.. what are your thoughts?
Do these 8331 speakers go loud enough for enjoying music at 3-4 meters listening distance?
How do they compare to Focal Trio 6? Or Adam S3V?
Umm these are probably smaller than what I would want for that distance to be honest. You would probably want to go with the bigger ones..
The other 2 will be better for 3-4 meters. Of those 2 I prefer the Focal
You'd be looking at 98 db peak and 93 db RMS at 3m. www.genelec.com/correct-monitors
I have the 8330 a and those sound good very! At near field. I have the 8341 and it’s loud enough for 6 or 8 mts the 8340 is very loud too.
They get loud enough to hurt at 3-4 meters
Are the Kef ls50 & Genelec at all comparable? Even as a speaker type? I'm curious about this because I do not see the Kef compared apples to apples. And I do not know. Maybe a ridiculous question
Umm well, they are aimed at different audiences and are at significantly different price points HOWEVER, both are coaxial and can be found in similar sizes.
If its not for professional use and just for desktop enjoyment the new LS50 meta or active wireless model at its much lower price point would be my pick...
Can glm work with a single monitor?
Thank you!
no, thank you :)
nice! keep it going
Thanks, you too!
Hello ! Good content ! Keep up the great work !
If you could answer a question for me - what amp matches great with Harbeth P3Esr ? Up to 3K
do you have them in near field listening? How loud do you play music? How large is your room?
@@BelieveHiFi Medium size room. Most of the time I’m approx 6 feet away, sometimes really close, like 2 feet away. Medium listing levels. Jazz, classical, pop music. Thanks
Favorite studio monitor is the grandfather of these: Genelec 8260.
Workhorses all of them!
Would these be a nice upgrade from HS8s?
I believe so!
I see that it comes with a class D amplifier. Obviously at the price point it is a higher end class D amp with absolutely no hum or hiss?
class D has come very very far even in my short 12 years in the HiFi/ audio world
Want fuller sound? Purchase a 51 or 61!
Same impressions here, had these speakers for several days in comparison to my KH310. To much upper mid presence and lack of warmth imho, I was checking the audio material while listening. The analyzer didn't show the same amount of high mids while the Neumann kh310 was more realistic in this term. Besides that the 8331 has crazy fast transients and perfect imaging. You should try the Geithain RL range for coaxial design and warmer sounding.
appreciate the comment, I will try get my hands on them for sure!
Did you treat your room? Absorbers, diffusors, bass traps? If not then this would be something where you can improve your listening experience a lot. And that doesn't even have to be too expensive, even if you buy ready made products. Alternatively, DIY for these isn't that complicated, either. You'll find a lot about that on youtube.
In the room I tested on I used a bunch of DIY and makeshift accoustic treatment as I have just moved to malta and had sold a lot of my gear at the time.
Moving forward I can share my listening room once I am set up over here properly
@@BelieveHiFi I think this is something that most people in Hifi (and new music producers) overlook.
Critique: you should ALWAYS convey the manufacturer's specifications for equipment reviews. Otherwise, a very good and thorough review. Thanks!
Yes I think about doing this, however I always feel if someone wants to know then they can read on the manufacturers page.
I will consider it
@@BelieveHiFi that's like reviewing food and not talking about how it tastes! Be serious please!
@@beautifulcaramelman be serious? lmao relax
I was going into this video what the fuck would this guy know...
Then I saw his ears.
they should use better dac. 44.1khz sampling? come on.
speakers are not y bag keep killing it though brother
Thankyou Alain!
I spy a Curious USB cable
yes sir. I think I like it but im also unsure if its coloring the sound with artificial richness...
I am about to do some testing, but so far I am a fan.
In depth review. Try maybe to keep it 10-15 min max.
I added some timestamps maybe that will help :)
An audiophile’s MIStake. There is no such thing as a principal difference between a studio monitor and an “audiophile” speaker. Once you’ve learned how a speaker should really sound, that is to say neutral, like e.g. Genelec’s The Ones, then you’ll be realising how biased you’ve always been, and how flawed so many speakers actually are. And from that moment on there’s no way back.
The reason you thing the mids are pronounced are because youre listening to inaccurate consumer speakers with low end and treble emphasis being standard. They are +/- 1.5 dB from lowest to highest reproduceable range. They are what the music actually sounds like. What youve heard previously is not accurate. Music producer of 20years here and audiophile who used to design systems up to $100'000 per pair
*think
My Eve Audios are more amazinggg 😒
Your logo is vulgar.
And your comment is worse.
thanks legend, keep the positive vibes coming