Genelec 8351AFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 9 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment56%
PROS 56%
CONS 44%

Rank based on 9 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want studio monitor sound quality that reportedly rivals pricier alternatives
  • You value strong imaging and soundstage, comparable to premium headphone setups
  • You appreciate coaxial driver technology for accurate sound reproduction

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You can't place them at proper ear height for correct listening
  • Your room has poor acoustics or excessive reverberation you haven't treated
  • You need wide dispersion for a flexible or informal listening area

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
GLM calibration softwareStrong subwoofer synergyExceptional detail and accuracyHigh priceLow-frequency nulls and room interaction issuesRear porting limits placement
GLM calibration software
Strong subwoofer synergy
Exceptional detail and accuracy
High price
Low-frequency nulls and room interaction issues
Rear porting limits placement
2Mid
Excellent sound quality for the sizeSurprising low end for a small driverAttractive build and controlsPrice seen as high for the sizeWeak bass without a subwooferLogo and knob placement disliked
Excellent sound quality for the size
Surprising low end for a small driver
Attractive build and controls
Price seen as high for the size
Weak bass without a subwoofer
Logo and knob placement disliked
3Premium
Effective GLM calibration ecosystemPrecise time-aligned imagingImproved clarity via digital AES connectionBoominess near desks or wallsHighs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivalsQuestionable value versus price for some buyers
Effective GLM calibration ecosystem
Precise time-aligned imaging
Improved clarity via digital AES connection
Boominess near desks or walls
Highs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivals
Questionable value versus price for some buyers
4Mid
Major upgrade from previous speakersSonarworks DSP integrationBalanced, neutral sound signatureSelf-noise and electrical interference concernsBuild/material downgrade concerns versus A7XMissing TRS input option
Major upgrade from previous speakers
Sonarworks DSP integration
Balanced, neutral sound signature
Self-noise and electrical interference concerns
Build/material downgrade concerns versus A7X
Missing TRS input option
5Mid
Premium Look & Collector AppealGood Fit for Small RoomsLong-Term Brand TrustLess Detail Than RivalsMuddy Sound at Price PointSome Users Switch Away
Premium Look & Collector Appeal
Good Fit for Small Rooms
Long-Term Brand Trust
Less Detail Than Rivals
Muddy Sound at Price Point
Some Users Switch Away
6Mid
Strong bass extension for the size
Strong bass extension for the size
7Premium
Well-designed internal amplificationLong-term reliabilityAccurate, detailed soundLimited bass extensionSlight tonal colorationHigh price for the size
Well-designed internal amplification
Long-term reliability
Accurate, detailed sound
Limited bass extension
Slight tonal coloration
High price for the size
8Mid
Flat, accurate sound for mixingBi-amplified active designCutoff filter improves mix translationCan cause listening fatiguePrice a stretch for tight budgets
Flat, accurate sound for mixing
Bi-amplified active design
Cutoff filter improves mix translation
Can cause listening fatigue
Price a stretch for tight budgets
9Premium
Neutral, accurate soundExcellent imaging and soundstageGLM room calibration effectivenessHigh price for the categoryCan sound overly clinicalPerceived lack of warmth or bass texture
Neutral, accurate sound
Excellent imaging and soundstage
GLM room calibration effectiveness
High price for the category
Can sound overly clinical
Perceived lack of warmth or bass texture
10Budget
Clear, detailed sound
Clear, detailed sound
You are here
31Premium
Genelec 8351A
Excellent Sound QualityCoaxial Driver DesignImpressive Soundstage and ImagingImproper Ear-Height PlacementNarrow Dispersion Requires Careful SetupSensitive to Room Acoustics
Genelec 8351A
Excellent Sound Quality
Coaxial Driver Design
Impressive Soundstage and Imaging
Improper Ear-Height Placement
Narrow Dispersion Requires Careful Setup
Sensitive to Room Acoustics

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality draws strong praise from listeners. Commenters repeatedly highlight the impressive sound quality of the 8351A, with one stating it beats speakers costing twice as much. Another likened the sound to HD800S headphones 'on a ton of steroids,' citing amazing soundstage and imaging with notably better bass. A separate commenter credited the coaxial driver for superb quality, suggesting the design itself is a major contributor to the positive sonic impression across different listening contexts.

Placement and ear-height positioning are recurring concerns. Multiple commenters criticized how the speakers were positioned in demo footage, noting they were too low and not at ear height as they should be. One suggested testing a surround setup with proper height placement. Another asked why the speakers weren't near ear line, pointing out that limited dispersion makes correct positioning especially important for the 8351A to perform as intended.

Room acoustics can undermine the speakers' potential. One commenter lamented that the 'beautiful loudspeakers' were let down by bad room acoustics, describing reverberation as excessive, and also suggested the speakers should be turned toward the listening position. This feedback suggests that while the 8351A itself is well regarded, achieving its best performance depends heavily on proper room treatment and speaker orientation, which wasn't always demonstrated well in videos featuring the product.

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