We’ve been getting a new round of Genelec monitors through our doors here at Sonic Sense the last couple weeks and have been using the occasion to do some new rounds of test driving too!
First drive: A shootout between the old Genelec 1030a monitors, and the newer 8040a model. Both of these speakers use the same size 6.5″ drivers and 1″ tweeters making them a good model to model comparison. Our local Genelec rep brought in his limited addition Champagne colored 8040 pair while Marc brought his well broken in 1030s. For a clean signal chain, we used FLAC audio files streaming to a Benchmark DAC1 USB and out directly to the monitors.
Our tests weren’t done in a very formal fashion, but there were some fairly clear opinions that we all got out of them. No matter what the genre of music we through at them, both speakers seemed to exhibit consistent traits. Here’s some of what we heard:
- Genelec monitors are known for their punchy, well defined low frequency response, and while the older 1030s showed this trait, it was even more pronounced in the newer 8040s. We all agreed the 8040 had deeper bass extension (lower frequencies it could produce) with a bit better control, or “clearer” bass overall.
- In the high mid range the 1030a seemed somewhat aggressive or forward sounding. This made for an enjoyable listen with some genres such as metal, but felt somewhat hyped and not totally accurate to the music. The 8040a on the other hand was more delicate in this range sounding truer to the music. This may in part be due to the new shape and materials used in the 8000 series speakers. While the old monitors used a wooden cabinet with hard corners, the new monitors casing is machined in metal and have rounded corners to eliminate cabinet resonance.
- Both speakers showed an extended high end and “air” to them that is also often associated with Genelec monitors. Overall I’d say that Genelec has done a great job in moving its product forward from the 1030a to the 8040a.
On a side note, technically the 8040 used in this shootout was the 8240a model (which has DSP). We just disabled the DSP in order to make it a more fair comparison, there by effectivly becoming an 8040a. Our Genelec Representative CJ Lewis explained some of the processing the DSP does and how it can work wonders. We’re excited to put it to the test at some point soon to see how it affects the monitor’s response, especially in a room with poor acoustics! Write us a comment if there is any specific test you’d like to see us do with the DSP.
A couple days later we tested the 8030a vs the Neumann KH 120. I (as well as most people) would consider these both to be exceptional monitors, but there were actually noticeable differences between them.
Again using FLAC audio files and a Benchmark DAC as our signal chain before the monitors, we listened, switching abck and forth between them. The 8030a sounded just about exactly the same as the Champaign 8240a’s above, but with just slightly less bass extension, which of course should be expected since it uses a smaller 5″ driver. The Neumann monitor also uses a 5″ driver and is about the same size as the Genelec as you can see from the pic below.
As you can see both monitors use metal cabinets, have rounded edges, similarly sized & styled tweeter wave guides, and have protection grills for each driver. But enough about their physical qualities, lets move on to how they sound.
Again, while I think both of these monitors are top notch, there were some noticeable differences between them. While listening to Lyle Lovett’s “She’s already made up her mind” on the 8030a, Lyle’s voice had a very rich low mid range, and brilliant highs, in line with what we heard with the 8040′s. The KH 120′s on the other had seemed more flat, and true to the music, with slightly better transients response and clarity. The very low end of the music seemed a bit stronger in the Genelec as well, while the Neumann once more seemed a truer representation of the music. Some of my colleagues said that they really enjoyed listening to the slightly hyped sound of the Genelec, and preferred to listen to music on them, but would probably pick the Neumann KH 120 if they were going for accuracy and using the monitors in a mixing environment. On the other hand, if you are mixing 5.1 for film, or rap music, you may be better off monitoring with the 8030a’s as their tonal qualities probably closer match that of the playback systems your listeners will be using (like a home theater or bass heavy stereo).
In my personal opinion, I much prefered the Neumann KH 120′s. They seemed very true, detailed & delicate, have an extended frequency response both on the low and high end of the spectrum; they have a tonal quality I just felt was enveloping. But that was not the consensus among everyone in the room. I think when you get to this caliber on monitor, its worth taking a listen yourself and choosing what seems best for your own ear. After all, while audio has its strong scientific foundations in physics, our perceptions are subjective, and rarely come to a complete consensus. So if you’re in the Denver area, stop by for a listen between the two. In fact, bring your current monitors and we’ll stack them up against these beasts!
Happy Listening!
Preston Smits
