Overview

Genelec’s 7382a is a large SAM studio subwoofer for systems that need serious low-frequency headroom. The current product page positions it as Genelec’s most powerful subwoofer to date, with GLM calibration, analog and AES/EBU interfacing, and a 15 Hz low cutoff for professional monitoring setups [1].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.8}\]

Metric	Value	Source
Frequency response	15 Hz-100 Hz (-6 dB)	[1]
Harmonic distortion	30…85 Hz, 2nd <=1%	[1]
Peak SPL	>=133 dB	[1]

Manufacturer specifications list the frequency response, harmonic distortion, and peak SPL above [1]. The frequency response reaches 15 Hz-100 Hz at -6 dB. The lower limit of human hearing is roughly 20 Hz, so extension to 15 Hz fully covers the audible bass band and is completely transparent bandwidth. From 30 Hz to 85 Hz, second-harmonic distortion is capped at 1% or below; at these very low frequencies, harmonic components near this level sit close to the audibility threshold and are difficult to separate from the fundamental at normal monitoring levels, so distortion in this band is also transparent. No independent measurements have been published, so only the overall score is set one step below the transparent level indicated by the manufacturer data.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

The product is built around a proprietary GLM control network, active crossovers, distributed bass management, ISS power management, and a calibrated remote amplifier module [1]. That is not novel by 2026, but it is a coherent and user-facing system architecture, so the score sits above average without claiming cutting-edge novelty.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{1.0}\]

CP = 1.0 (no cheaper equivalent-or-better product exists)

Comparison product: N/A.

Candidate	Frequency response	Harmonic distortion	Verdict
Genelec 7360A	19 Hz-150 Hz (-6 dB) [3]	30…85 Hz, 2nd <=3% [3]	Not equivalent-or-better
Genelec 7370A	19 Hz-150 Hz (-6 dB) [4]	30…85 Hz, 2nd <=3% [4]	Not equivalent-or-better
Genelec 7380A	16 Hz-100 Hz (-6 dB) [5]	30…85 Hz, 2nd <=1% [5]	Not equivalent-or-better

The 7382a lists 15 Hz-100 Hz (-6 dB) and 30…85 Hz, 2nd <=1% [1]. The alternative Genelec SAM subwoofers above do not match that bandwidth and distortion combination, so no equivalent-or-better option was confirmed in the reviewed set [1][3][4][5].

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

Genelec lists 2 years parts-and-labour coverage, extendable to 5 years with free registration [1]. The product is an active system that depends on manufacturer service and calibration support rather than user repair, and product-specific failure-rate data are not public [1].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

The design budget is concentrated on measurable low-frequency output, bandwidth, harmonic control, GLM calibration, bass management, and protection circuitry [1]. That allocation is rational for a large studio subwoofer because each major feature affects setup accuracy or system behavior directly. The product is therefore engineered around utility and control rather than decorative or speculative features [1].

Advice

Choose the 7382a only when the room needs 15 Hz-100 Hz bandwidth and GLM-based integration in a large monitoring setup [1]. At 16,195 USD [2], it is a specialist component; if the room needs less headroom, the 7360A, 7370A, or 7380A are the practical alternatives because their published frequency response and harmonic distortion figures do not match the 7382a’s combination [1][3][4][5].

References

[1] Genelec - “7382A SAM Studio Subwoofer” - https://www.genelec.com/7382a - accessed 2026-05-25 - Frequency response 15 Hz-100 Hz (-6 dB); harmonic distortion 30…85 Hz, 2nd <=1%; peak SPL >=133 dB; warranty 2 years parts-and-labour, extendable to 5 years with free registration.

[2] Sweetwater - “Genelec 7382A 3 x 15-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer” - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/7382A–genelec-7382a-3-by-15-inch-powered-studio-subwoofer - accessed 2026-05-25 - Current price 16,195.00 USD; special order status.

[3] Genelec - “7360A SAM Studio Subwoofer” - https://www.genelec.com/7360a - accessed 2026-05-25 - Frequency response 19 Hz-150 Hz (-6 dB); harmonic distortion 30…85 Hz, 2nd <=3%.

[4] Genelec - “7370A SAM Studio Subwoofer” - https://www.genelec.com/7370a - accessed 2026-05-25 - Frequency response 19 Hz-150 Hz (-6 dB); harmonic distortion 30…85 Hz, 2nd <=3%.

[5] Genelec - “7380A SAM Studio Subwoofer” - https://www.genelec.com/7380a - accessed 2026-05-25 - Frequency response 16 Hz-100 Hz (-6 dB); harmonic distortion 30…85 Hz, 2nd <=1%.

(2026.5.25)