Overview

The Genelec 8010A is a compact 3-inch bi-amplified active studio monitor designed for near-field monitoring in space-constrained environments. It employs dual 25 W Class-D amplifiers for a 3-inch woofer and 0.75-inch metal-dome tweeter in an aluminum die-cast enclosure, and uses Genelec’s Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) with simple room-response switches [1][2].

Scientific Validity

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Objectively, the 8010A’s manufacturer-published response is 74 Hz–20 kHz (±2.5 dB) with low-frequency extension to 67 Hz at −6 dB and a maximum short-term SPL of 96 dB at 1 m (per pair) [1]. Independent Klippel NFS–based data aggregated from ASR yields a predicted preference score of 5.08 (and 7.99 with a subwoofer) and places the −3 dB/−6 dB points around 77.6 Hz / 71.8 Hz, confirming limited bass headroom typical for this size [3]. Within its intended near-field use the midband linearity is decent, but extension/output constraints prevent transparency at higher levels.

Technology Level

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The design shows mature engineering for a micro monitor: DCW directivity control, rigid die-cast MDE enclosure, protection/ISS auto-standby, and per-driver amplification. Layout and acoustic shaping are at an in-house, pro-grade level [1][2].

Cost-Performance

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Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better): JBL 305P MkII. Rationale (minimum equivalence note): active 5-inch two-way with broader usable bandwidth and competent directivity; third-party Klippel NFS tests show generally flat on-axis response, good radiation behavior, and output limited only by DSP above ~96 dB—overall equal-or-better for near-field fidelity metrics [6].

• Target price (denominator): 395 USD each → 790 USD/pair [4].
• Cheapest equal-or-better price (numerator): 159 USD each → 318 USD/pair [5][11].

CP calculation: 318 ÷ 790 = 0.40 → score 0.4.

Reliability & Support

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Baseline warranty is 2 years worldwide, with a 5-year total warranty available via registration (parts and labour since 2023) [7][8]. Genelec’s long serviceability record and global distributor network support the durability implied by the aluminum enclosure.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing portability and controlled directivity in a palm-sized form is coherent. However, unavoidable 3-inch limits on LF extension and max SPL cap scientific performance; pricing does not disrupt the market on transparency metrics.

Advice

Choose the 8010A when ultra-small footprint, rugged build, and controlled directivity at desk distance are must-haves. For neutral work at typical 1 m distances and moderate levels, it functions well; for higher output or deeper bass, factor a subwoofer or step up in size. Budget-constrained buyers focused purely on measured fidelity should consider larger 5-inch options like the 305P MkII instead [6].

References

[1] Genelec, “8010A Studio Monitor” (specs & features), https://www.genelec.com/8010a , accessed 2025-08-23.
[2] Genelec, 8010A Operating Manual (specs, switches, warranty note), https://assets.ctfassets.net/4zjnzn055a4v/6swU8bYcg0YW4qGqCSq6Yc/fe3d79a7e3a1a2a602d6d852d0d5aead/8010a_opman.pdf , accessed 2025-08-23.
[3] Spinorama.org, “Measurements for speaker Genelec 8010A (origin: ASR / Klippel NFS)” (preference score & LF points), https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/Genelec%208010A/ASR/index_asr.html , accessed 2025-08-23.
[4] Sweetwater, “Genelec 8010A 3-inch Powered Studio Monitor,” 395 USD each, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/8010A–genelec-8010a-3-inch-powered-studio-monitor , accessed 2025-08-23.
[5] Sweetwater, “JBL 305P MkII 5-inch Powered Studio Monitor Pair,” 318 USD/pair (159 USD each), https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR305mk2pr–jbl-305p-mkii-5-inch-powered-studio-monitors-pair , accessed 2025-08-23.
[6] Erin’s Audio Corner, “JBL 305P MkII – Powered Two-Way Studio Monitor Review” (Klippel NFS, distortion/output notes), https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/jbl_305pmk2/ , accessed 2025-08-23.
[7] Genelec, “Genelec elevates customer experience with 5 year warranty,” https://www.genelec.com/-/news/genelec-elevates-customer-experience-with-5-year-warranty , accessed 2025-08-23.
[8] Genelec, “Product Warranty & Customer Service,” https://www.genelec.com/product-warranty-lifetime , accessed 2025-08-23.

(2025.8.24)