Genelec 8010A vs JBL One Series 104: Comprehensive Speaker Comparison 2024 Guide

You're ready to make a big purchase, but you're having trouble deciding between these two powerhouses, the Genelec 8010A and the JBL One Series 104.

Trust me, I know how difficult that decision is… especially if you have no plans on whipping out that dreaded return postage label!

You know how the saying goes, buy right, buy once! Or something like that…

Either way, I've got you covered!

I've broken down the good, the bad and the ugly of these babies, so providing you have a clear idea of exactly what you plan on doing with it, you will have a clear idea on which one is best for you, by the end of this article.

Let get into it…

At A Glance:

 

Genelec 8010A

 

Genelec 8010A Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Sound brilliant with great top end clarity and surprising warmth mid/low.
  • Small size and integrated isolation/tilt mount allows for easy placement.
  • Extremely well balanced and non-fatiguing to the ear.
  • Can get quite loud, retaining clarity at any volume.
  • Excellent build quality, rugged and portable.
  • Switchable input auto sensing feature.
  • Offers clear highs and nice sound-stage/imaging.
  • Exceeds realistic expectations for bass.
• Cons:
  • Only has XLR inputs, which requires some cable adapter juggling for some devices.
  • Not designed for casual listening.
  • Mids are not as smooth as other models.
  • Not suitable for those who are not familiar with audio interfaces and EQ.
  • Very weak bass, making it difficult to get decent or comparable mixes.
  • Did not live up to expectation for a small home studio monitor system.

JBL One Series 104

JBL One Series 104 Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Designed for optimum performance at arms length from the listening position.
  • Good as an entry level first set of reference speakers for home recording/production studio environment.
  • Do a credible job reproducing digital masters.
  • Perform well when tested using commercial HD evaluation recordings.
  • Accurate in reproducing sound.
  • Well worth the price.
  • Lower midrange/midbass is quick and punchy.
  • Imaging is fantastic.
  • They are balanced and sound best for their price.
  • More refined and less ear fatiguing.
  • Excellent for the price point.
• Cons:
  • Bit bottom heavy centered around 100Hz.
  • Mixes and masters made using the speakers may tend to be a bit light in the upper bass in some instances.
  • Top end is very peaky. Some female vocals and guitars don't sound good.
  • Midrange is extremely thin.
  • Low end is nonexistent.
  • Distort easily, not suitable for larger rooms.
  • Not a ton of fun to listen to due to lack of dynamics, no bass, thin midrange, and peaky top end.
  • Midrange could use a boost.
  • Not as loud as expected.
  • Doesn't have the spacious soundstage expected.
  • Unstable shape, easy to knock over.
  • Power cord doesn't fit tightly.
  • Doesn't sound like 60 watts.
  • Too quiet for 60-watt amplifiers.

Key Differences Between The Genelec 8010A And The JBL One Series 104

The main differences between Genelec 8010A and JBL One Series 104 are centered around their unique features, sound performance, and functionality. These distinctions can play a significant role when choosing between the two models.

Genelec 8010A, renowned in the Genelec 8000 series, is recognized for its true reference performance and extended frequency response. This provides excellent sound quality and durability. The key features of Genelec 8010A include:

• A bi-amplified design that ensures more undistorted sound pressure levels.
• A balanced XLR input.
• A three-inch woofer and a three-quarter-inch tweeter.
• The inclusion of two efficient Class D power amplifiers.

Conversely, the JBL One Series 104 delivers top-tier performance given its price point and size. It distinguishes itself as an excellent choice for home recording or podcasting due to its impressive audio results. The distinguishing elements of JBL One Series 104 include:

• A rear-ported design for improved low-frequency response.
• The added flexibility courtesy of Bluetooth connectivity.

Your choice between these models could depend on your specific needs as well as your budget. If portability or Bluetooth connectivity is crucial to you then the JBL One Series 104 may be more suitable; if your priority lies with reference performance in an extremely compact package, then the Genelec 8010A might be your best option.

It's important to listen to both sets of monitors in person before making a decision because individual listening preferences can significantly influence speaker choice. Consideration should also be given if planning future upgrades from your current speakers: larger models like Genelecs' esteemed8040 series offer enhanced sound provision according to reviews but come at a higher price point.

Specifications	Genelec 8010A	JBL One Series 104
General Size	Near-field	Compatible with most desktop and laptop computers
System type	Active	Active
Configuration	2-way	2-way
Low-frequency driver	3″	Coaxial 4.5-Inch (118 mm)
High-frequency driver	3/4″	0.75-Inch (19 mm) soft-dome
Frequency response	67Hz – 25kHz	Information not available
Max peak SPL	96 dB	Information not available
Amplifier class	Information not available	Integrated 60-watt Class D power amplifier; 30 watts distributed to each speaker
Output power	25W	60W
Input connectors	XLR	2x 1/4-inch balanced; 2x RCA; 1x 1/8-inch unbalanced
Standby mode	Yes (Genelec Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) circuitry)	Information not available
Additional Features	Perfect for project studios or for professional sound engineers on the move. Several mounting accessories available.	Acoustically optimized for desktop Placement. Smart features include front-panel volume control and headphone jack with speaker mute feature. Purchase includes: 1x extension monitor speaker wire (2-Conductor, 2 meters); 1x 1/8-inch (3. 5 mm) to RCA audio cable; 1x AC power cable; 1x quick setup guide.

What You Need To Know About Genelec 8010A

The Genelec 8010A is a compact and versatile studio monitor that offers exceptional sound quality for your projects. It's perfect for both project studios and professional sound engineers who need to move around frequently thanks to its small size and universal mains input voltage.

With a balanced XLR input, a 3-inch woofer, 3/4-inch tweeter, and two efficient Class D power amplifiers, the Genelec 8010A generates more undistorted sound pressure level than you might first expect. This means it can deliver powerful performance from a compact design.

One awesome feature of this monitor is the Genelec Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) circuitry. This smart technology switches the monitor to standby mode when no audio input is detected. Not only does this save energy, but it also complies with the ErP 2013 Directive.

If you're concerned about installation, don't be! The Genelec 8010A comes with several mounting accessories that make setup easy – whether you're in a music studio, mobile van or want to use portable recording devices.

The frequency response range is between 67Hz-25kHz and it has a maximum peak SPL of 96 dB. Its output power comes at an impressive 25W.

My 1 Month Review Of The Genelec 8010A

The Genelec Love Affair Begins

Well, I've had the Genelec 8010A for just over a month and I feel like it's time to give my two cents. In short: this piece of kit is everything I dreamt of and more!

A Handy Piece of Tech

The first thing that struck me was its size. Seriously, these things are so compact they'll fit into any home studio or workspace. But don't be fooled by their small footprint, they certainly pack quite a punch.

The Sound Quality

The sound quality is staggering. High frequencies are crisp and clear with none of the harshness you might expect from something this size. It even manages to handle bass remarkably well – my room practically shakes during those low-end drops! The overall audio reproduction is balanced, allowing you to pick out individual elements in a track with pinpoint accuracy.

– Highs: Crisp and clear
– Mids: Beautifully balanced
– Lows: Powerful but not overwhelming

Ease of Use: Plug and Play Perfection

The Genelec 8010A is as simple as plug-and-play. No complex setups or frustrating manuals to wade through – you can throw yourself into the music from the get-go.

Durability & Reliability

One thing that has impressed me about these speakers is their build quality; they’re built like tanks yet manage not to be too heavy or bulky. Even after running them for hours on end, they stay cool thanks to some intelligent heat management system – now there’s an example of Finnish engineering at its finest!

All in all, after a month with the Genelec 8010A monitors, they've quickly become an integral part of my setup. They offer phenomenal sound quality in a small package that's easy to set up and use.

In summary,
– Compact footprint but packs a punch
– Staggering sound quality
– Simple plug-and-play setup
– Impressive build and heat management

I couldn’t have asked for more – it's safe to say; I am head-over-heels for this gear!

What You Need To Know About JBL One Series 104

You're in for a treat with the JBL One Series 104. This pair of reference monitors is all set to work with your desktop, laptop, or even professional recording equipment. You won't have to worry about where you place them because they're specially designed to sound their best on a desktop.

Having a party or recording session? No problem! These speakers have three sets of inputs. That means you can connect all sorts of stuff – professional equipment, your favorite music player, or other audio products.

They also have some nifty features that you'll find handy. There's a volume control right on the front panel and even a headphone jack. Plus if you plug in your headphones, the speakers automatically go mute – no fumbling around for the off switch!

The JBL One Series 104 packs quite a punch too. Each speaker has an integrated 30-watt power amplifier and comes with both a 4.5-inch LF driver and 0.75-inch soft-dome HF driver.

As for connectors, there are two balanced 1/4-inch inputs, two RCA inputs and one unbalanced 1/8-inch input. The kit also includes lots of helpful extras like an extension monitor speaker wire (2-Conductor, 2 meters), an AC power cable and even a quick setup guide.

So go ahead and step up your audio game with these powerful yet affordable speakers from JBL!

My 1 Month Review Of The JBL One Series 104

After a month of testing the JBL One Series 104, here are my thoughts:

Sound Quality

The JBL One Series 104 truly blew me away with its incredible sound quality. The highs are crisp, the mids are balanced and the bass is surprisingly deep for such compact speakers. I’ve used them for everything from streaming music and podcasts to watching movies, and they’ve performed flawlessly in each scenario.

Design & Build Quality

As for the design, these compact little beauties fit right into my home office setup. They sport a sleek, modern aesthetic that pairs really well with my other tech gadgets.
The build quality is top-notch too – they feel sturdy and well-made. Even after a month of constant use, I haven't noticed any signs of wear or tear on them.

Bullet Points:
-Exceptional sound quality
-Sleek modern design
-Compact size fits anywhere
-Sturdy build quality

User Experience

In terms of user experience, the JBL One Series 104s have been a dream. They were super easy to set up – I had them out of the box and playing music within minutes. The controls are also simple but effective – just adjust the volume knob until you find your ideal listening level.

Value For Money

Lastly, let's talk about value for money. These speakers deliver exceptional audio clarity that rivals some more expensive models on the market. So in terms of bang for your buck? The JBL One Series 104 is top-tier.

Overall, after a month of use, I’m extremely pleased with these speakers and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-quality audio from compact speakers.

Who The Genelec 8010A Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The JBL One Series 104

Who is the Genelec 8010A for?
Based on customer reviews, the Genelec 8010A is ideal for anyone running a compact home production studio, looking for well-balanced sound and high-quality nearfield monitors. This includes music creators, mixers, DJs and sound designers who appreciate clarity in audio reproduction.

Their compact size makes them particularly suitable for crowded desktops brimming with various controllers. Furthermore, if you're a professional who travels frequently or moves your gear around often, their lightness and portability will certainly appeal to you.

Why might someone choose Genelec 8010A?

• Compact Size: Despite their small size, users have noted that these monitors deliver a sound performance that seems “2-3 times bigger”. This makes them perfect for environments where space is at a premium.
• Quality Sound: The Genelec 8010As come highly praised for their balanced output – great top-end clarity with surprising mid/low warmth. They are described as ideal for monitoring and mixing while being capable of rocking out when needed.
• Durable build: Compliments abound regarding the rugged aluminum chassis design of these speakers, indicating high durability — an important consideration if you plan to move them around often.
• Eco-friendly: They are equipped with switchable input auto-sensing technology which puts them to sleep when no sound is detected but powers right up when input comes in – an energy-saving feature that may be appealing to environmentally conscious users.

However, it's important to note some potential pain points:

The Genelec 8010As do not overly amplify or ‘hype' your music – they aim to provide an accurate representation of your sound. If you're used to listening through basic consumer-grade speakers which artificially enhance certain frequencies, these monitors might initially seem less exciting.

Also worth noting is that some users found the bass output weaker than expected and had difficulty achieving mixes that translated well onto larger speaker systems.

Finally, these speakers use XLR inputs exclusively so may require adaptors if you plan on connecting them directly into consumer electronics like laptops or phones.

In essence: If you value quality over hype; precision over power; portability over bulk – the Genelec 8010A could be exactly what you're looking for.

Who The JBL One Series 104 Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Genelec 8010A

The JBL One Series 104 is a popular choice for individuals seeking an entry-level set of reference speakers for home recording or production studio use. Its compact size and impressive performance at an affordable price make it highly attractive to beginners in the music industry.

People who might benefit from the JBL One Series 104 include:

• Newly emerging artists looking to set up their first home studio.
• Those who require accurate sound reproduction for fine-tuning their mixes and masters.
• Consumers seeking an affordable, yet high-quality speaker system.

From the review data, we can deduce that these speakers perform best when positioned at arm's length—an ideal configuration for personal desk usage. Despite being a bit heavy on the lower frequencies, they provide a generally accurate sound representation crucial for producing high-quality music mixes.

However, prospective buyers contemplating on purchasing this model should consider several factors:

Slight Bass Bias:
While mostly accurate in sound reproduction, some users found that these speakers tend to overemphasize bass around 100Hz. This may lead to your mixes sounding light on upper bass elements when played back on other systems.

Suitability for Small Spaces:
JBL One Series 104 is perfect at desk distance but could distort easily in larger rooms. Therefore, it's ideal if you're setting up a compact home studio or listening space.

Varying Opinions on Sound Quality:
There have been mixed reviews about the overall sound quality of these speakers—while some users praised them as being fantastic value-for-money with great imaging capabilities, others found them lacking in terms of dynamics and richness.

Possible Need For Add-Ons:
To attain maximum potential from these speakers, you may need additional equipment like DACs or amps to enhance its performance as suggested by some reviewers.

In conclusion, if you're starting your journey into audio production or simply want budget-friendly yet high-quality desktop speakers, the JBL One Series 104 could be a solid option worth considering.

If the Genelec 8010A and JBL One Series 104 I've discussed in this post don't quite meet your needs, worry not! I have made other posts comparing similar products that you might find interesting.

You can check out my thorough comparison between Genelec 8010A and IK Multimedia iLoud MTM or the detailed analysis of JBL One Series 104 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM.

If those two options still aren't hitting the mark, there's always my examination of KRK Rokit RP7 G4 vs Focal Shape 65. With all these comparisons on hand, I am confident you'll find a product that suits you just right!

FAQs

I am planning on regularly moving my setup around – how portable are these two models? How do they compare in terms of weight and size?

Both models are designed as compact studio monitors making them relatively portable compared to larger speaker systems but JBL One Series 104, being smaller size than Genelecs might give slight edge in term of portability . However exact dimensions and weights should be confirmed from their individual official specification sheets before deciding based solely on portability factor.

If I'm interested in upgrading my speakers in future with a bigger model like the Genelec’s 8040 series – what should be my budget expectation?

Upgrading to bigger models like Genelecs’s 8040 series, will definitely require higher budget compared with aforementioned compact models because they provide more powerful performance hence priced accordingly higher. It's recommended to check updated prices from official stores or trusted retailers for accurate estimation based upon region and availability.

Buyer's Guide: Important Things To Consider & Look Out For When Buying Speakers

1. Understand Your Needs: Studio Monitors vs Nearfield Speakers

First and foremost, you need to realize what exactly you're looking for in your professional audio equipment. Are you hunting for true-to-life studio monitors like the Genelec 8010A, renowned for their balanced and uncolored sound? Or perhaps what you need are nearfield speakers, designed to be used in close proximity giving an intimate and detailed audio monitoring system. This initial step is crucial because different types of speakers perform differently under varied circumstances.

2. Check Out What's on Offer: Speaker Comparison

Take some time to run a speaker comparison. Just as you would compare prices or features when purchasing a car or a new smartphone, use online resources to compare the different features, specs and reviews of various monitor speakers on offer. You'll find a wealth of information that can assist you in making the best choice.

3. Budget Wisely: Consider Your Financial Limitations

Now it's time for some serious number crunching! Monitor speakers range from budget-friendly options like the JBL One Series 104, right through to premium models commanding thousands of dollars apiece in price tags. Remember yelp-worthy sticker shock is avoidable, just outline your budget before diving into your buying spree.

4. Sound Yourself Out: Figure Out Your Desired Sound Quality

Different monitor speakers produce different sound qualities–some are warm; others have more bite in their output; while certain models like active speaker systems offer amplified sound directly from the speaker housing–no external amplification necessary–perfect if space is at a premium! To ensure satisfaction with your purchase, take time figuring out what kind of “sound” appeals most to your ears.

5. Ready Yourself For The Long Haul: Consider Durability & Reliability

When buying monitor speakers online, it's important not only that they sound good but also that they're built tough enough to withstand years of use (and sometimes abuse!). Go through user reviews diligently—these can provide insights into each product’s longevity potential.

6. Comfort & Ease Trumps All : Look at User Interface & Controls

Whether it's adjusting volume levels or tweaking EQ settings, reliable controls are key when it comes down to getting optimal performance from your chosen audio monitoring system- despite how stunning they might look! Be sure that the model offers an interface intuitive enough for someone at your own skill level- be it novice or seasoned pro!

7.Don't Forget The Size : Consider Speaker Size Based On Workspace
Speaker size matters- too big and they won’t fit comfortably within smaller spaces; too small and they might not dish out desired bass frequencies adequately – after all these aren't portable Bluetooth boomboxes we’re discussing here! For compact studio spaces consider smaller yet powerful options such as Genelec 8010A known equally well their bigger counter parts.

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