Genelec Speakers opinions

Heard them at the Montreal show. Best surround system I've ever experienced. I want them! Someday.........

Brutally revealing asn Shadrne alluded to. These came from the pro world as top shelf studio monitors. They are not going to flatter the music or mix in any way--you get the truth. For great recordings and great gear upstream--I would love them. Also, if you want full out dynamics (particularly if you doing HT) these speakers are pretty incredible. However, if you are looking for a lush flattering sound--these are the wrong speakers. They are anything but that. So like many things, personal preference and taste play a large part in whether or not they are the right speakers. The are excellently engineered and perform at extremely high standards--but only you can decide if this is what's right for you.

I'm into the active nearfield experience and have a pair of 8030A's. Before I bought them I read of the pro-audio detractors of Genelecs saying they sweetened up the sound hence there was better to be had in pro monitors, especially pertaining to the pre-8000 series Genelecs. Well, sweetened sound to some degree is OK in audiophilia so I went for it. A nice sounding, accurate speaker that images reasonably well. The 8000's are reputed to have similar house sound with the addition of more extension in the lower octaves as you move up the ladder.

Dunno about how they'd compare to "Audiophile Monitors" - I've heard Proac 1SC's and they're very good but the sound of the amp enters into the mix so active v.s. passive isn't really a valid comparison.

I'm not sure I'd define them as brutally honest (IMHO such like ATC active Pro's) but now we're getting into areas of personal taste, every speaker has its signature. Newer Genelecs are great, good luck.

You should audition the Home Theater series in Genelec's offerings. They're voiced a little differently, more towards a listener of music than mastering or recording music.

I own the HT206B's and they are a mcuh better listener's speaker than the ATC's which I also own.

Jim

Stay away! I've been a recording engineer for 37 years and have used Genelecs sometimes. They are not nuetral or accurate. The middle is sucked out and they are hyped on the top and bottom ends. Anytime I have done a mix on these speakers the mix has not translated properly...NEVER. I'm not the only engineer who thinks so.