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Genelec 6020A Powered Speaker
Genelec specializes in small studio monitors for near field monitoring
applications. Genelecs are a favorite of recording engineers the world
over. A few years back they decided to offer their speakers to home
theater enthusiasts, hoping to get the same kind of reception they’d
gotten from the post production and studio crowd. They did. Genelec
now occupies the same favored position among home theater installers
as well.
The 6020A is their latest active, mini monitor. They’re pretty small,
bordering on tiny, at 9.5” tall x 6” wide x 5.5” deep. They are only a 4”,
2-way with a 1” dome tweeter. However, their small size belies the
ferocity of their sound. Like a wolverine, these little guys grab on and
don’t let go. Although the low frequency response spec is given as
rolling off at 60Hz, you’d swear they went at least 20Hz lower. The
amount of room filling, dynamic sound that emanates from such a small
cabinet is pretty amazing.
Part of the key is that they are active and bi-amplified. They use a
separate, bandwidth limited amp to run the woofer and tweeter. One of
the advantages of an active speaker is that the amplifier designer
knows exactly the electrical characteristics of the speaker drivers. This
way they can design the amplifier precisely as needed for the best
sound and most output. Because they are bi-amplified, the amplifiers
perform better and no power is wasted going through a passive
crossover network.
The imaging is tremendous. I was standing outside the speaker pair
and the image was still rock solid and expansive. Localization was
completely convincing. The overall tonal balance above the bottom 2
octaves was superb, up to the maximum output capabilities of the
speaker. Drum cuts from the Sheffield Labs Drum and Track Record
could get you to believe someone had set up a drum kit and was
pounding away, if you closed your eyes. Vocals, both male and
female, were reproduced as well as some much more expensive
speakers I’ve heard.
The only downside to these is that, due to their small size and limited
power output, they are probably a bit low on maximum output for true
home theater in larger rooms. They work so well that if you just watch
mellow dramas, you’ll probably be just fine, even in a bigger home
theater. Just make sure if you’ve got a larger room, you have a good
sub (or two).
The Genelec 6020A is a prime contender for mini speaker of the year.
They run $500 each, but remember you don’t need any amplification.
Just hook these up to a decent surround processor, run some decent
RCA cables (they support XLR balanced as well) and you’re done.
Some of the money you’d have spent on quality speaker cable can be
chopped right out of the budget or shifted elsewhere. Overall, if you’re
looking for a great, little speaker, you need to audition these.
Steve Faber
applications. Genelecs are a favorite of recording engineers the world
over. A few years back they decided to offer their speakers to home
theater enthusiasts, hoping to get the same kind of reception they’d
gotten from the post production and studio crowd. They did. Genelec
now occupies the same favored position among home theater installers
as well.
The 6020A is their latest active, mini monitor. They’re pretty small,
bordering on tiny, at 9.5” tall x 6” wide x 5.5” deep. They are only a 4”,
2-way with a 1” dome tweeter. However, their small size belies the
ferocity of their sound. Like a wolverine, these little guys grab on and
don’t let go. Although the low frequency response spec is given as
rolling off at 60Hz, you’d swear they went at least 20Hz lower. The
amount of room filling, dynamic sound that emanates from such a small
cabinet is pretty amazing.
Part of the key is that they are active and bi-amplified. They use a
separate, bandwidth limited amp to run the woofer and tweeter. One of
the advantages of an active speaker is that the amplifier designer
knows exactly the electrical characteristics of the speaker drivers. This
way they can design the amplifier precisely as needed for the best
sound and most output. Because they are bi-amplified, the amplifiers
perform better and no power is wasted going through a passive
crossover network.
The imaging is tremendous. I was standing outside the speaker pair
and the image was still rock solid and expansive. Localization was
completely convincing. The overall tonal balance above the bottom 2
octaves was superb, up to the maximum output capabilities of the
speaker. Drum cuts from the Sheffield Labs Drum and Track Record
could get you to believe someone had set up a drum kit and was
pounding away, if you closed your eyes. Vocals, both male and
female, were reproduced as well as some much more expensive
speakers I’ve heard.
The only downside to these is that, due to their small size and limited
power output, they are probably a bit low on maximum output for true
home theater in larger rooms. They work so well that if you just watch
mellow dramas, you’ll probably be just fine, even in a bigger home
theater. Just make sure if you’ve got a larger room, you have a good
sub (or two).
The Genelec 6020A is a prime contender for mini speaker of the year.
They run $500 each, but remember you don’t need any amplification.
Just hook these up to a decent surround processor, run some decent
RCA cables (they support XLR balanced as well) and you’re done.
Some of the money you’d have spent on quality speaker cable can be
chopped right out of the budget or shifted elsewhere. Overall, if you’re
looking for a great, little speaker, you need to audition these.
Steve Faber
Copyright 2004-6 1 touch movie.com
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
Genelec 6020A powered speaker
Mini Review
Mini Review
1 Touch Movie.com