In this review, we will be comparing Genelec G One and M20 HD, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Genelec and Q Acoustics. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Genelec G One and Q Acoustics M20 HD first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Genelec G One and Q Acoustics M20 HD compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Genelec G One and M20 HD are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Genelec G One |
Q Acoustics M20 HD |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.875-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 3-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Genelec G One features a 0.75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the M20 HD features a 0.875" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
Genelec G One has a frequency range of 74-20k Hz whereas M20 HD has a frequency range of 55-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the M20 HD can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Genelec G One's min frequency of 74Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Genelec G One and M20 HD have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Genelec G One's and Q Acoustics M20 HD's external dimensions. Genelec G One has external dimensions of 195 x 121 x 115 mm ( 7.1 x 4.8 x 4.5) whereas Q Acoustics M20 HD has external dimensions of 278.0 x 170.0 x 310.0mm ( 10-15/16 x 6-11/16 x 12-3/16inch) .
Q Acoustics M20 HD is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 83mm taller and 195mm deeper than Genelec G One.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Genelec G One is approximately 139.2cm2 / 21.6inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics M20 HD is approximately 527.0cm2 / 81.7inch2. The Genelec G One requires 74% less surface area than the M20 HD which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Genelec G One weighs 1.70kg / 3.7lbs and the Q Acoustics M20 HD weighs 5.10kg / 11.2lbs. This makes the M20 HD 200% heavier than the Genelec G One.
Here is a comparison of how Genelec G One and M20 HD's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Genelec G One?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Genelec G One:
Genelec G One 2-Way Powered Bookshelf Speaker (Polar White, Single)Iso-Pod Stand5.9-feet Power Cable
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics M20 HD?
Here are the items that come with the M20 HD:
Powered speaker Passive speaker 6-feet AC power cord Remote control 2 AAA batteries 13-feet Speaker wire 59-inch Optical digital cable 2 Foam port plugs Owners Manual
 Height |
195mm
vs
278mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
139cm2 (121x115mm)
vs
527cm2 (170x310mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
74 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
 Digital Input |
Optical
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
| General |
Genelec G One |
Q Acoustics M20 HD Wireless Music System |
| Brand |
Genelec |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered stereo speakers |
| Frequency Response |
74-20k Hz |
55-22k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
128-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
N/A |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
N/A |
192 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cone |
|
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
0.875" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
195.0mm (7.7") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Width |
121.0mm (4.8") |
170.0mm (6.7") |
| Depth |
115.0mm (4.5") |
310.0mm (12.2") |
| Weight |
1.70kg (3.7lbs) |
5.10kg (11.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Aluminum |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
White,Black |
Black, White, Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
RCA |
3.5mm, Stereo RCA |
| USB Port |
No |
USB-B |
| Phone Input |
No |
No |
| Subwoofer Output |
n/a |
mono-RCA |
| Digital Input |
No |
Optical |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |