Happy to share my experiences of moving to a Genelec system.
Just over 12 months ago decided to take the plunge and order 8341's without audition based on numerous reviews and forum threads, with a view to abandoning the "conventional" HiFi pathway I'd been on for the best part of 40 years.
The first two weeks were without the GLM package so just using dip switches to make adjustments for my room response. Out of the box they were very impressive. I won't repeat most of what has been said about them - what really caught me out was the clash of what was, I suppose, my expectation bias versus what I was actually hearing. Here is an all digital, near-field monitoring setup with metal and plastic transducers where aesthetically function is definitely leading form, yet its producing room-filling, warm, near-full range sound one might expect only huge wooden full-range speakers could deliver, but also with incredible clarity and detail and no obvious harshness. If I had any area of concern it was trying to contain what sounded like quite a bass bump that positioning and dip switch attenuation only partially resolved.
Then came the GLM package. Now we are really singing! Bass fully under control and imaging way up. The difference is not subtle. I'm tempted to say using any of the Genelec SAM range without the GLM system in a setting without significant acoustic treatment is pretty much missing the point of the brand. At the time I bought Genelec were offering the GRADE diagnostic report service for free, which I learned so much from. Its worth trying, the content is really impressive. Another key feature of the GLM interface is that it offers remote volume control options. I opted for the 9000A wired controller, which is a wonderfully heavy, damped version of a classic amplifier knob, and works fine using a 5m extension cable which I ran under the carpet to near my listening position. So, for an extra £350 the GLM option gives you comprehensive DSP and volume control, thus removing the need for a digital pre-amp between sources and monitors.
It was inevitable that I cracked and went for the 7360A sub, as it seemed almost certain that the challenges of fully optimising sub integration I'd experienced with previous systems would be covered by the GLM system. And I was right. It moved everything up a level again.
One year on, and I have absolutely no desire to change or upgrade or indeed to experiment further. This system is at a level where it is clear to me that by far the greatest determinant of what I experience as sound quality/musical experience is my mood, degree of focus and choice of content to match. When all are right I simply can't imagine needing anything more!
In terms of room size, listening position, etc., I'm typically 3m back and in an odd shaped room with a volume of around 50m3 and rarely listen above 85db. Under these conditions I don't feel any need for larger, more powerful units. The system never sounds like it is under strain and has more headroom than I'm likely to use. In the image below the sub is in the RH corner behind the screen.
I guess I have ended up with what in old HiFi terms would be considered an absolutely epic mullet - a £150 front end (Wiim Pro) and £6.5k speakers!
