This is a summary of the Media Room and its operational components as of September 2026.
New in this incarnation are two pairs of Genelec speakers, in addition to the 8341A near-field monitors I used as main monitors until recently. The 8341s are only the second-smallest model in the Ones range, but they are quite mature and look pretty large compared with most desktop audio setups.
First, I added a pair of 8020s, the brand’s second-smallest speakers. I added these as fixed outputs for the computer’s default system sounds. This was “necessary” because I always use the 8341A monitors in Exclusive Mode with Roon or JRiver, which prevents other apps such as WhatsApp or YouTube from using that output at the same time.
Recently, I also added a pair of 1037B Main Monitors. Was this necessary? Of course not. But I never recovered from hearing the very large Genelec 1234s amid all high-end offerings at the 2016 High End show in Munich. The 1234s are mid-field main monitors and, at 121 cm by 49 cm, they are ridiculously oversized for a domestic space like mine. However, the smallest of the Main Monitor range, the 1237, although still absurd, could just about fit. But it would be a very costly experiment. The 1237s remained on my wishlist to obtain sometime, perhaps, until I found a pair of 1037Bs. These are the forebears of the 1237s with analog amplification and no SAM room correction. Most importantly, since this model was produced from 1995 to 2003, they were at least 23 years old, and I could get them for a very reasonable price. So decent, in fact, that I could afford keeping the 8341As.
And so I decided to install them at the same time and use software patching and EQ to align them and switch between the applications and speakers. As great as the 8341As are, those 1037B bad boys with their 12-inch woofers are a force to be reckoned with! As they say: there really is no replacement for displacement.
That’s how I ended up with a ridiculous wall of Genelec speakers. But I absolutely love it!
The Martin Logan Electromotion ESLs were ultimately removed again in favor of better-positioned Martin Logan Fresco on-wall speakers. The left, mid, and right channels were previously positioned in a continuous line under the TV, which looked nice and clean, but despite my best efforts with acoustic treatments and Audyssey corrections, did not sound good enough.
See the dedicated HFA History page 34 for detailed info on how this space was created.
Media Room Components
This is a filtered list showing only the currently operational components in the Media Room. For a complete list of all HFA Reference Equipment, cables, and accessories, see Associated Equipment.
Main Active Monitor Loudspeakers
Genelec 8341A
Genelec 8020DPM
Genelec 1037B
Digital Cables
Cinema Loudspeakers L/R/Center
Martin Logan Fresco
Cinema Loudspeakers Rear/Top Dolby Atmos
Piega ACE30
Cinema Amplifier
Denon AVC X3800H
Cinema Sub
Room Treatment
ArtNovion Douro W
R.T.F.S. Stripe
R.T.F.S. SiRRAH
R.T.F.S. Big Block
R.T.F.S. Ceiling Vane
Acustica Applicata DaaD 2
Acoustic Module Tube Basstrap Premium
T.Akustik Spektrum D20 Diffusor
Massive felt-covered bass trap next to the right-hand ESL
See Also
Associated Equipment
All current HFA Reference Equipment, cables, and accessories.
HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
All Snapshot summaries of operational components in HFA Systems for a specific timeframe
HFA Audio Setup History
In-depth overview of how the HFA systems have developed over the years
HFA Awards page
Ranking Order of all reviewed components and their appointed Awards
