Genelec unveils the 6040R active loudspeaker, first model of its new Signature Series

The new Genelec Signature Series receives an update of the 6040A in the shape of the 6040R intelligent two-way active loudspeaker.

Created in collaboration with Finnish industrial designer Harri Koskinen, the 6040R seeks to fuse the best of Finnish technology and design, bringing “exceptional” performance and “beautiful aesthetics.” Koskinen’s long association with Genelec began 20 years ago with the introduction of the 6040A model, the first Genelec loudspeaker to feature the distinctive minimalist curves of the Minimal Diffraction Enclosure (MDE), a Koskinen enclosure design that now forms the core of much of Genelec’s current loudspeaker range. Made from die-cast aluminum, the MDE enabled the original 6040A to produce “exceptionally clean” acoustic performance, offering an “astonishingly” wide frequency response from a compact enclosure.

The 20th anniversary of the 6040’s launch has prompted Genelec to reimagine the 6040’s technology as part of a new Signature Series, a collection of “particularly well-loved” loudspeaker models.

What’s new in the 6040R

Designed and manufactured by Genelec in Iisalmi, Finland, the redesigned 6040R now features the same LF transducer design and patented bi-amplified Class-D power amplifier technology as Genelec’s professional loudspeaker models. Other enhancements include analog and digital inputs (compatible with AES/EBU and SPDIF formats), a digital output, universal mains voltage, and an integrated DSP that allows each 6040R loudspeaker to be tuned for any acoustic environment using GLM room calibration software.

Furthermore, the 6040R offers higher output power, higher SPL, wide phase linearity and lower power consumption. It can also be combined with selected models from Genelec’s F-Series Und Smart active subwoofer range, as well as used with Genelec’s wired and wireless volume controllers via an F-Series subwoofer or GLM network adapter.

Equipped with a 165 mm (6.5 in.) woofer and a 19 mm (0.75 in.) tweeter, each independently driven by two dedicated 150 W power amplifier stages, the 6040R has a height of 999 mm and offers a frequency response of 43 Hz to 20 kHz with a maximum short-term SPL of 110 dB. With the addition of one or two subwoofers, the SPL and frequency response of the system can be further extended.

Simple installation

With active crossovers and sophisticated protection circuitry, the 6040R offers a “clean and simple” installation according to Genelec. The solution, by the way, arrives with five color options: gray, black, white, black with white grilles, and white with black grilles.

Designer Harri Koskinen relates the experience of working on the 6040 again: “When I first met Genelec founder Ilpo Martikainen in 1999, he had a clear vision for creating a unique look that would set Genelec apart aesthetically – and with the 6040A, we designed a loudspeaker that was truly ahead of its time both visually and technically. With the huge advances in technology that have taken place in the last 20 years, it feels right to be raising the bar even higher for today’s sophisticated listener with the 6040R.”

Andererseits, Siamäk Naghian, Genelec’s managing director, highlights the sustainability of the 6040R: “In addition to the blend of performance and aesthetics that the new 6040R offers, this is a design that is based on our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Fashioned from recycled aluminium and offering low power consumption, the 6040R is designed for a long lifecycle and total reliability, and is produced in our Finnish factory – which is powered entirely from renewable fuels. The 6040R is not only a secure and long term investment, but also an environmentally sound one.”