I'm into the active nearfield experience and have a pair of 8030A's. Before I bought them I read of the pro-audio detractors of Genelecs saying they sweetened up the sound hence there was better to be had in pro monitors, especially pertaining to the pre-8000 series Genelecs. Well, sweetened sound to some degree is OK in audiophilia so I went for it. A nice sounding, accurate speaker that images reasonably well. The 8000's are reputed to have similar house sound with the addition of more extension in the lower octaves as you move up the ladder.
Dunno about how they'd compare to "Audiophile Monitors" - I've heard Proac 1SC's and they're very good but the sound of the amp enters into the mix so active v.s. passive isn't really a valid comparison.
I'm not sure I'd define them as brutally honest (IMHO such like ATC active Pro's) but now we're getting into areas of personal taste, every speaker has its signature. Newer Genelecs are great, good luck.
Dunno about how they'd compare to "Audiophile Monitors" - I've heard Proac 1SC's and they're very good but the sound of the amp enters into the mix so active v.s. passive isn't really a valid comparison.
I'm not sure I'd define them as brutally honest (IMHO such like ATC active Pro's) but now we're getting into areas of personal taste, every speaker has its signature. Newer Genelecs are great, good luck.