I've had the chance to work with the Genelec 8010s in a couple of different small studio environments, and I must say, they're quite impressive for their size. Genelec is renowned for producing monitors with incredible clarity, and the 8010s are no exception. They maintain the company's reputation for precision and reliability, which is why they're popular in professional settings despite their smaller form factor.
Regarding bass response, it's important to remember that the 8010s contain 3-inch woofers, so naturally, they won't deliver the same low-end as larger models or subwoofer-equipped setups. However, their bass performance is surprisingly adequate for near-field monitoring in small spaces. The tight and detailed bass might not thump like a larger monitor would, but it's well-defined, which is crucial for making mixing decisions. It's often beneficial to complement them with a subwoofer or check low-end mixes on other systems if you're working with bass-heavy music genres.
As for durability, Genelecs are generally built to last, with robust enclosures and high-quality components. That said, one constant I’ve noticed is that the 8010s are typically less suited for loud playback volumes. They deliver clear audio at moderate levels but can lose clarity when pushed too hard. In a home studio, where you might be sitting close to the monitors, this usually isn't a problem.
A comparison worth considering is the Yamaha HS5. While the HS5s offer a wider frequency response due to their larger woofer, the Genelecs tend to be more detailed and precise, which is why many professionals prefer them for critical listening tasks.
A helpful thing to note is their inclusion of DIP switches on the back, which allow you to fine-tune their response based on room acoustics, which is valuable in less-than-ideal spaces.
Have you considered room treatment at all? Even the best monitors can only do so much in an untreated room. I'd be happy to share more on this topic if you're interested. Also, if you get a chance to demo them before purchasing, I highly recommend it since personal preference and room acoustics can dramatically influence your experience with studio monitors.