Short answer: the Adam Audio T8V. It ranks #25 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $349.99; the Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 and costs $424.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Adam Audio T8V side: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Set against that: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height.
The case for the Edifier R2850DB: 3 way speaker. The tradeoff: Quite large and heavy.
Buy the Adam Audio T8V. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier R2850DB and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 40 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Adam Audio T8V | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $424.99 |
| Ranked | #25 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm) | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 90w Per Speaker | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Adam Audio T8V: $349.99 Amazon
Pros: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Deeper bass than the HS8
Cons: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height. Distortion is well controlled at 86dB SPL but gets messier at 96dB.
Full Adam Audio T8V review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 90w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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