Short answer: the AsciLab C8C. It ranks #1 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5); the HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #26 (rated 4.5/5).
The AsciLab C8C is the more accurate option. ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.48 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.70 against 6.11 for the HEDD Type 20 MK2. Watch for: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it.
What the HEDD Type 20 MK2 does well: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 7.69 with an ideal subwoofer. Watch for: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting.
Buy the AsciLab C8C. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HEDD Type 20 MK2.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C8C | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €5799 per pair | $4,798 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #26 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | - |
| Drivers | 1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers | 7” honeycomb composite woofer, 4” honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) | 14.1”H x 11”W x 13.3”D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) | 900W (3x300W) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | South Korea | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 | 6.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.48 | 7.69 |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
| DSP | - | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| EQ | - | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Outputs | - | XLR (AES pass-through) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to AsciLab C8C:
- AsciLab C8C vs Mesanovic CDM65
- AsciLab C8C vs Neumann KH 150
- AsciLab C8C vs Buchardt A10
- AsciLab C8C vs GGNTKT M1
- AsciLab C8C vs Neumann KH 310 A
Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
AsciLab C8C: €5799 per pair Audiophonics eBay
Pros: ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.48 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Bass reaches 30.8Hz at -3dB and 23.4Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end reach without an added subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 30.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it. Each cabinet weighs about 27.5kg and needs a substantial stand. Deep extension and excellent tonality do not guarantee unlimited bass output or eliminate the need to adjust placement. The fitted bass-alignment Q of 2.13 is on the peaky side, so bass may sound boomy near the tuning frequency without EQ.
Full AsciLab C8C review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.48 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4,798 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 7.69 with an ideal subwoofer. A 2.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids, while ported operation reduces deep-bass strain compared with the sealed setting in the review. Measured bass extension of 32Hz (-3dB).
Cons: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting. Horizontal asymmetry and vertical crossover behavior make orientation and listening position important. Distortion rises at higher output, and linear-phase processing can add latency for live monitoring.
Full HEDD Type 20 MK2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 900W (3x300W) |
| App | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 11”W x 13.3”D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 7” honeycomb composite woofer, 4” honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Maximum SPL | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | XLR (AES pass-through) |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Neumann KH 310 A
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Buchardt A500
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs JBL 308P MKII
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Yamaha HS8
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs Genelec 8050B
- HEDD Type 20 MK2 vs JBL 4305P
- See all 24 comparisons