Short answer: the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A. It ranks #13 of 47 8-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $2,180.25. The Coda Audio HOPS8 ranks #18, rated 3.7/5, at $2,100, $80.25 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The DAS Audio ARTEC 508A is the more accurate choice. A compact powered 8 inch installation speaker with balanced sound and wide, even coverage in a birch cabinet. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.32 against 2.82 for the Coda Audio HOPS8. The tradeoff: Bass reaches only about 75Hz (-3dB), with 60Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for full-range music.
The Coda Audio HOPS8 is the deeper-bass option. A passive 8 inch coaxial PA speaker with wide coverage, high sensitivity and good bass depth for its size. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 75Hz for the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A. The catch: Listening-window deviation of 0.586 means the tonal balance is less even than the best 8-inch models, and a 3.69 directivity-index deviation means off-axis tone varies.
Buy the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $80.25 saving on the Coda Audio HOPS8 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| DAS Audio ARTEC 508A | Coda Audio HOPS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,180.25 | $2,100 Passive |
| Ranked | #13 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #18 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker | Passive 2-way PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn | 8” woofer, 8” coaxial driver with 1.75” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 17.7”H x 9.6”W x 11.4”D (450 x 245 x 290 mm) | 21.3”H x 9.1”W x 10.9”D (540 x 230 x 278 mm) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input, Speakon NL4 connector | - |
| Amplifier Power | 500W RMS, 720W peak (Class D) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood | - |
| Rigging | M10 flying points, 35mm pole socket, AXU/AXF/AXR bracket compatible | CODA mobile suspension and flange adapter; optional U- and L-brackets |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 63Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 80° | 100° conical |
| Maximum SPL | 122dB (manufacturer specified) | 133.5dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes | No (passive) |
| Weight | 21.8 lbs (9.9 kg) | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB | 98dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | 2.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 | 5.53 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 450W AES / 1,800W peak |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 56.8Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
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