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 Vue Audiotechnik H-8 ranks #21, rated 3.6/5, and costs $3,800, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The DAS Audio ARTEC 508A is the more accurate option. 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 2.14 for the Vue Audiotechnik H-8. Watch for: Bass reaches only about 75Hz (-3dB), with 60Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for full-range music.
What the Vue Audiotechnik H-8 does well: A powered 8 inch touring speaker with a beryllium compression driver and quiet fanless amplification for rental and stage use. The tradeoff: At 51.2 lbs (23.22 kg) and roughly $3800 this is an unusually heavy and expensive 8-inch box, aimed at rental and touring use rather than casual portability.
Buy the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Vue Audiotechnik H-8 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| DAS Audio ARTEC 508A | Vue Audiotechnik H-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,180.25 | $3,800 |
| Ranked | #13 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #21 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn | 8” woofer, beryllium-diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 75Hz - 21kHz (±2.5dB, manufacturer specified); 60Hz - 26kHz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 17.7”H x 9.6”W x 11.4”D (450 x 245 x 290 mm) | 18.1”H x 11.3”W x 11.9”D (460 x 286 x 303 mm) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input, Speakon NL4 connector | XLR analog/AES input with XLR loop output |
| Amplifier Power | 500W RMS, 720W peak (Class D) | 315W long-term (275W LF + 40W HF); 900W burst (600W LF + 300W HF) |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood | Multi-ply birch hardwood |
| Rigging | M10 flying points, 35mm pole socket, AXU/AXF/AXR bracket compatible | Pole mount and integrated hanging points |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 77.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 80° | 100° x 40° |
| Maximum SPL | 122dB (manufacturer specified) | 122dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 21.8 lbs (9.9 kg) | 51.2 lbs (23.22 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | 2.14 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 | 5.00 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Network Control | - | Ethernet/IP remote monitoring and control |
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