Short answer: the Definitive Technology Descend DN8. Both are rated 3.0/5 for sound quality (#56 and #55 of 73 subwoofers), and the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 costs $449.99 against $499.99 for the Yamaha HS8S, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
Why pick the Definitive Technology Descend DN8: The smallest Descend subwoofer: an 8” active driver loaded by two 8” passive radiators (Definitive’s 3XR layout) in a cabinet about 33cm on each side, with a 500W Class D amplifier. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from the measured Definitive Technology DN10 (110.4dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands) and Definitive Technology Descend DN15.
The case for the Yamaha HS8S: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The tradeoff: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure.
Buy the Definitive Technology Descend DN8. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $50 less than the Yamaha HS8S.
Worth knowing: the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.6 to 3.3, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology Descend DN8 | Yamaha HS8S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $499.99 |
| Ranked | #56 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) Estimated | #55 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Country | United States | Japan |
| Warranty | 5/3 | 2 |
| Enclosure | passive radiator | ported, front |
| Drivers | 8” active driver, 2 x 8” passive radiators | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | 500W Class D | - |
| Frequency Response | 35-200Hz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 13.1”H x 12.1”W x 14.2”D (332 x 307 x 361 mm) | 13.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (349.2 x 300.0 x 388.9 mm) |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 90.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 100.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 104.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 106.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 107.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 105.7 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 104.8 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
| Measurement Source | - | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Inputs | - | XLR (2), TRS (2, balanced) |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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- Yamaha NS-SW100 vs Yamaha HS8S
- MartinLogan Dynamo Foundation 10 vs Definitive Technology Descend DN8
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology Descend DN8: $449.99 Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Definitive Technology DN10 (larger subwoofer, rated 3.4/5), the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.6/5) and the Definitive Technology Descend DN15 (larger subwoofer, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: The smallest Descend subwoofer: an 8” active driver loaded by two 8” passive radiators (Definitive’s 3XR layout) in a cabinet about 33cm on each side, with a 500W Class D amplifier. It reaches 35Hz, fits beside a TV stand or under a desk, and has level, low pass and phase controls.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from the measured Definitive Technology DN10 (110.4dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands) and Definitive Technology Descend DN15. With a single 8” driver it will play noticeably quieter than either, and Definitive rates it only to 35Hz.
Full Definitive Technology Descend DN8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W Class D |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 13.1”H x 12.1”W x 14.2”D (332 x 307 x 361 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” active driver, 2 x 8” passive radiators |
| Enclosure | passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 35-200Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha HS8S: $499.99 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smallest bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS5 (bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the Yamaha HS8 (largest bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet.
Cons: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 349.2H x 300.0W x 388.9D mm cabinet and 10.2 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
Full Yamaha HS8S review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 104.8 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Japan |
| Dimensions | 13.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (349.2 x 300.0 x 388.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (2), TRS (2, balanced) |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 90.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 100.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 104.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 106.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 107.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 105.7 dB |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons