Short answer: the HS8, if neutrality is the priority; the R2850DB if value is. Both share the same powered bookshelf-large class. The HS8 ranks #14 of 21 at $678.28; the R2850DB ranks #19 at $424.99, $253 less.
Our own notes make the value case for the R2850DB directly. A genuine 3-way design described as deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the HS8’s neutral sound, and shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price. The tradeoff is size: it’s quite large and heavy at 23 kg.
The HS8 stays the more conventional reference, good for mixing with a neutral output, at the cost of a slight midrange boost and its higher price.
Buy the R2850DB for most of the HS8’s performance at nearly half the cost, if you have the space. Buy the HS8 for the more neutral, mixing-reference sound.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Yamaha HS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $678.28 |
| Ranked | #19 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 20 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 120w Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
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
| 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon
Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 120w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Sercan Solmaz: Adam Audio T8V vs Yamaha HS8 vs KRK Rokit 8 (STUDIO SPEAKER SOUND TEST)
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
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- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 8 G4 RP8G4 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.