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 #36 of 119 at $797.98; the R2850DB ranks #103 at $499.99, $297.99 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 (50.7 lbs).
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.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A big three way powered pair with deep bass, enough output for a large room, and Bluetooth, optical and RCA inputs.
Popular studio monitors with neutral sound and solid bass from an 8 inch woofer.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Yamaha HS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $797.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #103 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 119 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 | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 120w Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | 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 | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.85 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.58 |
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