Short answer: the Vue Audiotechnik H-8, if you are buying new. The FBT J8A measures as well as it (#19 vs #21 of 47 8-inch pa speakers, 3.6/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Vue Audiotechnik H-8 is still sold new at $3,800.
The measured performance is a near wash. The J8A’s medium-quality vendor data returns a 5.09 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 58Hz extension. The H-8’s low-quality data returns a close 4.3, with a measured extension of 77.5Hz, noticeably shallower than the J8A. Neither result is a clear win, and the H-8’s own review flags the data quality as a caveat.
The H-8 is built for touring, and priced like it. At 51.2 lbs (23.22 kg) with a Truextent beryllium-diaphragm compression driver, fanless 2-channel amplification, and Ethernet/IP remote monitoring, it targets rental and touring installs rather than a band loading its own gear. The J8A is a bi-amplified 200W/50W Class-D design at a fraction of the weight and cost, with switchable Original/Boost DSP presets instead of networked remote control.
Coverage and output favor the J8A for general PA use. Its 90 degree x 60 degree horn and 128dB peak claim beat the H-8’s narrower 100 x 40 degree pattern and 122dB peak rating, meaning the J8A throws louder and covers a wider room per box.
Buy the FBT J8A for general-purpose PA and monitor use. It measures just as well, covers more room, and costs far less.
Buy the Vue Audiotechnik H-8 only if you need beryllium-driver touring hardware with networked monitoring across a fleet of boxes, and the price and weight are not obstacles.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
A discontinued compact powered 8 inch PA speaker with switchable presets that also works as a floor monitor.
A powered 8 inch touring speaker with a beryllium compression driver and quiet fanless amplification for rental and stage use.
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Specifications Side By Side
| FBT J8A | Vue Audiotechnik H-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 Discontinued | $3,800 |
| Ranked | #19 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #21 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bi-amped bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” compression driver | 8” woofer, beryllium-diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | 75Hz - 21kHz (±2.5dB, manufacturer specified); 60Hz - 26kHz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 10”W x 9.6”D (415 x 255 x 245 mm) | 18.1”H x 11.3”W x 11.9”D (460 x 286 x 303 mm) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/jack combo input; balanced XLR link output | XLR analog/AES input with XLR loop output |
| Amplifier Power | 250W RMS (200W LF + 50W HF); 500W peak (400W LF + 100W HF) | 315W long-term (275W LF + 40W HF); 900W burst (600W LF + 300W HF) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene | Multi-ply birch hardwood |
| Rigging | Two M6 fly points; 35mm speaker-stand socket | Pole mount and integrated hanging points |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 100° x 40° |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 122dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 77.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes, 2 factory presets (Original/Boost) | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.49 | 2.14 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.09 | 5.00 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) | 51.2 lbs (23.22 kg) |
| Network Control | - | Ethernet/IP remote monitoring and control |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: FBT J8A (measured by the manufacturer) and Vue Audiotechnik H-8 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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