Short answer: the JBL 708P for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS8 for the lower price. The JBL 708P ranks #20 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4000. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #23 at $678.28, $3321.72 cheaper.
The case for the JBL 708P: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. The tradeoff: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz.
What the Yamaha HS8 gets right: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. The catch: Slight midrange boost.
Buy the JBL 708P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS8 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 708P | Yamaha HS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4000 | $678.28 |
| Ranked | #20 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 120w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon
Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.
Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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