Short answer: the Yamaha HS8S. Both are rated 3.0/5 for sound quality (#55 and #198 of 73 subwoofers), and the Yamaha HS8S costs $499.99 against $599 for the Kali Audio WS-6.2, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Kali Audio WS-6.2: Dual 6.5-inch ported drivers deliver 104.5dB CEA-2010-A average in a compact powered design.
What the Yamaha HS8S does well: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. Watch for: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure.
Buy the Yamaha HS8S. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $99.01 less than the Kali Audio WS-6.2.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio WS-6.2 | Yamaha HS8S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $499.99 |
| Ranked | #198 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #55 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Warranty | 1 | 2 |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 102.5 dB | 90.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 102.4 dB | 100.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 101.8 dB | 104.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 103.4 dB | 106.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.4 dB | 107.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 111.6 dB | 105.7 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 104.5 dB | 104.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.5”H x 12.2”W x 11”D (368.3 x 309.9 x 279.4 mm) | 13.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (349.2 x 300.0 x 388.9 mm) |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | Japan |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS | - |
| Frequency Response | 27-200Hz | - |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” (165mm) driver | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (2), RCA (2) | XLR (2), TRS (2, balanced) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Erin’s Audio Corner: $499 Subwoofer Shootout: Kali Audio WS-6.2 vs Yamaha HS8S. The Kali is a BEAST!
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Yamaha HS8S:
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Yamaha HS8S
- ELAC IW-S10EQ in-wall vs Yamaha HS8S
- Monoprice Premium Select 8in 200-Watt vs Yamaha HS8S
- Yamaha NS-SW100 vs Yamaha HS8S
- Kali Audio WS-6.2 vs JBL SUB 550P
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio WS-6.2: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio WS-12 V2 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 3.8/5).
Pros: Dual 6.5-inch ported drivers deliver 104.5dB CEA-2010-A average in a compact powered design.
Full Kali Audio WS-6.2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS |
| Aux Input | No |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 104.5 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.5”H x 12.2”W x 11”D (368.3 x 309.9 x 279.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” (165mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 27-200Hz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (2), RCA (2) |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 102.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 102.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 101.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 103.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 111.6 dB |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- 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