Short answer: the L-Acoustics X8, if you are buying new. The Yamaha DXR8mkII measures as well as it (#5 vs #7 of 47 8-inch pa speakers, 4.0/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the L-Acoustics X8 is still sold new at $2,000.
The L-Acoustics X8 is the more accurate option. A compact passive 8 inch coaxial speaker with highly accurate sound and wide, even coverage, great as a stage monitor or fill. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.29 against 3.08 for the Yamaha DXR8mkII. The catch: It is a passive cabinet that needs an L-Acoustics amplified controller.
The case for the Yamaha DXR8mkII: A compact powered 8 inch PA speaker with clean, well balanced sound and several inputs, now discontinued but worth buying used. Watch for: No mkIII successor exists for this size yet, so it is the oldest design generation in this ranking’s Yamaha lineup, without app control or Bluetooth audio.
Buy the L-Acoustics X8, since the Yamaha DXR8mkII is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| L-Acoustics X8 | Yamaha DXR8mkII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000 Passive | $769.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #5 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” low-frequency driver, 1.5” compression driver (coaxial) | 8” woofer, 1.75” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (L-Acoustics amplified controller) | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB (manufacturer specified) | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 100° axisymmetric | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | No (passive; processing comes from the amplified controller) | Yes |
| Rigging | 35° monitoring angle | 3 x M8 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 28.2 lbs (12.8 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 69Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.29 | 3.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.09 | 5.89 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | - | 18”H x 11”W x 11”D (458 x 280 x 280 mm) |
| Inputs | - | XLR, dual 1/4-inch, stereo RCA; XLR thru and link outputs |
| Cabinet Material | - | Matte-finish ABS |
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