Short answer: the Stinger 8-A-G3 for straightforward main duty, the J8A if you want bi-amp flexibility. These rank #17 and #19 of 47 8-inch powered PA speakers, priced $200.01 apart.
The Stinger measures deeper for the money. Its vendor data shows a 5.20 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 49Hz measured extension, a genuinely deep result for an affordable 8-inch box, while the J8A’s data returns 5.09 with 58Hz extension. At 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) the Stinger is also one of the lightest active speakers in this class, well under the J8A’s bi-amped build.
The J8A trades some low end for amplifier and voicing flexibility. It is bi-amplified at 200W LF and 50W HF Class-D, with a 1-inch compression driver on a 90° x 60° horn and switchable Original/Boost DSP presets, plus fly points and a stand socket that make it usable as a monitor wedge as well as a main. The Stinger’s 90° x 50° horn is narrower, and neither speaker offers an app or Bluetooth path.
Output is modest on both. The Stinger claims 125dB peak and the J8A claims 128dB peak, both trailing the higher-output actives in this class, so either benefits from a subwoofer partner in larger rooms.
Buy the Stinger 8-A-G3 if measured bass extension and light weight matter most and you are running it as a straightforward powered main.
Buy the J8A if you want bi-amped Class-D power, switchable voicing presets, or a cabinet that doubles as a monitor.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable, light powered 8 inch PA speaker with two mic/line inputs and deep bass reach for its size.
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Specifications Side By Side
| LD Systems Stinger 8-A-G3 | FBT J8A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.99 | $800 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #17 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #19 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bi-amped bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, compression driver | 8” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 18”H x 10.6”W x 11.4”D (457 x 270 x 290 mm) | 16.3”H x 10”W x 9.6”D (415 x 255 x 245 mm) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS line/mic inputs; XLR mono mix output | Balanced XLR/jack combo input; balanced XLR link output |
| Amplifier Power | 600W peak / 300W RMS | 250W RMS (200W LF + 50W HF); 500W peak (400W LF + 100W HF) |
| Cabinet Material | 12mm plywood with polyurea coating | Polypropylene |
| Rigging | M10 suspension points; 36mm Dual-Tilt pole mount | Two M6 fly points; 35mm speaker-stand socket |
| Coverage | 90° x 50° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 125dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, 2 factory presets (Original/Boost) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.88 | 2.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.20 | 5.09 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | 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 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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: LD Systems Stinger 8-A-G3 (measured by the manufacturer) and FBT J8A (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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