Short answer: the Q Acoustics 3060S. It ranks #39 of 73 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $599.96; the PSB Alpha S8 ranks #50, rated 3.2/5, and costs $749, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Q Acoustics 3060S: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 107.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The catch: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure.
What the PSB Alpha S8 does well: Compact 8-inch polypropylene woofer with rear bass reflex port powered by a 150W continuous / 210W dynamic Class D amplifier. The tradeoff: Modest low-frequency extension and output headroom limit effectiveness in large rooms.
Buy the Q Acoustics 3060S. It is rated higher for sound quality than the PSB Alpha S8 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Worth knowing: the PSB Alpha S8 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.0 to 3.4, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3060S | PSB Alpha S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.96 | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #50 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) Estimated |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, rear port |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 88.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 95.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 99.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 105.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 110.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.3 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 107.5 dB | - |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 6.1”W x 18.9”D (325.1 x 154.9 x 480.1 mm) | 12.5”H x 11”W x 15”D (318 x 279 x 381 mm) |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) | 21.2 lbs (9.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 | 5/1 |
| Cabinet Color | black, white, wood, grey | - |
| Country | United Kingdom | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | - |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) driver | 8” (203mm) polypropylene cone, rubber surround |
| Amplifier Power | - | 150W continuous / 210W dynamic (Class D) |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz - 150Hz (+/- 3dB, manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Q Acoustics 3060S:
- SVS SB-1000 PRO vs Q Acoustics 3060S
- SVS 3000 In-Wall vs Q Acoustics 3060S
- ELAC SUB1010 vs Q Acoustics 3060S
- Monitor Audio BRW10 vs Q Acoustics 3060S
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs Yamaha YST-SW012
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 3060S: $599.96 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Q Acoustics 3020i (smaller bookshelf, rated 2.4/5) and the Q Acoustics 3030i (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5). See every Q Acoustics 3000 Series generation.
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 107.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed 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 325.1H x 154.9W x 480.1D mm cabinet and 8.5 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
Full Q Acoustics 3060S review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 107.5 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black, white, wood, grey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 6.1”W x 18.9”D (325.1 x 154.9 x 480.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 88.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 95.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 99.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 105.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.3 dB |
| Warranty | 2 |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs Yamaha YST-SW012
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs Monitor Audio BRW10
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs ELAC SUB1010
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs SVS 3000 In-Wall
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs Monoprice Premium Select 8in 200-Watt
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs Bowers & Wilkins ASW608
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs SVS SB-1000 PRO
- Q Acoustics 3060S vs GoldenEar ForceField 30
PSB Alpha S8: $749.00 Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the PSB Alpha S10 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 3.4/5).
Pros: Compact 8-inch polypropylene woofer with rear bass reflex port powered by a 150W continuous / 210W dynamic Class D amplifier. Lightweight 21-lb design integrates smoothly with Alpha series bookshelf monitors down to 35Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Modest low-frequency extension and output headroom limit effectiveness in large rooms. Lacks mobile app DSP or automated room calibration.
Full PSB Alpha S8 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 150W continuous / 210W dynamic (Class D) |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 11”W x 15”D (318 x 279 x 381 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) polypropylene cone, rubber surround |
| Enclosure | ported, rear port |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 150Hz (+/- 3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Warranty | 5/1 |
| Weight | 21.2 lbs (9.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons