Short answer: the K8.2 for nearly everyone. These rank #1 and #3 of 47 8-inch PA speakers, priced $249.99 apart, and the K8.2’s measured result stands out even against its own caveats.
The K8.2 is the standout measured result in this size class. Even on low-quality vendor data it returns a 7.74 ideal-subwoofer preference score, continuing the K.2 series’ strong showing at every driver size, from a titanium compression driver and extensive onboard DSP backed by QSC’s long market track record. Its own cons note the underlying Spinorama source is low quality, so the apparent measured lead deserves some caution, and being an 8-inch woofer, a subwoofer partner matters even more than with the larger K.2 models.
The NuQ82 measures deeper but is passive. Its low-quality vendor data still shows a 5.1 preference score with 52Hz measured extension, the deepest bass reach of any 8-inch box in this ranking, and its switchable passive/bi-amp coaxial design gives installers flexibility on amplification and DSP choices. But being passive by default, it needs an external amplifier and crossover to work at all, and its 123dB peak claim trails every active speaker here, including the K8.2’s 128dB.
Buy the K8.2 if you want a self-contained active speaker with the strongest overall measured result and onboard DSP.
Buy the NuQ82 if you are running a passive install and want the deepest measured bass extension in this size class with your own choice of amplifier and processing.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A superb 8 inch PA speaker, with excellent sound and flexible built in processing in a compact box.
A discontinued 8 inch coaxial PA speaker with good sound and deep bass for its size, flexible for passive or bi-amp setups.
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Specifications Side By Side
| QSC K8.2 | Turbosound NuQ82 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.99 | $500 Passive, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #3 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive/bi-amp switchable 2-way coaxial PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1.4” titanium compression driver | 8” coaxial woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 59Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 55Hz - 20kHz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 17.7”H x 11”W x 10.6”D (449 x 280 x 269 mm) | 18.3”H x 10.8”W x 8.7”D (464 x 274 x 220 mm) |
| Coverage | 105° conical | 100° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 123dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux; 2 x XLR thru and XLR mix outputs | Two Neutrik speakON NL4 connectors |
| Amplifier Power | 2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF) | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 250W continuous / 1,000W peak handling rating |
| Cabinet Material | Impact-resistant ABS | 12mm birch plywood |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount | Eight M10 and three M8 fly points |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, Klark Teknik DSP with dynamic EQ, limiting, position compensation, user EQ and subwoofer integration; LCD/rotary control plus USB for PC remote control |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.26 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.74 | 5.68 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 250W continuous / 1,000W peak (IEC, 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: QSC K8.2 (measured by the manufacturer) and Turbosound NuQ82 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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