QSC K8.2 vs Turbosound NuQ82

Short answer: the K8.2 for nearly everyone. These rank #1 and #3 of 15 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 6.88 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.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:

• L-Acoustics 108P vs Yamaha DXR8mkII
• Yamaha DXR8mkII vs JBL PRX908
• L-Acoustics 108P vs JBL PRX908
• QSC K8.2 vs Yamaha DBR15
• Turbosound NuQ82 vs Yamaha DXR8mkII

Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM 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

QSC K8.2: $749.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay

Pros: This is the standout measured result in this ranking: low-quality vendor data still returns a 6.88 ideal-subwoofer preference score, continuing the K.2 series’ strong showing at every driver size. Extensive onboard DSP, a titanium compression driver and QSC’s long market track record make it an unusually safe general-purpose 8-inch pick.

Cons: The underlying Spinorama source is low quality, so its apparent measured lead deserves some caution. An 8-inch woofer means a subwoofer partner matters even more than with the larger K.2 models.

Full QSC K8.2 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	2025W peak (1800W LF + 225W HF)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	Impact-resistant ABS
Configuration	Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage	105° conical
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	17.7"H x 11"W x 10.6"D (449 x 280 x 269 mm)
Drivers	8" woofer, 1.4" titanium compression driver
Frequency Response	59Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified)
Inputs	2 x XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm aux; 2 x XLR thru and XLR mix outputs
Maximum SPL	128dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Rigging	2 x M10 inserts and pull-back point; 35mm pole mount
Weight	26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg

• Links
  • QSC K8.2 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Spinorama Measurements
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • QSC K8.2 vs L-Acoustics 108P
  • QSC K8.2 vs Yamaha DXR8mkII
  • QSC K8.2 vs JBL PRX908
  • QSC K8.2 vs QSC K10.2
  • QSC K8.2 vs QSC K12.2
  • QSC K8.2 vs Yamaha DBR15

Turbosound NuQ82: $500.00 B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: Low-quality vendor data still shows a 5.1 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 52Hz measured extension, the deepest bass reach of any 8-inch box in this ranking. The switchable passive/bi-amp design and coaxial point-source layout give installers flexibility on amplification and DSP.

Cons: 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.

Full Turbosound NuQ82 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 250W continuous / 1,000W peak handling rating
Bass Extension (-3dB)	73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	12mm birch plywood
Configuration	Passive/bi-amp switchable 2-way coaxial PA speaker
Coverage	100° x 60°
Dimensions	18.3"H x 10.8"W x 8.7"D (464 x 274 x 220 mm)
Drivers	8" coaxial woofer, compression driver
Frequency Response	65Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 55Hz - 20kHz (-10dB)
Inputs	Two Neutrik speakON NL4 connectors
Maximum SPL	123dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Power Handling	250W continuous / 1,000W peak (IEC, manufacturer specified)
Rigging	Eight M10 and three M8 fly points
Weight	22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg

• Links
  • Turbosound NuQ82 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Spinorama Measurements
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Turbosound NuQ82 vs L-Acoustics 108P
  • Turbosound NuQ82 vs Yamaha DXR8mkII
  • Turbosound NuQ82 vs RCF KX 08-A
  • Turbosound NuQ82 vs Vue Audiotechnik A-8