Short answer: the ED80P for most buyers, the H-8 if you need self-powered touring gear. These rank #21 and #27 out of 47 8-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $3,800 and $950 respectively, a $2,850 gap.
The ED80P measures better and costs less, but it’s passive. High-quality vendor data gives it a 4.1 ideal-subwoofer preference score from a 1-inch aluminum-voice-coil compression driver paired with the 8-inch woofer in a compact point-source cabinet. Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover, and Axiom’s North American dealer and service network is much smaller than JBL, Yamaha or QSC. Its vendor measurement’s implied bass reach should also be treated with some skepticism for a cabinet this compact.
The H-8 is self-powered and built for rental and touring, but it’s heavy and expensive for an 8-inch box. Low-quality vendor data shows a 4.3 preference score behind its Truextent beryllium-diaphragm compression driver, fanless 2-channel amplification, and a 100° x 50° horn. At 51.2 lbs (23.22 kg) and roughly $3,800 it is unusually heavy and costly for this size class, and its measured bass extension (77.5Hz) trails the ED80P.
What the H-8 adds:
- Built-in 2-channel amplification (315W long-term, 900W burst), so no external amp is needed.
- Ethernet/IP remote monitoring and control for networked system management.
- A beryllium-diaphragm compression driver, a step up in material from the ED80P’s aluminum voice coil.
Buy the ED80P if you want the stronger measured result at a lower price and already have amplification to drive it.
Buy the H-8 if you need self-powered convenience, networked control, and touring-grade build quality, and the weight and price aren’t dealbreakers.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A powered 8 inch touring speaker with a beryllium compression driver and quiet fanless amplification for rental and stage use.
A discontinued compact passive 8 inch point source speaker for fixed installs and portable use.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Vue Audiotechnik H-8 | Axiom ED80P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,800 | $950 Passive, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #27 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive 2-way full-range PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, beryllium-diaphragm compression driver | 8” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 21kHz (±2.5dB, manufacturer specified); 60Hz - 26kHz (-10dB) | 75Hz - 18kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 11.3”W x 11.9”D (460 x 286 x 303 mm) | 17.7”H x 9.8”W x 9.1”D (450 x 250 x 230 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR analog/AES input with XLR loop output | Two Neutrik speakON NL4 connectors (input and link) |
| Amplifier Power | 315W long-term (275W LF + 40W HF); 900W burst (600W LF + 300W HF) | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 280W AES / 560W program rating |
| Cabinet Material | Multi-ply birch hardwood | 15mm reinforced phenolic birch plywood |
| Rigging | Pole mount and integrated hanging points | M10 and M6 fly points; pole-mount socket |
| Network Control | Ethernet/IP remote monitoring and control | - |
| Coverage | 100° x 40° | 60-120° horizontal (asymmetric), 55° vertical average |
| Maximum SPL | 122dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 124dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| DSP | Yes | No (passive, requires external amplifier/DSP) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 51.2 lbs (23.22 kg) | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.14 | 3.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.00 | 4.88 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 280W AES / 560W program (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: Vue Audiotechnik H-8 (measured by the manufacturer) and Axiom ED80P (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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