Short answer: the Yamaha HS8. It ranks #23 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $678.28; the Focal Twin6 Be ranks #34 and costs $2200, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Yamaha HS8 side: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. Set against that: Slight midrange boost.
The case for the Focal Twin6 Be: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. The tradeoff: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low.
Buy the Yamaha HS8. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Focal Twin6 Be and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Focal Twin6 Be. It ranks near the bottom of the 40 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS8 | Focal Twin6 Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $678.28 | $2,200 each |
| Ranked | #23 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg | - |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 120w Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension | - | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
| Amplification | - | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon
Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.
Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 120w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Sercan Solmaz: Adam Audio T8V vs Yamaha HS8 vs KRK Rokit 8 (STUDIO SPEAKER SOUND TEST)
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A7X vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS7 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs PreSonus Eris E8 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 8 G4 RP8G4 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Reddit Search for Yamaha HS8 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Twin6 Be: $2,200 each Amazon
Pros: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Erin measured excellent harmonic distortion at both 86 and 96dB, essentially quarter-decibel dynamic compression and clean subjective output around 95dB. Mirror-configurable driver orientation, front ports, shelving/notch controls and switchable +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity support professional installation.
Cons: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low. The amplifier plate becomes notably warm after extended operation. Hiss is more audible in -10dBV mode, and safe output can be deceptive because the speaker gives little audible warning before excessive exposure. The active design has no passive impedance or sensitivity figure; low-bass extension should be augmented for full-range mastering.
Full Focal Twin6 Be review and specifications →
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons