Short answer: the Mesanovic CDM65 if sound quality matters most, the Yamaha HS8 if price matters most. The Mesanovic CDM65 ranks #2 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $5998. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #24 at $797.98, $5200.02 cheaper.
What the Yamaha HS8 offers: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.68 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB bass extension of 43.9Hz gives useful weight for music, with straightforward analog connections and room-adjustment controls. Watch for: Its response and off-axis behavior are not as refined as the leading monitors. Vertical positioning around the crossover matters, and a subwoofer remains useful for deep bass. Basic rear-panel controls do not replace measured room correction.
What the Mesanovic CDM65 offers: Erin’s measurements show a very even 1.1dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and an 8.08 ideal-subwoofer preference score, strong evidence for natural tonal balance. Measured -3dB bass extension is 36.6Hz. Switchable cardioid operation offers useful control of rearward radiation; an optional WiSA hub adds wireless system integration. Watch for: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room. A subwoofer is still useful for deep bass at high levels. These are substantial, roughly 14.5kg cabinets, and the optional hub adds cost rather than being necessary for wired playback.
Buy the Yamaha HS8 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Mesanovic CDM65 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS8 | Mesanovic CDM65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $797.98 per pair | $5,300 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 67 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) | 15"H x 8"W x 14"D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter | 1" aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5" aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5" paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.95 | 6.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.68 | 8.08 |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 150Hz, 2,300Hz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | United States |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Mesanovic CDM65 compares with other leading options:
- AsciLab C8C vs Mesanovic CDM65
- Neumann KH 150 vs Mesanovic CDM65
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Buchardt A10
- Neumann KH 310 A vs Mesanovic CDM65
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
Yamaha HS8: $797.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.68 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB bass extension of 43.9Hz gives useful weight for music, with straightforward analog connections and room-adjustment controls. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Its response and off-axis behavior are not as refined as the leading monitors. Vertical positioning around the crossover matters, and a subwoofer remains useful for deep bass. Basic rear-panel controls do not replace measured room correction.
Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.95 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.68 |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review: Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor Review More from Audio Science Review →
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- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- 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
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Mesanovic CDM65: $5,300 per pair Front End Audio eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show a very even 1.1dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and an 8.08 ideal-subwoofer preference score, strong evidence for natural tonal balance. Measured -3dB bass extension is 36.6Hz. Switchable cardioid operation offers useful control of rearward radiation; an optional WiSA hub adds wireless system integration. Measured bass extension of 36.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room. A subwoofer is still useful for deep bass at high levels. These are substantial, roughly 14.5kg cabinets, and the optional hub adds cost rather than being necessary for wired playback.
Full Mesanovic CDM65 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 2,300Hz |
| Dimensions | 15"H x 8"W x 14"D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5" aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5" paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.08 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs AsciLab C8C
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Neumann KH 150
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Buchardt A10
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- See all 16 comparisons