Short answer: the PSI Audio A21-M on measured sound quality, the Yamaha HS8 on price. The PSI Audio A21-M ranks #27 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $7,770. The Yamaha HS8 ranks #36, rated 4.4/5, at $797.98, $6,972.02 cheaper.
Why pick the Yamaha HS8: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.58 ideal-subwoofer score. The catch: Its response and off-axis behavior are not as refined as the leading monitors.
What the PSI Audio A21-M does well: ASR measured 39.6Hz -3dB extension and a 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, giving useful bass and broadly even mids. The tradeoff: The measured tonal result is good rather than a clear advance over less costly competitors.
Buy the Yamaha HS8 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the PSI Audio A21-M when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS8 | PSI Audio A21-M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $797.98 per pair | $7,770 per pair |
| Ranked | #36 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 113 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) | 15.7”H x 9.8”W x 11.8”D (400 x 250 x 300 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 38Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 33.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) | 28.2 lbs (12.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” dome tweeter | 27mm handmade dome tweeter, 172mm cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker | 335W total (280W woofer, 55W tweeter, Class A/B) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.85 | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.58 | 7.72 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.4kHz |
| Warranty | - | 5+1 years |
| Country | - | Switzerland |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB short term, 121dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to PSI Audio A21-M:
- PSI Audio A21-M vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs PSI Audio A21-M
- Focal Solo6 ST6 vs PSI Audio A21-M
- Meyer Sound Amie vs PSI Audio A21-M
- PSI Audio A21-M vs JBL 708P
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha HS8: $797.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS5 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: ASR measurements support broadly neutral sound: a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.58 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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.85 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.58 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review: Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor Review More from Audio Science Review →
- 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 More from DSAUDIOreview →
- 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
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
PSI Audio A21-M: $7,770 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR measured 39.6Hz -3dB extension and a 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, giving useful bass and broadly even mids. Its 7.72 ideal-subwoofer score supports serious monitoring, with analog phase compensation offering an alternative to DSP-based systems. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured tonal result is good rather than a clear advance over less costly competitors. There is no built-in automatic room-calibration system, so placement or external correction still matters. The premium construction and analog circuitry should not be mistaken for proof of better audible performance.
Full PSI Audio A21-M review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 335W total (280W woofer, 55W tweeter, Class A/B) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 9.8”W x 11.8”D (400 x 250 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 27mm handmade dome tweeter, 172mm cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB short term, 121dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.72 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 5+1 years |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs (12.8 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons