Yamaha HS8 powered nearfield studio monitor.

This 8” + 1” studio monitor shares a similar look to one of the mainstays of studio monitoring – the venerable Yamaha NS10.

Like it’s smaller sibling (the 5″ HS5), we’re not altogether sure that HS8 actually passes the ‘Duck test’. Sure, the white woofer looks reminiscent of NS10, but there are also differences between HS8 and NS10.

For starters, HS8 is a powered studio monitor. The bi-amplified speaker has 75w going to the 8” woofer, with another 45w headed up to the 1” dome tweeter. Thanks to the well-matched woofer and amplifier combination, you’ll also notice a better-than-expected bass response from HS8.

On the back:

You get a couple of choice for inputs, with XLR and balanced (TRS) 1/4″ Jack. Room Control allows you to attenuate the unnatural, exaggerated low-end that can often occur when speakers are placed next to walls, while HIGH TRIM allows for more flexible control of high frequency response.

Listen for yourself

If you’re in town, make sure you come and audition HS8. As always, there are plenty of options lined up and reading for testing in our studio monitor demo room. BYO music, or take a punt on some of the choices we have on offer.

38Hz – 30kHz frequency response (-10dB)