Yamaha · Updated June 2026
Yamaha HS8: price, specs & release date
Yamaha HS8, released 2013. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: usa.yamaha.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
The Yamaha HS8 is listed at $398.99 on usa.yamaha.com as of 2026-06-27, the most expensive studio monitors (median $200); other retailers may be lower. It earns a Silver Deskmark — 46/100 pay-blind standing, #4 of 12 in class.
Verified Jun 27, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
- Best for Well-balanced frequency response, voiced like the classic NS10M but with deeper bass; Switchable rear-panel EQ (high-trim / Room Control) and improved, resonance-damped cabinet.
- Skip if No whitelisted tester critically auditioned or lab-measured the HS8 itself; MusicRadar's hands-on listening used the 6.5-inch HS7, so the 8-inch HS8's larger woofer and bass were not directly evaluated is a dealbreaker.
Is the Yamaha HS8 a good buy?
At $399, the Yamaha HS8 is the most expensive of the 12 studio monitors we track, where the median is $200. On the spec sheet, its woofer size of 8 in is the highest of the 12, its release of 2013 is the lowest of the 12, and its power of 120 W is above the median of the 12. By release date, it is the oldest of the 12 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 1 outlet has it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the Yamaha HS8
Only one whitelisted tester covers the HS8: MusicRadar's HS-series review (HS5/HS7/HS8), which rated the line highly but did its dedicated side-by-side listening on the smaller HS7. No whitelisted tester lab-measured the HS8.
Based on 1 review · 2013-10-16
Tested by MusicRadar
Consistently praised
- Well-balanced frequency response, voiced like the classic NS10M but with deeper bass
- Switchable rear-panel EQ (high-trim / Room Control) and improved, resonance-damped cabinet
- Improved performance judged well-suited to modern studios
Commonly flagged
- No whitelisted tester critically auditioned or lab-measured the HS8 itself; MusicRadar's hands-on listening used the 6.5-inch HS7, so the 8-inch HS8's larger woofer and bass were not directly evaluated
Where reviewers disagree Single-source, so no cross-tester comparison is possible. The main caveat is internal: MusicRadar's positive verdict is a series-level assessment whose only critical listening was on the HS7, not the HS8.
The sources (1)
A classic Yamaha look but with improved performance for today's studios.
Good balance of frequencies. Voiced like an NS10M but with more bass. Switchable EQ adjustment.
Not much.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $398.99 each, Sweetwater |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Released | 2013 |
| Woofer size (in) | 8 in |
| Tweeter type | 1 in dome |
| Power (W) | 120 |
| Frequency response | 38 Hz – 30 kHz (-10 dB) |
| Inputs | XLR balanced, TRS balanced |
| Sold as | each |
| Type | active |
Source: usa.yamaha.com (verified 2026-06-20) · corroborated by sweetwater.com. Re-verified: 8 in woofer, 1 in dome, 120 W total (75 W LF + 45 W HF), 38 Hz–30 kHz at -10 dB, XLR + TRS balanced confirmed via Yamaha specs and Sweetwater. Price $398.99 each confirmed on Sweetwater (pair $797.98). Same HS-series 2013 launch as HS5.
Is the Yamaha HS8 worth it vs cheaper studio monitors?
Yamaha HS8 against its closest cheaper and pricier studio monitors on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
| Product | Price | Woofer size (in) | Tweeter type | Power (W) | Frequency response | Inputs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha HS8 this | $398.99 | 8 in | 1 in dome | 120 | 38 Hz – 30 kHz (-10 dB) | XLR balanced, TRS balanced |
| Adam Audio T7V | $289.99 | 7 in | 1.9 in U-ART accelerated ribbon | 70 | 39 Hz – 25 kHz (-6 dB) | XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the Yamaha HS8?
Only one whitelisted tester covers the HS8: MusicRadar's HS-series review (HS5/HS7/HS8), which rated the line highly but did its dedicated side-by-side listening on the smaller HS7. No whitelisted tester lab-measured the HS8. Praised: Well-balanced frequency response, voiced like the classic NS10M but with deeper bass; Switchable rear-panel EQ (high-trim / Room Control) and improved, resonance-damped cabinet; Improved performance judged well-suited to modern studios. Flagged: No whitelisted tester critically auditioned or lab-measured the HS8 itself; MusicRadar's hands-on listening used the 6.5-inch HS7, so the 8-inch HS8's larger woofer and bass were not directly evaluated. (From 1 tester review.)
How much does the Yamaha HS8 cost?
The Yamaha HS8 has a US price of $398.99 (each, Sweetwater), as of 2026-06-20.
How does the Yamaha HS8 compare on price?
At $399, the Yamaha HS8 is the most expensive of the 12 studio monitors we track, where the median is $200.
When was the Yamaha HS8 released?
The Yamaha HS8 was released 2013.
What are the Yamaha HS8's key specs?
Yamaha HS8 (Yamaha): woofer size in 8 in, tweeter type 1 in dome, power w 120, frequency response 38 Hz – 30 kHz (-10 dB), inputs XLR balanced, TRS balanced. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-20.
Price of record: $398.99 at usa.yamaha.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Yamaha HS8 on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar studio monitors
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Compare with
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- Adam Audio T7V $289.99
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 $249
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- KRK Rokit 7 G4 $224.99
- Yamaha HS5 $199.99
- Mackie CR5-X $199.99
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