Scansonic HD Q8 Floorstanding Speaker

Scansonic HD Q8 is a passive 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker designed for a home stereo system with a separate amplifier. It was presented as the first Scansonic model to feature an 8-inch woofer.

The 5.25-inch midrange driver and woofer use carbon-fibre cones. A ribbon tweeter reproduces the high-frequency range.

Design and frequency distribution

The 3-way system has two crossover points: 400 Hz and 2,800 Hz. The midrange driver operates between these points, leaving the lower frequency band to the woofer.

The bass-reflex enclosure complements the performance of the 8-inch driver at low frequencies.

Connecting the speaker to your system

This is a passive loudspeaker, so it requires a separate amplifier. The audio source is connected to the amplifier first. The amplified signal is then sent from the amplifier to the speaker through speaker cable.

The recommended amplifier power starts at 50 W. When connecting a stereo pair, make sure that polarity remains consistent across both channels.

Controls and initial setup

The speaker has no built-in amplifier or user-operated controls. Volume, source selection and other system settings are adjusted on the amplifier. The internal crossover automatically distributes the signal among the three frequency bands.

When switching on the system for the first time, begin at a low volume. Increase it gradually until you find a suitable level for the listening position and the connected amplifier.

Positioning in the room

The cabinet is 240 mm wide, but its 500 mm depth also needs to be considered. Before buying, assess more than the visible front footprint. Allow room behind the speaker for its cable and for adjusting its position relative to the wall.

The bass response of a bass-reflex speaker changes according to its distance from nearby walls. Start with some clear space behind the cabinet, then adjust its position while listening from your usual seat. Place both stereo speakers at similar distances from the side walls.

Each speaker weighs 27.5 kg. It is sensible to have a second person help when moving it and to prepare a stable position in advance. Black high-gloss and walnut finishes are listed; check the current selection to confirm availability.

Understanding the frequency range

The stated 37 Hz-20 kHz frequency range is measured at the -6 dB limit. This does not mean that the speaker maintains an identical output level throughout the entire range. The lowest figure indicates the measurement boundary rather than a constant reproduction level.

The 87 dB sensitivity rating is specified with 1 W of power at a distance of 1 m. Together with the nominal 8-ohm impedance, this provides a practical basis for choosing an amplifier in line with the published power recommendation.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Can the speaker be connected directly to a player or television?

No. It has no built-in amplifier, so a separate power-amplification channel is required. Connect the source to a suitable audio system, then connect the speaker using speaker cable.

What type of amplifier should I choose?

The amplifier must be suitable for a nominal 8-ohm load. Its recommended output should start at 50 W for each channel being used.

How should I begin positioning the speakers?

Place both speakers symmetrically in relation to the listening position. Then adjust their distance from the wall and their toe-in angle, evaluating each change from your normal seated position.

Do the crossover settings need to be adjusted manually?

No. The internal crossover distributes the signal among the three drivers. The user controls the amplifier volume and the other settings for the system as a whole.

Is a separate subwoofer necessary?

That depends on the room and the material being played. The 37 Hz lower limit is specified at -6 dB, so a separate subwoofer can be used when very low-frequency effects are required.