Highest Rated Powered PA Speaker Under $500

QSC CP8
The CP8 features QSC's good sound quality at a reasonable price (compared to other QSC speakers). Its ability to reproduce sonic detail and nuances make it ideal for stage monitor use, be it for guitars, vocals, and popular wind instruments like the Saxophone.
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Gearank High Notes
- 2022.11: Highest Rated Powered PA Speaker Under $500
- 2022.08: Highest Rated Powered Stage Monitor Under $500
- 2022.03: Highest Rated Powered PA Speaker Under $500
- 2022.03: Highest Rated Powered Stage Monitor Under $500
- 2021.09: Equal Highest Rated Powered Stage Monitor Under $500
- 2021.05: Equal Highest Rated Powered PA Speaker Under $500
- 2020.10: Highest Rated Powered PA Speaker Under $500
- 2020.10: Highest Rated Powered Stage Monitor Under $500
Gearank Recommended
The QSC CP8 first appeared on both our Powered PA Speaker and Powered Stage Monitor recommended lists in October 2020 and no other speaker has outranked it in the under $500 price bracket ever since.
Specifications
- LF Driver: 8″
- HF Driver: 1.4″ Compression Driver
- Amplifier: Class-D
- Output Power Peak: 1000W (800W LF + 200W HF)
- Frequency Response: 56Hz-20kHz (-6dB)
- Maximum Peak SPL: 124 dB SPL @ 1m
- Enclosure: Polypropylene
- Mounting: 35mm Pole Socket, M8 Threaded Insert, Floor Wedge
- Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/line), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (line only), 1 x 1/8″ (aux)
- Outputs: 1 x XLR (mix out)
- Controls: Power, 2 x Gain, MIC BOOST Push Switch, 6-way Contour Selection Switch
- Dimensions: 16.2″ x 10.7″ x 10.1″
- Weight: 25.5 lbs.
Support Information
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
Sound On Sound | Mike Crofts | 94/100 |
Production Partner | Anselm Goertz | 97/100 |
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Highest Rated Powered PA Speaker Under $500

QSC CP8
The CP8 features QSC's good sound quality at a reasonable price (compared to other QSC speakers). Its ability to reproduce sonic detail and nuances make it ideal for stage monitor use, be it for guitars, vocals, and popular wind instruments like the Saxophone.
Disclaimer: We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.