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Hsu Research CCB-8 Speaker
Status: 04-07 - Out of stock. Due to a major manufacturer delay the current estimate is late May. Please email sales@hsuresearch.com if you want to receive updates via email.
Order Note: Each order quantity contains ONE speaker. For a pair you would need to change the quantity to two
The CCB-8, a constant directivity horn made in collaboration with Don Keele, is one of the industry’s best performing speakers when it comes to smooth, musical, off-axis response. Inspired by the HSU subs, the CCB-8 offers a variable tuning feature that gives you the most flexibility for dynamic range and output.
- 8” woofer is the most dynamic of the two speakers (plays louder and cleaner)
- More efficient than the HB-1 MK2 (higher output per watt)
- Constant directivity horn coaxial speaker
- Point source ensures no lobing effects because you’re always the same distance from the woofer and tweeter
- True constant directivity (circular) horn allows for a smooth, musical, off axis response regardless of whether you’re vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally off axis
- Horn loaded coax gives increased efficiency in the higher frequencies
- Maintains linear responses even when 15 degrees off axis
- Variable tuning gives you more flexibility
- 2 ports open: most dynamic range (louder and cleaner)
- 1 port open: more extension (plays lower) but slightly less dynamic range
- Sealed: will roll off early, and provides the least dynamic range but has a smoother roll off
- You can rotate the CCB-8 so it sits vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally without affecting the sound, giving more flexibility for placement to fit into your room.
- Magnetic round grille that allows you to rotate by 90 degree increments seamlessly so you can place the CCB-8 on any side to fit your room
- Enclosure designed to evenly distribute standing waves/modes
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The CCB-8's standout strength is its astonishing holographic imaging, rendering pinpoint placement across a wide soundstage. Its coaxial, constant-directivity design yields coherent, detailed mids and impressive macro dynamics, while controlled treble dispersion keeps brilliance off-axis. Durable construction, flexible placement and a 7-year warranty make it an unusually capable bookshelf/center speaker, praised in Audioholics.
Pros
- Exceptionally precise, wide soundstage with pinpoint imaging.
- Coaxial, constant-directivity design delivers coherent mids and stable off-axis performance.
- Strong dynamics and transient response for a bookshelf-sized speaker.
- Robust materials and an industry-leading 7-year warranty provide excellent long-term value.
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Cons
- Treble is hot on the direct axis and can produce sibilance for some listeners.
- Cabinet lacks internal cross-bracing, which some reviewers noted as a design omission.
- Bold cone color and unconventional appearance may not suit conservative living-room decor.
Sound Quality
92/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Bass
91/100
The vented design, measured response to 50 Hz and the ability to use either both ports (beefier bass) or seal one port (more neutral extension) produce bass that is excellent for its size. Review notes recommend a subwoofer when both ports are used (crossover ~80 Hz) which tempers absolute deep-bass claims, but overall the CCB-8s deliver authoritative low end for a large (>=7") bookshelf/ported design.
Mid
93/100
Multiple comments praise vocal clarity and dialogue intelligibility ('Rebecca’s voice was rendered with exceptional clarity', 'Dialogue intelligibility was never a problem'), indicating very accurate, present mids with good timbral detail and focus.
Treble
88/100
Treble is detailed and energetic but slightly hot on-axis: reviewer warns of an elevated response above 10 kHz that can produce some sibilance. The directional nature of the treble reduces impact off-axis, tempering harshness but suggesting some listening-position sensitivity.
Soundstage Imaging
96/100
Extremely strong imaging — reviewer calls it 'the best I have heard in my own room to date' and notes holographic, precise placement across a broad, enveloping soundstage. The reviewer even intends to use them as a reference set, supporting a reference-level imaging score.
Dynamics
94/100
Excellent dynamic range and transient response are repeatedly noted ('visceral power and precision', 'sharp attacks of the harp', 'matched the large swings in dynamics without any problem'), indicating strong micro/macro dynamics for the form factor and good headroom when paired with appropriate amplification.
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Build Quality
89/100
Solid construction details: cast aluminum woofer basket and a good-sized magnet; cabinet panels are a beefy 1" MDF. The lack of internal cross-bracing is noted, preventing a perfect score despite generally robust materials and workmanship.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive baseline applied. No bi-wire/bi-amp terminals or DSP/streaming features reported; standard passive bookshelf connectivity assumed.
Value for Money
92/100
At the listed price (~$389/pair) reviewers describe the cost as modest and praise Hsu's 7-year warranty and customer service. Given the high imaging, strong dynamics, and build details relative to more expensive speakers the reviewer has heard, the CCB-8s are described as very well priced and a strong value in their segment.
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