In this review, we will be comparing Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) and Synchrony T600, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Aperion and PSB.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) and PSB Synchrony T600 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) | PSB Synchrony T600 |
|---|
| Brand | Aperion
United States · founded 1998 | PSB
Canada · founded 1972 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.1" | 1" Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 5.25" |
|---|
| Woofer | — | 3 x 6.5" Carbon fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 26-42k Hz | 24-23k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 91 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-400 Watts watts | 20-300 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 84.19kg / 185.2lbs | 34.90kg / 76.8lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 83.5" x 13.2" x 13.8"
2120.9 x 335.3 x 350.5mm | 41-1/4" x 9" x 13-1/2"
1048.0 x 228.0 x 343.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) and PSB Synchrony T600 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) |
PSB Synchrony T600 |
| Near-field |
Good |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is a 2-way design whereas the Synchrony T600 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)PSB Synchrony T600
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) |
PSB Synchrony T600 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
3 x 6.5-inch
|
Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) features a 1.1" Tweeter and x " Woofer. On the other hand, the Synchrony T600 features a 1" titanium with ferrofluid cooling and neodymium magnet Dome Tweeter, a 5.25" Midrange and 3 x 6.5" Carbon fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) has a frequency range of 26-42k Hz whereas Synchrony T600 has a frequency range of 24-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Synchrony T600 can go slightly deeper then the Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)'s min frequency of 26Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) and Synchrony T600 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Synchrony T600's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) a more sensitive speaker compared to PSB Synchrony T600, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) and the Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) can handle a max power of 800 watts RMS, whereas Synchrony T600 has a max power handling value of 300 watts RMS, 500 watts less than the Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE).
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Synchrony T600 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB Synchrony T600's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)'s and PSB Synchrony T600's external dimensions. Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) has external dimensions of 2120.9 x 335.3 x 350.5mm (83.5 x 13.2 x 13.8inch) whereas PSB Synchrony T600 has external dimensions of 1048.0 x 228.0 x 343.0mm (41-1/4 x 9 x 13-1/2inch).
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 107.3mm wider, 1072.9mm taller and 7.5mm deeper than PSB Synchrony T600.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) needs about 50% more floor or shelf area. Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is 1073mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is approximately 1175.2cm2 / 182.2inch2 and base area of the PSB Synchrony T600 is approximately 782.0cm2 / 121.2inch2. The Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) requires 50% more surface area than the Synchrony T600 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) weighs 84.19kg / 185.2lbs and the PSB Synchrony T600 weighs 34.90kg / 76.8lbs. This makes the Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) 141% heavier than the Synchrony T600.
Here is a comparison of how Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) and Synchrony T600's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE)
What's in the Box of PSB Synchrony T600?
Here are the items that come with the Synchrony T600:
- Floorstanding loudspeakr
- Grille
- 2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)
- 4 Isolation feet
- 2 Port plugs
- Owners Manual
- Warranty Card
 Max Input Power |
800 watts
vs
300 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
42k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
26 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
1048mm
vs
2120mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
782cm2
vs
1175cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
8000USD
vs
27998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) |
PSB Synchrony T600 |
| Brand |
Aperion |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
20-400 Watts watts |
20-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
26-42k Hz |
24-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
3 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Carbon fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
5.25" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
450Hz and 1800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
2120.9mm (83.5") |
1048.0mm (41.3") |
| Width |
335.3mm (13.2") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Depth |
350.5mm (13.8") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Weight |
84.19kg (185.2lbs) |
34.90kg (76.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Gloss Black, Satin Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) costs roughly 3.5x what PSB Synchrony T600 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (26Hz vs 24Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | A | Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is more sensitive (91dB vs 89dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | A | Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) takes more power (800W vs 300W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | PSB Synchrony T600 is easier to place; Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | B | PSB Synchrony T600: bi-amping. |
| Price | B | PSB Synchrony T600 is cheaper - $8,000 against $27,998, about 71% less; arguably a different class. |
A Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) B PSB Synchrony T600
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 3.5x the price. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - PSB Synchrony T600 looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) appeals to you. Match it to your room: we rate Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and PSB Synchrony T600 for a large room. In a large or open-plan room, Aperion Grandis GR8F Quad 8" 3-Way High Fidelity Flagship Floor Standing Speaker (SINGLE) has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, PSB Synchrony T600 is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.