Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#1 and #2 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers), so choose on features and fit.
The AsciLab C8C is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.70 against 7.07 for the Mesanovic CDM65. Its bass reaches about 30.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 36.6Hz for the Mesanovic CDM65. Watch for: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it.
The case for the Mesanovic CDM65: High end monitors with extremely accurate sound and deep bass, plus a cardioid mode that helps in difficult rooms. Watch for: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room.
Buy the AsciLab C8C or the Mesanovic CDM65 on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer.
High end monitors with extremely accurate sound and deep bass, plus a cardioid mode that helps in difficult rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C8C | Mesanovic CDM65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €5799 per pair | $5,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed |
| Drivers | 1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers | 1” aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5” paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) | 15”H x 8”W x 14”D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz | 150Hz, 2,300Hz |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Country | South Korea | United States |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 | 7.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.48 | 8.57 |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical | XLR (balanced analog), WiSA wireless |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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