Short answer: the ART 708-A MK5 for most buyers, the ED80P only for a specific passive install. These rank #11 and #12 out of 15 8-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $950 and $499.
The ED80P is passive. It needs an external amplifier and crossover, and its own cons flag that Axiom has a much smaller North American dealer and service network than JBL, Yamaha or QSC. High-quality vendor data does return a 4.1 ideal-subwoofer preference score from its 1-inch aluminum-voice-coil compression driver and 8-inch woofer in a compact point-source cabinet, but the listing itself cautions that the implied bass reach should be treated with some skepticism for a cabinet this compact.
The ART 708-A MK5 is active, affordable and ready to run. It pairs a 1.4-inch compression driver with 128dB claimed output and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing, aimed at buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and don’t need app control. At 10.4kg it’s easy to carry. Its own cons note the local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, leaving its measured tonal position uncertain, the same caveat effectively facing the ED80P.
Buy the ART 708-A MK5 if you want a self-powered, subwoofer-paired workhorse without needing to source external amplification.
Buy the ED80P if your project is a passive, amplifier-driven install and you value Axiom’s point-source horn design over broader dealer support.
The RCF ART 708-A MK5 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 15 8-inch two-way powered pa speakers; there are better options higher up.
Specifications Side By Side
| Axiom ED80P | RCF ART 708-A MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $950.00 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #11 of 15 in 8-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #12 of 15 in 8-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way full-range PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver | 8" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 18kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 17.7"H x 9.8"W x 9.1"D (450 x 250 x 230 mm) | 18.9"H x 11.5"W x 10.9"D (480 x 291 x 276 mm) |
| Inputs | Two Neutrik speakON NL4 connectors (input and link) | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output |
| Power Handling | 280W AES / 560W program (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 280W AES / 560W program rating | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm reinforced phenolic birch plywood | PP composite |
| Rigging | M10 and M6 fly points; pole-mount socket | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Coverage | - | 90° x 70° |
| Maximum SPL | - | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1600Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | - | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Weight | - | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Martin Audio CDD8 vs Audiofocus VENU 8a
- LD Systems Stinger 8-A-G3 vs Vue Audiotechnik H-8
- FBT J8A vs Axiom ED80P
- Axiom ED80P vs Martin Audio CDD8
Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Axiom ED80P: $950.00 eBay
Pros: High-quality vendor data returns a 4.1 ideal-subwoofer preference score. A 1-inch aluminum-voice-coil compression driver pairs with the 8-inch woofer in a compact passive point-source cabinet aimed at fixed-install and portable use.
Cons: Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover, and Axiom has a much smaller North American dealer and service network than JBL, Yamaha or QSC. The vendor measurement’s implied bass reach should be treated with some skepticism for a cabinet this compact.
Full Axiom ED80P review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 280W AES / 560W program rating |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm reinforced phenolic birch plywood |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way full-range PA speaker |
| Dimensions | 17.7"H x 9.8"W x 9.1"D (450 x 250 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 18kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Two Neutrik speakON NL4 connectors (input and link) |
| Power Handling | 280W AES / 560W program (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | M10 and M6 fly points; pole-mount socket |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RCF ART 708-A MK5: $499.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A compact, affordable RCF with a 1.4-inch compression driver, 128dB claimed output and FiRPHASE processing, well suited to buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control. At 10.4kg it is easy to carry.
Cons: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain.
Full RCF ART 708-A MK5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 70° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Dimensions | 18.9"H x 11.5"W x 10.9"D (480 x 291 x 276 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons