Short answer: the ART 708-A MK5 for most buyers, the ED80P only for a specific passive install. These rank #27 and #28 out of 47 8-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $950 and $449.
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 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) 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.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A discontinued compact passive 8 inch point source speaker for fixed installs and portable use.
A compact, affordable powered 8 inch PA speaker that is easy to carry and pairs well with a subwoofer.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Axiom ED80P | RCF ART 708-A MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $950 Passive, Discontinued | $449.00 |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #28 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 280W AES / 560W program rating | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
| Power Handling | 280W AES / 560W program (manufacturer specified) | - |
| 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.48 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.88 | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 60-120° horizontal (asymmetric), 55° vertical average | 90° x 70° |
| DSP | No (passive, requires external amplifier/DSP) | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1600Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Axiom ED80P (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF ART 708-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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