Short answer: the EAW MKC80. It ranks #9 of 22 8-inch pa speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5); the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A ranks #10 (rated 3.8/5).
The case for the EAW MKC80: Vendor Spinorama data gives preference scores of 4.08 standalone and 7.10 with an ideal subwoofer. Watch for: Bass reaches only about 85Hz (-3dB), and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.321, so the tonal balance is less even than the best 8-inch models.
The case for the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A: Vendor Spinorama data gives preference scores of 4.32 standalone and 7.24 with an ideal subwoofer, near the top of the 8-inch ranking. The tradeoff: Bass reaches only about 75Hz (-3dB), with 60Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for full-range music.
Buy the EAW MKC80. It is rated higher for sound quality than the DAS Audio ARTEC 508A.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| EAW MKC80 | DAS Audio ARTEC 508A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | $2,180.25 |
| Ranked | #9 of 22 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #10 of 22 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial PA speaker | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” cone woofer with 2” voice coil, 1” exit compression driver with CSA coaxial loading | 8” woofer, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 10”W x 10.5”D (422 x 255 x 267 mm) | 17.7”H x 9.6”W x 11.4”D (450 x 245 x 290 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification within the 450W handling rating | 500W RMS, 720W peak (Class D) |
| Power Handling | 450W at 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB (manufacturer specified) | 122dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° (rotatable) | 80° x 80° |
| Sensitivity | 93dB | 91dB |
| DSP | No (passive) | Yes |
| Rigging | Integrated M10 mounting points, pole mount | M10 flying points, 35mm pole socket, AXU/AXF/AXR bracket compatible |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10 kg) | 21.8 lbs (9.9 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.08 | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.10 | 7.24 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| 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 |
| Inputs | - | Balanced XLR input, Speakon NL4 connector |
| Cabinet Material | - | Birch plywood |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How EAW MKC80 compares with other leading options:
- L-Acoustics X8 vs EAW MKC80
- EAW MKC80 vs Vue Audiotechnik A-8
- EAW MKC80 vs Meyer Sound Ultra X40
- DAS Audio ARTEC 508A vs Coda Audio HOPS8
- RCF KX 08-A vs DAS Audio ARTEC 508A
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 PM 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
EAW MKC80 Passive Full Compass eBay
Pros: Vendor Spinorama data gives preference scores of 4.08 standalone and 7.10 with an ideal subwoofer. A 93dB sensitivity and 450W handling deliver a 132dB peak rating from a 10kg cabinet, and the rotatable 90° x 60° coaxial horn suits horizontal or vertical placement. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass reaches only about 85Hz (-3dB), and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.321, so the tonal balance is less even than the best 8-inch models. It is passive, so an amplifier and processor with EAW presets are needed to play it.
Full EAW MKC80 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification within the 450W handling rating |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° (rotatable) |
| DSP | No (passive) |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 10”W x 10.5”D (422 x 255 x 267 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” cone woofer with 2” voice coil, 1” exit compression driver with CSA coaxial loading |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| Power Handling | 450W at 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) |
| RCA Input | No |
| Rigging | Integrated M10 mounting points, pole mount |
| Sensitivity | 93dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.10 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
DAS Audio ARTEC 508A: $2,180.25 SoundPro eBay
Pros: Vendor Spinorama data gives preference scores of 4.32 standalone and 7.24 with an ideal subwoofer, near the top of the 8-inch ranking. Predicted in-room smoothness is 0.622 with a wide, even 80° x 80° pattern. The 500W built-in amplifier and DSP reach 122dB in a 9.9kg birch cabinet with 91dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 75Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass reaches only about 75Hz (-3dB), with 60Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for full-range music. Listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.30, less even than the best 8-inch models. The installation styling and high price make it costly for what is a compact 8-inch box.
Full DAS Audio ARTEC 508A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W RMS, 720W peak (Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker |
| Coverage | 80° x 80° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 17.7”H x 9.6”W x 11.4”D (450 x 245 x 290 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input, Speakon NL4 connector |
| Maximum SPL | 122dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Rigging | M10 flying points, 35mm pole socket, AXU/AXF/AXR bracket compatible |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 21.8 lbs (9.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons