Short answer: these solve different problems, so the right pick depends on what you already own. They rank #33 and #37 out of 47 8-inch PA speakers, but one is a passive on-wall install box and the other is a self-contained active PA speaker. The RCF ART 708-A MK4 is discontinued; its replacement is the RCF ART 708-A MK5.
The CDD8 is passive and built for installation, not main PA duty. Its coaxial Differential Dispersion driver gives point-source summation of the low and high sections for consistent coverage, and its ultra-compact enclosure mounts horizontally or vertically for on-wall use. Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover, and its own review notes it targets installed foreground music rather than full PA main duty. Medium-quality vendor data gives it a 3.4 ideal-subwoofer preference score.
The ART 708-A MK4 is a self-contained active box, but a discontinued one. At 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) it combines a 127dB claimed peak, a broad horn, and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward, affordable package. Its own review flags that the local measurement is truncated and cannot produce a reliable preference score, and that this MK4 offers little reason to choose it over the newer ART 708-A MK5 unless the used price is substantially lower.
Rigging reflects the different use cases. The CDD8 has six M6 inserts for wall or ceiling brackets, purpose-built for fixed installation. The ART 708-A MK4 has two M10 fly points plus a 35mm pole socket, suited to a stand-mounted or flown gig rig.
Buy the Martin Audio CDD8 if you are doing a permanent install and already have amplification and processing in a rack, and want a low-profile coaxial box that disappears on a wall.
Buy the RCF ART 708-A MK4 if you need a grab-and-go active box for gigs, but only at a discount versus the newer ART 708-A MK5, since the MK4 brings no clear measured advantage of its own.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
An ultra compact passive 8 inch coaxial speaker for on wall installations with consistent coverage.
A discontinued, affordable powered 8 inch PA speaker with a broad horn and simple setup.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Martin Audio CDD8 | RCF ART 708-A MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $960 Passive | $525.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #33 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #37 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8” coaxial woofer, 1” exit compression driver | 8” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 55Hz (-10dB) | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 16.1”H x 10.1”W x 9.9”D (410 x 256 x 252 mm) | 18.9”H x 11.5”W x 10.9”D (480 x 291 x 276 mm) |
| Inputs | Low-profile 13A push-lock input and link | XLR/jack combo input; XLR output |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 200W AES / 800W peak handling rating | 800W peak / 400W RMS (600W LF + 200W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | 200W AES / 800W peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz passive | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Composite material | Polypropylene composite |
| Rigging | Six M6 inserts for wall/ceiling brackets | Two M10 fly points; 35mm pole socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 128Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.11 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.14 | - |
| 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 | 123dB peak / 117dB continuous | 127dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 80-110° horizontal (user-rotatable), 60° vertical | 100° x 70° |
| DSP | No (passive; used with a DX-series controller or MA Series amplifier for EQ and limiter presets) | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) |
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: Martin Audio CDD8 (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF ART 708-A MK4 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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