Short answer: these solve different jobs, not the same one. They rank #12 and #13 of 15 8-inch PA speakers, but the ART 708-A MK5 is a self-powered main speaker while the CDD8 is a passive install speaker that needs its own amplifier and mounting bracket.
The ART 708-A MK5 is ready to run out of the box. It carries its own amplification behind a 1.4-inch compression driver, claims 128dB peak output, and runs RCF’s FiRPHASE processing with EQ, limiting and protection built in. At 10.4kg it is easy to carry, and the local vendor measurement is low quality enough that RCF does not publish a computed preference score for it, leaving its exact tonal balance uncertain.
The CDD8 is built for coaxial point-source coverage in an installed setting. Its Differential Dispersion driver sums the woofer and compression driver from a single acoustic point for consistent coverage, and the ultra-compact composite enclosure mounts horizontally or vertically with six M6 inserts for wall or ceiling brackets. Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover within its 200W AES / 800W peak handling rating, and its own vendor data pegs the preference score lower, at 3.4, with a shallower 128Hz measured bass extension since it is voiced for foreground music rather than full-range PA duty.
Buy the ART 708-A MK5 if you need a self-contained powered speaker for stage or PA use and plan to add a subwoofer for low end.
Buy the CDD8 if you are running a fixed install with your own amplifier rack and want a coaxial on-wall speaker for background or foreground music coverage.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 15 8-inch two-way powered pa speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 708-A MK5 | Martin Audio CDD8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | - |
| Ranked | #12 of 15 in 8-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #13 of 15 in 8-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive 2-way coaxial PA speaker |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1.4" compression driver | 8" coaxial woofer, 1" exit compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 55Hz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 18.9"H x 11.5"W x 10.9"D (480 x 291 x 276 mm) | 16.1"H x 10.1"W x 9.9"D (410 x 256 x 252 mm) |
| Coverage | 90° x 70° | - |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output | Low-profile 13A push-lock input and link |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 200W AES / 800W peak handling rating |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | 2.3kHz passive |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | Composite material |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | Six M6 inserts for wall/ceiling brackets |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 128Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg | - |
| Power Handling | - | 200W AES / 800W peak (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- RCF ART 708-A MK4 vs QSC K10.2
- FBT J8A vs Axiom ED80P
- RCF ART 708-A MK4 vs Audiofocus VENU 8a
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs RCF ART 708-A MK4
- Martin Audio CDD8 vs RCF ART 708-A MK4
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
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
Martin Audio CDD8 eBay
Pros: Medium-quality vendor data shows a 3.4 ideal-subwoofer preference score. The coaxial Differential Dispersion driver gives point-source summation of the LF and HF sections for consistent coverage, and the ultra-compact enclosure mounts horizontally or vertically for on-wall installation use.
Cons: Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover, and its compact on-wall design targets installed foreground music over full PA main duty.
Full Martin Audio CDD8 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 200W AES / 800W peak handling rating |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 128Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Composite material |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial PA speaker |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz passive |
| Dimensions | 16.1"H x 10.1"W x 9.9"D (410 x 256 x 252 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" coaxial woofer, 1" exit compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 55Hz (-10dB) |
| Inputs | Low-profile 13A push-lock input and link |
| Power Handling | 200W AES / 800W peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Six M6 inserts for wall/ceiling brackets |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons