Short answer: these solve different jobs, not the same one. They rank #28 and #33 of 47 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 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A compact, affordable powered 8 inch PA speaker that is easy to carry and pairs well with a subwoofer.
An ultra compact passive 8 inch coaxial speaker for on wall installations with consistent coverage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 708-A MK5 | Martin Audio CDD8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.00 | $960 Passive |
| Ranked | #28 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers | #33 of 47 in 8-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| 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° | 80-110° horizontal (user-rotatable), 60° vertical |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 123dB peak / 117dB continuous |
| 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 | No (passive; used with a DX-series controller or MA Series amplifier for EQ and limiter presets) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Power Handling | - | 200W AES / 800W peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.14 |
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: RCF ART 708-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer) and Martin Audio CDD8 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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