Equator D5 vs. D8?

I am still waiting to audition the Equator monitors, but as a rule I have found systems based around an 8 inch driver to sound "better" to me, and I don't think it is just the extension on the low end, it's the way everything just seems to line up better, if that makes sense.
 
I am in the midst of auditioning new monitors... a pair of Sceptre 8s should be in my hot little hands within the next couple weeks, and after that it will be the D8s. I'll let you know what I find, but I'd think the D8s would provide you with a sense of improvement.
 

I use a sub with the D5's at the desk. It does work out nicely and the D5's offer a clarity that is almost forensic. The image is great and their size make them easy to locate on the ISO stands.
 
I'm really struggling here as I don't want to spend money to make an existing good situation worse... I'm just a sucker for Sales and Mfg. hype. 
 
At least I have 4 more days to make the decision.

I placed the order for the D8's, right or wrong, I'll find out sometime soon!

Thanks guys for the replies! Looking forward to the new experience!
 
Kind regards,
Rick
 

Hmmm.  I think I just bought a pair of d8's for $699 shipped.  Still a better deal than the regular $777...
 
Thanks for the math lesson!    I have had a house full of relatives/company for a couple of days now so my patience level and cognizance has decreased significantly...

Yes, still a good deal if you want the 8's and bought the 5's at the old price.
 
As soon as relatives leave I'll check some return shipping costs. That may be the deciding factor in whether I return the 5's or just keep them. Still, I could never replace the 5's for that price.

Still awaiting delivery of the D8's. UPS has lost them....  Equator is trying to get me another set and expecting a phone call anytime now.
 
Yes, I am currently using a KRK 10" sub with the D5's as I was mixing bass heavy before the sub. Things are pretty dialed in right now but always looking at the seemingly greener grass on the other side (D8's).  I have the xover set just a little less than 80hz on the KRK and that seemed to be the magic point that brought things together.
 
I will definitely be making a comparison between the D5/sub combo and the D8's but will probably end up using both with a monitor switcher.  Just made a new floor template so I can run another series of ARC measurements on both systems before I start the comparison.
 
When I found out there was an issue with the D8 shipment I came VERY close to just getting the Q10's but considering the short distance I have available and the low volumes I monitor at I doubt they would have worked out as well as nearfields. They would have Looked Cool on the desk....

SmackYoTitty
rtucker55,
 
I have a pair of D5's and just purchased a KRK 10" sub as well.  My D5's are still within in the money back time period and I am considering upgrading to the D8's.  Are you finding the D8's are able to reproduce enough low end without engaging the sub?  Overall, how does running only the D8's compare to running the D5's with the sub?

For me, I don't need any sub when using the D8's. I was blown away the first time I listened to the D8's as not only is the extended low end right there but the sound stage seems much larger. They do have a little more up-front mid-range yet everything is still very clean. I would say it would depend on the genre of music you work with most but for smooth jazz, fusion, orchestral work the D8's should fill the bill easily.
 
I kept the D5's and the sub and can now select between the D8's, D5's or D5's w/sub. It really covers about every possible situation I would have here. I think that the D5's only are more forensic than the other combos and I rarely use cans now to find little issues sometimes hidden in the background.
 
If I could only have the D5's w/sub or the D8's I would choose the D8's. Everything sounds more cohesive yet larger with the D8's where the D5's w/sub are a little more directional with the low end seeming to come from somewhere else, probably due to the location of my sub. The D8's just sound good period.
 
I hope this helps some but choosing a monitor system is like choosing a life partner as you really need to give them a good audition in order to make the best decision for you. In this case I got lucky with the D8's and also keeping the D5's is the icing on the cake.
 
Kind regards,
Rick
 
 

Not sure it made that much difference but, so far , I am less likely to mix low end heavy using the D8's and the image width seems to be better. (not too wide)
 
I know they say that lower frequencies are not directional but I feel like I hear/feel more low end from the D8's located on the desk vs. having the D5's on the desk and the sub under the desk. I don't know, call me crazy but it seems to be working out for me.
 
Kind regards,
Rick

I almost went with the Q10's but they really require more space than I have to use them to their ability. I never monitor at the levels they are capable of producing so the D8's were my choice. Equator does have a super deal on the Q10's if you have the room for them it would be really hard to pass up.
 
I do like the idea that they also come with room correction software that is specifically for the Q-series monitors. The Equator stuff is hard to beat for the Customer service and the sale prices.
 
I received an email that said they are now working with certain retailers in a few locations so that folks will be able to audition and purchase these monitors locally for the same prices. I hope this will be successful for them.