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