Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • DSP and room correction software integration makes them very room-friendly
  • Cardioid dispersion pattern reduces rearward radiation, improving placement flexibility and even frequency response
  • Excellent bass extension with tight and meaty bass reproduction down to 20Hz, providing a full-range sound
  • Exceptional clarity, coherency, and speed
  • The combination of amplifier and DAC circuitry creates a compelling all-in-one audio solution

Product Considerations

  • The $12,500-$14,950 price tag can be a significant investment
  • Limited input options, with only one balanced analog XLR input and one digital AES3 input, may require a preamplifier for multiple sources
  • A wired Ethernet connection is required for DSP settings and network connection
  • Some reviewers noted that the looks might not appeal to everyone
  • There have been instances of integration issues of REW with the speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Kii Three, the 8c punches more forcefully with more heft on bass, and has a more open and expressive midrange
  • Compared to Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, the 8c is on a different performance planet and trumps the Harbeth's midrange eloquence and dynamics/punch
  • Compared to Revel Performa3 F208 driven by Yamaha R-N803, the 8c provides a more comprehensive solution due to integrated DSP
  • Compared to ATC SCM40A, the 8c is more forgiving with bright recordings
  • Compared to B&W 705 S2 driven by McIntosh MC302, augmented by SVS SB-4000 subwoofer and Dirac Live, the 8c delivered phenomenal bass—taut and firm—and the speaker sounded neutral, smooth and played louder without strain

Takeaway: The Dutch & Dutch 8c offers a high-performance, room-adaptive audio system with exceptional clarity, bass, and dynamics, suitable for audiophiles seeking a streamlined setup. The sound can be adapted to the room with the use of the web interface and the integrated DSP.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

8c

reviews

[{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j38gkS-Q8f8","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"SMALL BOX, BIG SOUND - Dutch & Dutch 8c Monitor Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyMZFZrI1V0","source":"Streaky","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Will these make EVERY STUDIO sound GREAT? || Dutch&Dutch 8C REVIEW","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK-gdXCJoVg","source":"White Sea Studio","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Going deeper on the Dutch & Dutch 8c","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgEDPGUpTMc","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c active loudspeaker system","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/dutch-dutch-8c-active-loudspeaker-system","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Unfinished business with the Dutch & Dutch 8c","link":"https://darko.audio/2019/05/unfinished-business-with-the-dutch-dutch-8c","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Active Loudspeakers: Review","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/dutch-dutch-8c","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8C","link":"https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/dutch-dutch-8c","source":"Sound on Sound","datePublished":""},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Review","link":"https://audionostalgia.co.uk/dutch-dutch-8c-review","source":"Audio Nostalgia","datePublished":""},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Loudspeaker Review","link":"https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/dutch-dutch-8c-loudspeaker-review-r739","source":"Audiophile Style","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Active Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1270-dutch-dutch-8c-active-loudspeakers","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c expands sound with BACCH","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/dutch-dutch-8c-expands-sound-with-bacch","source":"The Ear","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Powered Loudspeaker with DSP and BACCH Processing","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/dutch-dutch-8c-powered-loudspeaker-with-dsp-and-bacch-processing","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":""},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch: 8c Powered Monitors","link":"https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/142/8c-powered-monitors","source":"Tape Op","datePublished":""},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c","link":"http://hifiknights.com/reviews/speakers/dutch-dutch-8c","source":"HiFi Knights","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Review: Dutch & Dutch 8c","link":"https://audiomediainternational.com/review-dutch-dutch-8c","source":"Audio Media International","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Review: Accurate Dutchmen","link":"https://www.lbtechreviews.com/test/speakers/dutch-dutch-8c","source":"LB Tech Reviews","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Review: Super high-end speakers with the best bass I’ve ever heard","link":"https://thenextweb.com/news/dutch-dutch-8c-review-super-high-end-speakers-with-the-best-bass-ive-ever-heard","source":"The Next Web","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c Speaker Review","link":"https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/dutch_dutch_8c","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Dutch & Dutch 8c stand-mount loudspeaker","link":"https://hifiplus.com/articles/dutch-dutch-8c-stand-mount-loudspeaker","source":"Hi-Fi+","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"8c Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/dutch-dutch-8c-quasi-anechoic-spinorama-and-measurements.12111/","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • LF: 8" High Excursion Subwoofer (2x)
  • MF: 8" Mid-Range Driver
  • HF: 1" Alloy Dome Tweeter
  • Enclosure Type LF: Sealed
  • Enclosure Type MF: Passive Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 20 kHz ± 1 DB
  • Amplifier Power LF: 500 W
  • Amplifier Power MF: 250 W
  • Amplifier Power HF: 250 W
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 485 x 270 x 380 MM
  • Weight: 26 KG
The 8c is accurate. It is measurably among the most accurate loudspeakers that exist. And the 8c transforms your listening room from a harmful influence into a useful extension, through a stack of technologies called RoomMatching.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Dutch & Dutch speakers employ a cardioid dispersion pattern, achieved through carefully designed vents, that significantly reduces unwanted sound reflections from the front wall.
  • They leverage "Boundary Coupled Bass," strategically coupling the rear-firing woofers with the front wall to enhance low-frequency headroom and directionality.
  • The 8c features a built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) which is used to time-align sound, mitigate destructive interference, and enable detailed room matching.
  • The Ascend mobile app allows extensive user control over loudspeaker parameters such as boundary distances, listening triangle dimensions, and customisable equalisation.

8c Studio

  • Positioning: A high-end studio monitor designed for professional audio environments.
  • Description: Features precise detail and clarity, making it ideal for long studio sessions while not causing listening fatigue. Uses RoomMatching technology to adapt to room acoustics, providing consistent sound across different environments. Built with an MDF cabinet and lacks direct streaming capabilities, which may appeal to users focused on studio integration rather than home audio flexibility.

8c

  • Positioning: The flagship model in the Dutch & Dutch lineup, designed for both high-end home audio and professional use.
  • Description: Delivers full-range flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer. Uses advanced DSP and RoomMatching technology to integrate into any room by compensating for acoustic anomalies. Features a solid oak cabinet and direct streaming capabilities, making it more versatile for home users who value aesthetic appeal and streaming convenience.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
285
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
2
Founding Year
2014

Our take on the brand

Dutch & Dutch's 8c speakers are the first in the world to run commercial third-party software plugins, with built-in RoomMatching technology that uses the room's acoustics to enhance performance rather than fight against it. The speakers include integrated DACs, amplifiers, subwoofers, and DSP in a compact package, while offering unique features like BACCH 3D Spatial Audio for enhanced soundstage from two speakers and EarEQ for personalized hearing correction.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

Used

Dutch & Dutch

No items found.
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What if you spend more?

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What competes at this price?

PMC
PMC8-2
15250
/
Released
2021
This three-way active studio monitor is designed to provide critical reference monitoring for the most demanding applications.
Check Amazon
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Unparalleled clarity, definition, and utmost accuracy
  • Excellent bass extension and clarity, as well as proper tonal balance at every volume
  • Super wide dispersion, and thus a bigger sweet spot

Product Considerations

  • It would be overkill in smaller rooms
  • A pair is a significant investment, so it makes sense that it's geared toward large, professional recording environments
  • They weigh nearly 100 pounds apiece

Takeaway: The PMC 8-2 is a wise investment for professional studios that delivers detailed and accurate monitoring, so it could very well be the only monitor needed It uses proprietary technology to deliver its signature sound

Video review

Our take on the brand

PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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