KRK V8
Our Score:	Imaging	4
F	Dynamic Performance	4
	Frequency Response	3
	High Volume	10
	Sound Quality	4.5
	Price / Performance	4
	Overall	46 F
	List price	Approx $1800/pr
	Web site	http://www.krksys.com

The KRK V8 is a biamplified system with an 8" woofer and 1" silk dome tweeter. Probably the most remarkable attribute of this system is its unusual gold-colored woven Kevlar woofer cone. The system is ported with a long, narrow port that extends across the bottom of the cabinet. The cabinet has the typical KRK look with it's stone-like Zolatone coating.

The system offers adjustable high-shelf and low cut EQ options. The high shelf centers above 1 KHz and offers only a minor +/- 1 dB boost or cut. The low cut switch adjusts the system's subsonic filter and offers cuts at 45, 50, and 65 Hz. The factory default is 45 Hz. This allows you to match the V8 with most subwoofers, or to diminish the deep bass content based on your mixing preference. We would have preferred to see more flexible equalization options such as are found on the Genelec or Mackie systems. For our tests we left the speakers flat with the cutoff at its lowest position, 45 Hz.

Power is ample: the woofer is fed by a 130 watt amp, with a 90 watt amp driving the tweeter. KRK has opted not to include a peak limiter, claiming that by eliminating limiters and compressors the listener will receive a purer, more accurate sound. Possibly. However, if you abuse your nearfields like I occasionally abuse mine, then you might prefer a limiter.

I was very surprised to listen to the KRK V8 and discover a speaker quite lacking in bass and with a harsh, almost shrill treble response. The frequency response of this speaker is more on par with the Yamaha NS-10 than the other speakers in our comparison. The speaker was immediately fatiguing and difficult to listen to.

I thought that the speaker would probably fare better in other environments, but this was not the case. In the end I listened to two different pairs of V8s in four different rooms, and was thoroughly unimpressed. Trying to mix on the V8 had me constantly reaching to turn down the mids. It was almost painful. Even very well-mixed material like Loreena McKinnett's "Book of Secrets" took on an edgy quality. And the bass response was virtually nonexistent. I have heard many people praise the V8's bass response. All I can say is that they must have been listening to a very different speaker than the two pairs that I heard.

In the end I was very disappointed with the KRK V8. I know a few guys that I trust who love to mix on the V8s. I suppose they and I will have to agree to disagree. The KRK V8 was a no-go in my book.