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Audio Physic Classic 8
Excellent entry into the audiophile world
When you just need that extra bit of punch, our Classic 8 is up to the job!
Based on our successful Classic 5 with which it shares the same slim silhouette, the Classic 8 ups the ante rather significantly in terms of presence and power delivery. This remarkable feat has been achieved by adding a dedicated woofer with an extra-strong motor system to provide bass-support duties for the midwoofer. This 2½-way design offers plenty enough power to easily fill even large rooms of 20 sqm (215 sqft) and more with breathtakingly good sound.
Both woofer and midwoofer of the Classic 8 feature cones made from woven glass fibre, combining low weight with high internal damping. Sound-disrupting partial oscillations of the cone are thereby effectively prevented. The fixed phase plug of the midwoofer reduces compression effects in the crucial mid-range and plays an important part in cooling the substantial magnetic motor during operation.
Like the Classic 5, the Classic 8 also has a silk dome tweeter that resides in a small horn-shaped indentation to subtly adjust the sound radiation behaviour around the crossover frequency between mid and high frequencies. This way, the spatial image remains wide, balanced and precise, even if the listener is seated somewhat outside the so-called sweet spot.
The Classic 8’s front baffle is as slim as the Classic 5’s, minimising unwanted reflection and diffraction issues around the drivers. And even in height, the new Classic 8 only outgrows the Classic 5 by a mere 55 mm and remains very compact for such a capable floorstanding speaker. The well-dimensioned black plinth is there to provide stability and secure footing on any surface, but it also looks modern and elegant with all available colour and veneer options.
Thanks to the integrated M8 bushings in the plinth, the Classic 8 can not only be equipped with standard spikes but also with our optional high-quality Vibration Control Feet Audio Physic VCF II M8. These feet decouple the speaker from the floor, lifting sound performance to entirely new levels, and also help to protect delicate floors.
Our new Classic 8 is one of the most compact floorstanding speakers in the market but punches well above its weight when it comes to sound quality, musicality and control. But don’t believe us, a specialist Audio Physic retailer near you will be happy to set up a demonstration for you. But don’t say we didn’t tell you so!
2½-Way Design
The 2 ½-way speaker operates similar to a 2-way speaker, but is supplemented by an additional woofer, which covers the frequency range up to 500Hz in parallel to the mid-woofer.
VCF – Vibration Control Feet optional
The best feet for our – and other – speakers. VCF provide a substantial improvement of sound performance by reducing transfer of unwanted vibrations while at the same time protecting delicate surfaces. Also available as VCF Component for Hi-Fi separates and as VCF Cable Supports.
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
92/100
Value for Money
89/100
With powerful bass, a clean midband and a sweet, unfatiguing top end, the Classic 8 delivers a big, room-filling sound from a compact floorstander. The Ear found its imaging pinpoint and dynamics compelling, while the overall presentation stays precise, musical and impressively масштабed for the size.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers deep, tight and full-bodied bass with real authority for a compact floorstander.
Creates a huge soundstage with pinpoint imaging that draws the listener in.
Offers a clean, uncoloured midrange and sweet treble that avoids harshness.
Handles dynamics and musical scale with impressive control and force.
&
Cons
Bass output can be heavy in smaller rooms and may require careful positioning or a compatible amplifier.
The top end is refined rather than especially sparkling, so listeners seeking extra air may want more bite.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers praise a big, room-filling presentation with bass that is powerful, tight and precise, yet capable of overwhelming the midrange in some rooms. The midrange is described as clean, uncoloured and highly detailed, while the treble is sweet, detailed and free of shrillness. The speaker is also singled out for a huge, immersive stage with pinpoint imaging and notably strong timing and control.
Bass
92/100
The bass is repeatedly described as substantial, with 'staggering amounts of low-frequency output' and a 'tight, precise and full-bodied bass.' One reviewer did note a bass-heavy balance that threatened to swamp the rest of the spectrum in his room, so the low end is powerful and authoritative but can be room-sensitive.
Mid
94/100
The midrange is called 'refreshingly clean and uncoloured,' with singer realism described as uncanny and voices rendered 'in flesh and blood.' Reviewers also mention a strong sense of detail through the middle of the band, which helps the speaker sound precise and articulate.
Treble
93/100
The treble is praised as sweet, detailed and 'never shrill or unpleasant,' with no unwanted colourations reported. One reviewer did mention that the presentation lacked a little of the ultimate sparkle he was used to, but the overall impression is of refined, open high frequencies.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Imaging is described as 'pinpoint' across an 'immense soundstage,' and the speakers are said to fill a large room with ease. The reviews suggest a convincingly expansive, stable presentation that pulls the listener in rather than just spraying sound around the room.
Dynamics
94/100
Dynamics are repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with crescendos staying 'dynamic and forceful' and articulation remaining superb even at modest levels. Reviewers also note that the speakers cope well with big musical swings and maintain control under pressure, which gives them real scale and drive.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
The lone direct build comment is strongly positive, calling the build quality 'excellent.' Beyond that, the reviews do not dig deeply into long-term cabinet engineering or hardware details, but there is no suggestion of compromised finish or assembly.
Value for Money
89/100
One review explicitly calls them 'great value-for-money,' and the overall tone suggests a speaker that delivers a lot of sound and refinement for the asking price. At around the mid-to-upper end of the price range, reviewers still frame the Classic 8 as an easy recommendation rather than an indulgence.
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Authorized dealers for Audio Physic Classic 8
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Audio Art — in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Connexion — online — Germany (website)
- Audio Element — in-store — Pasadena, California, United States (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- Audio Nexus — in-store — Summit, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Audio Vision San Francisco — online and in-store — San Francisco, California, United States (website)
- Audiofrenzy BV — in-store — Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands (website)
and 39 more verified dealers