Are Devore super 8s a lot better than the 8s?

Pal: In my opinion, yes, they are a lot better. I agree with the Sfar’s comment that the Gibbon 8s are far better than any speakers in their price range (that I’ve listen to anyway) and I purchased a pair two years ago. Unfortunately, I still was never was quite satisfied, so this past summer I auditioned the Super 8s, Nines, and the new 3XLs. I found all three to be far superior speakers and well worth the extra money. So if you’re debating both (and you can swing it), I’d recommend holding out for the Super 8s -they are truly special speakers.

Tonal quality up and down the scale. Notes with my Gibbon 8s always seemed a bit lean. I listen to a lot of acoustic jazz and I found that sax and cymbals were a bit brash to my ears. Also, the bass never was quite as present as with the the Super 8s or Nines. Again, I'm not bashing the Gibbons, but I just don't think they stack up to the others.

The 3XLs are amazing little speakers, too -but sound much different than the Nines and the Super 8s. The later have a more "woody" feel like you're listening an acoustic instrument, the 3XL's have a cleaner sound.

I wrestled between all three. Since the 3XL's would've required a sub to help on the low end, it became a horse race between the Super8s and the Nines. In the end, I spoiled myself with the Nines.