I had the s5e's and moved up to the s8e's...big improvement in soundstage! Personally i was always a little dissapointed with the 5's as they were just too closed in and small sounding (even though they can play loud).
One caviat...I have run the 8's with 3 amps...Musical Fidelity A5 integreated, CJ MV60SE and now with Rogue 150's. The MF and Rogues are awesome with theses speakers...the CJ was a disaster! I am not familiar with your Dodd amp but you need some good power here.
With all that said...the 8's are the 5's on steriods...much better presentation and room filling, but not a rock speaker.
One caviat...I have run the 8's with 3 amps...Musical Fidelity A5 integreated, CJ MV60SE and now with Rogue 150's. The MF and Rogues are awesome with theses speakers...the CJ was a disaster! I am not familiar with your Dodd amp but you need some good power here.
With all that said...the 8's are the 5's on steriods...much better presentation and room filling, but not a rock speaker.