I learned a lot about my aesthetic priorities by comparing the 7s and 8s. Heard side by side on the same equipment, which included separate, expensive tube and solid state rigs, there was not a single sonic attribute for which the 8s did not outperform the 7s. Bass extension, treble smoothness, dynamic contrasts, midrange linearity, etc. were all somewhat to very much superior in the 8s than the 7s. However, much to my astonishment, I always found music more compellingly presented through the 7s than the 8s. This was as true for recordings of symphonic recordings at full tilt as recordings of solo piano, guitar or voice. Music through the 7s easily elicited an emotional rush that I did not experience as easily with the 8s. The sound of the 8s was definitely more accomplished but, perhaps more sterile. However, I can definitely envision someone having precisely the opposite opinion. Regardless, the 7s and 8s remain among the very best speakers that I have ever heard.