Conventional wisdom various owners that I know (incl. myself) is that the 10 and 12 kick butt over the 201/501 series in a big way. the 8/9 series was pretty well regarded, on par with the 10/12 at least I'd think. 8's with the BPS would be pretty righteous, but a lot bigger and more power hungry than a pair of 12s. I have a 10, which I prefer to the 201/501 series.
-Ed
-Ed