What is your budget? Are you looking for subs as well or just tops?

Looking to spend no more than $900. Unfortunately my clients are more concerned with how loud it can get, and don't care if the quality isn't good. I am looking for just Speaker Monitor's, though I may consider getting a subwoofer in the future.

pipe dream.

Either step up your budget or just rent if you're going to be cheap about it.

What do you consider the loudest without sacrificing too much quality?

$900 budget will not give you speakers to handle 300 person max. I have to agree with DJ_soo. Up your budget, looking at about $3500 minimum if you shop around. Up your spending , then people can point you into the right direction. Otherwise, look to rent.

Ev zxa5

Or maybe an rcf art 715 mk ii

Do you think the Behringer B215D would be loud enough? It's 388 Watts RMS (Legitimate RMS, not the exaggerated one advertised).

Two ev elx115p with a ekx 18 sub should be able to do up to 200 people.

But you would definitely need to spend at least 1500. And for 1700, you'll probably just get the matrix 2500 which is an okay system.

I appreciate the reply's, but like I said i'm looking for loudness over quality while not spending too much. $450 a speaker would be ideal.

Most of my gig's are inside a gymnasium with 200 people. I say 300 because I want to have flexibility and not operate them close to clipping. I'm looking for a powerful set of speakers that are inexpensive. I'd love a pair of QSC K12's or B-52 Matrix's, but I simply can not afford them.

The matrix 1000 v2 is ok but if you want the most power for the money, you should think of a passive system like a crown xls 2500 and two ev elx112 which would come up to a little over 900.

Yamaha DBR15s. You can get them for 600 a piece. They are worth every penny. They get super loud and sound great. They also have loads of bass, and come with a 7 year warranty.

not going to happen, you need to up your budget---> www.guitarcenter.com

#1

Just rent until you have the funds. You ill not be happy with any speaker at the $450 range.

Or just make an investment that is guaranteed to last a while and take you far in your performance. It might seem like a lot now, but down the road, it will pay for itself.
You don't want to buy something now and later you buy something else . You rather just spend money as least as possible.
It will be hard but it would all worth it in the end.

I saw those. I might either get those or the JBL EON 615's.

Get the Yamaha, I've used the jbl and they don't get that loud.

Ok. Also, if I were to get a subwoofer for my current speakers (600 Watt Peak each) instead of upgrading, what would you suggest for a 15" woofer.

Just a FYI, wattage doesn't necessarily mean louder in many situations. I have speakers that are 1000 watts Peak (EV ZLX 15P powered speakers) that don't nearly get as loud as some of the passive, non-powered speakers I have that peak at 750 watts. It all depends on the drivers and the efficiency of the drivers, along with some other smaller factors.

I own a pair of QSC K12, they hold up pretty good with up to 100-120 people, but I would not bring them to a gig for 200 people without proper sub's...

Loud over quality doesn't make sense. That to me suggests distortion, which in turn means blown speakers, not to mention discomfort and a bad experience to the people listening to that. I'd rather reach 150 people with a clear audio signal than 300 with horrible sound.

For that kind of budget though, I think the best you'll find is a B52 Matrix system. Good bang for the buck and it takes a beating.

For myself , I'm thinking of going with a k12 and a ekx18sp sub. Cost double your budget but is well worth it.

How big a party do you guys think I can do with one top and bottom?

Get a Yamaha DXR15 over the K12. The DXR15 kills it in sound quality and output and if you were to buy it now it would be $100 cheaper. Plus they put out a decent amount of bass so you could getaway without a sub for some events.

+1

even the dxr12 kills the k12

I'm not really fond of Yamaha , however the parties I do, my customers require I have as much bass as possible so a sub will be a must.

Also, I'm getting an extraordinarily good deal on the k12 with ekx18sp with mogami cables. If I get the Yamaha, I woild have to pay an extra 150. Plus I main need good coverage and distance,

The Yamahas deliver great coverage and distance. They also sound better than the qSCs. Hit up Joee above and he can tell you where to find good deals on the Yamahas. It will probably be less than the deal you are getting.

I feel like it'd be very much worth it to just buy a pair of EKX-12Ps if you're planning on getting the EKX-18SPs anyways. They're designed to be used in conjunction with each other, unlike the K12s and the EKX subs.

The ekx sounds great, but when I tested it with the k12, it did not get the distance but it was very much clean.

it will com in a little more than the deal he got, but he will be much better off adding $650 to his deal price & getting two dxr12 with one dxs18 sub

Also take into account the audio you're feeding it. If you have the best speakers hooked up to a $50 mixer that's putting out audio from a 96k mp3, it's going to sound like crap. Clean audio = better performance. There's adjustments to improve on output (including volume) all the way through the audio chain.

Actually I did the test at GuitarCenter and the ekx18sp sub sounded better to my ears, probably I just need to take another listen.

The K12 will project sound further because of it's 75 x75 degree sound coverage pattern vs. an ekx12p with it's 90x 60 coverage pattern. Ekx will give you a wider coverage. That's why the qsc throws further but more narrow.

The tops I am finalizing with are:
Ev ekx12p
Qsc k12
Turbo sound iq15
Yamaha dxr12 or 15(not really fond of)
2 ev zlx12p
And subs:
Ekx18sp
Turbo sound iq 18
Yamaha dsr118

If I can get the qsc k12 with the kw181 for 1500 though, ill take it in a heartbeat

What don't you like about the DXRs?

Also out of the 3 subs you listed, your best bet is definitely the EKX--however, if you're looking at subwoofers primarily for low frequency extension, you'd want to look at some other options.

for some reason, Yamaha, even though an exceptional speaker, doesn't really suit me. Ive tested it and, it might be just me, but I feel when I listen to them, I am listening to a home audio speaker that is very loud. also my budget for the sub is $1000 and for a speaker is $800.

also is two ev zlx12p better than one k12 or dxr12 or turbosound iq15 or ekx12p?

turbosound is now owned and operated by behringer so that may be an issue for you.

personally, I love my DXR10s more than my K12s.

what makes them better than the k12?
cause probably it was just that one speaker.

The DXRs sound better, go louder and maintain that sound quality at high volumes. The K12s sound decent at low levels but as soon as you push them they start to sound like crap very quickly.

In the end buy what you like but there are many people on this forum and others that will make the same statement.

+1

just dropped by guitarcenter on my way home, and I was wowed on the dxr15. This is a speaker I would want to get now. Thanks guys.
Now for subs, I can't really afford the dxs18 but I can afford the dxs15.
if I get the 15, should I get the 12 or 15 top.
And will this due for a party of 80 people?

If You are buying a dxs15 sub, I say get the dxr12

If a sub is really important, than do two DXR12s over a pair of DXS15s. However, the DXR15s in particular deserve a good 18" per top--they get really loud and have a good amount of bass extension, so pairing it with 15" sub (or two) isn't going to do you much good.
Two DXR15s can easily do an event of 80 people without subs. You can always add subs later.

For now, i'm going to get a 15" active subwoofer for two 10" Active Loudspeakers. I will upgrade to 15" when I get the money.

I have a ev ekx15sp and 2 Yamaha dxr8s and its a great system.

whats the biggest event you played with the dxr8 and ekx sub?
also, I need low end for customers, they like to have that thump feeling.
since im settled on the dxr, can the ekx18s sub keep up with it. Im getting a great deal on one and don't know if I should pass it up.

Let me tell you this. 2 drx8s and an ev ekx15sp sub sounds better than the 2 Yamaha dxr15 or most 15 tops up on speaker poles. And yes I've owned Yamaha dxr15s, jbl prx 615 and the ev elx115. I also recently installed a pair of jbl prx715 in one of the bars I play at and the dxr8 ekx15sp sounds better than those too.

Biggest event so far is a 150 person wedding and I had to turn the sub down to -3db. It was a little loud for my crowd. I think an ev ekx18sp and 2 Yamaha dxr10s or Yamaha dbr10s can easily cover up to 200 people. It definitely won't be night club volumes but it will get the job done.

I was thinking that I start out with one dxr15 with an ekx18sp for know and get another top later. Do you think this is a good idea?

Know*=now

I wouldn't do that if I were you... Get 2 tops instead. The DXR15's can easily handle a group of 80 people as said before. Get the sub later once you get the money for it and you start doing bigger events. I've never seen someone use one sub and one top before. It just doesn't make sense.

I've rarely** seen someone use one sub one top before (Evox 8 changed that fact of never seeing a one sub one top setup lol)

Got it. How much people can I cover with two dxr 15?

I've covered about 150 people woth 2 Yorkville NX750p's and I was pretty safe. Only hit the limit in really bass heavy songs (didnt clip at all the whole night). Depending on your volumes, you could probably cover 200 people max in my opinion. Also depends on room size. Others might say differently.

I own 2 Yamaha DBR15s, the little brothers of the DXRs, and I've held down banquet halls that seat 200 or so and even a fairly large high school cafeteria. They thump hard, and since I don't own a sub yet, I put one on a tripod and the other on the floor right under it to increase the amount of bass produced.

On the topic of subs, check out the EV ETX18SP. You can get one for about 1100$, and they thump a massive amount harder than the EKX.

Don't forget to mention the weight of the ev etx18sp.

Are the dbr15s good for outdoor. I usually do more outside, backyard events , that's why I can try to get away with one top and bottom.

$1,650 / $1,750 gets you one qsc kw181 & one yamaha dxr12, but you have to haggle to get that price


done………….

Thanks again guys for the advice

I'm going with the dxr15 with ekx18sp for now until I finish college, then I'll upgrade.

Honestly, I'd get the two DXRs. If you're going to be doing college parties (I assume because you're in college and your clients like bass), with the D-Contour on FOH, the DXR15s do sound pretty close to having a sub. I personally would rather have stereo sound than a single top and sub--especially in this case, where the sub won't add as much to 15 as it would to a 12" or 10".

Yes, the parties I do, the people always want some extra bass, if I supply the extra, I get paid extra, and also as far as tops go, I need one and can always borrow my friends k12

www.proaudiostar.com

This is a deal I got if I replace the k12 with the dxr12, the price would be a little less

Why not ETX18SP?

It's out of budget.

You can get a DXR12 for 550 and the ETX18SP for 1100

I was trying to keep at 1400, I was getting the k12 for 600 and ekx18sp for 700. But I will look in to it though. Rather spend the money smart once and not twice.
How much can I get the kw181 for? I ask is because of the weight.

K12 is not a bad speaker by any means so long as you don't push it past its limit.

I personally prefer the DXRs, but part of that is price difference between the DXR and the K-series. If the K12 is cheaper, go for that - if the DXR is lower tho, I'd just go that route.

They are roughly the same level of speaker - jus that the DXR sounds better at limit and has a bit more warranty at a lower cost.

You aren't going to be powering any 300+ person parties with that setup so if you know the limits of your rig, you should be fine.

Get the EV ZLX 12P i just copped those and didnt regret but honest you will still need/want a sub regardless of what speakers you get. if you're doing more than 50 people a sub is suggested

on a separate note - why are DJs so damn cheaper O_O

i rather spend money on quality equipment and have my shit bump than trash and feel like a cheap b@stard. I did that already i bought a Beringher 212A and it served its purpose but i ended up buy two sets of speakers QSC and EV to make up for it years later.

LoL^^^

do you think I should spend the extra money on a sub?
ekx18sp $700
kw181 $1100

Its a $400 difference but is it worth it for that price difference?
From what I heard, the qsc hits a little harder but the ekx puts up a fight.

I would say to go to the ETX18sp if youre thinking about spending some more money. Yes, its a little heavier but much worth it. Casters also make it much easier to transport.

Do you think the extra $400 is worth it though?

If you're thinking about going to the QSC KW181 for $1100, I would rather go in the direction of the ETX18sp, in my opinion.

www.djchat.com

One person in the above discussion said that he got rid of his QSC KW181 because even the ETX15sp sounded better. That being said, the ETX18sp is better than the KW181.

ok, is it worth the extra $400 though?
Etx18sp 1100
ekx18sp 700

That all depends on how willing you are. If you want more raw subwoofer, then yes definitely. It also means that you are futureproof-ed. You could easily get a second etx down the road and be back on par. I would go the extra way. Just suppose you became big a year or two down the road, and needed more power out of your subs. The EKX might not be enough, and that's where you would appreciate your decision on buying your etx earlier on. You already have the best of the best, and now you can just add onto it instead of having to buy a complete new set and spending more in the end.

do you think the etx15sp is better than the ekx18sp and kw181?
Ill try to get the etx15sp for 950.

The ETX15sp is impressive but im not sure if it's better than the KW181 or EKX18sp. You would have to go and do a live demo to hear that. I feel like it would be within the same range.

Ill definitely give it a listen. If the etx15sp sounds better than the ekx18sp, the 15 is my choice. For tops, dxr 12 or zlx12p?

Definitely DXR, much more powerful and will go better with thw ETX subs.

Ok, I just talked to a rep and they quoted me for 1000 for the evetx15p, because of the price, I think ill go with the ekx18sp, can this sub keep up with the dxr 12?

Yeah, the etx18sp will definitely be able to keep up with the DXR, i had some doubts about the 15sp with it being able to keep up, but the 18sp should be good.

What's louder, the Mackie Thump 15's or the Behringer Eurolive B215D's?

I feel like the B215D's would be louder. I owned the B212D's at one point, and they got loud for what they were. Pretty small size and lightweight. I've used the B215D's alot (installed in a party hall I DJ at often), and they can easily provide top end power (with a little bass boost) for 150 people with the B1800D sub.

Re: k12

Ugh, This. +1. Yes. what he said. ^ .

As far as subs...KW181 is a solid choice...EKX 18sp may be just as good for a little less $$ and weight.

That's the real debate here.



But he could just as easily get a second EKX18 also and be on par..?

You aren't saving any size or even much $ with the ETX15sp and to me that would be the point of going with a 15" over an 18"

There is this comparison..

serato.com

I would go with the EKX18sp. You're not losing nearly as much (even if you are) for the lower price and weight. To me, its the better choice.

Yeah, he could get a second EKX18, but that wouldn't be as good as the 2 ETX18's he could have gotten for just a little extra money (which im assuming you have DJ 3XOTIC). With the EKX18's, you might be inclined to buy a second sub earlier because you simply don't have the same power or headroom you would with the ETX18. When I said on par, I meant with headroom and power wise in comparison to most of todays subs. You would probably need 3 EKX18's to get the same results as 2 ETX18's (again, depends on the situation and how to place them). He would easily be spending more money that way.

When we were talking about the ETX15, I still told him to upgrade to the ETX18, for the same reason's youre saying. He's not saving any space or $ going with the ETX15, which is why I told him to just go that little bit further and get the ETX18 or stick to the EKX18.

In the end, its up to DJ 3XOTIC, but to me honestly the ETX18 is the best option out of everything. I won't feel like I have to upgrade a few years down the road because my subs aren't on par with some of the other subs in the PRO-DJ market. With the ETX, I would feel really comfortable, especially with 2.

I hear ya. All good points. ETX 18sp for me to move myself and get in suv is quite the task. KW181 not so much and I'd imagine the EKX18sp to be even easier. But yes if you want the best sounding sub, most power, ability to do biggest events of the 3, I'd go ETX...if $ and size are no issue.

Long story short, they're all good subs and you won't be disappointed with any of them.. (providing the EKX's are indeed at least as good as the KW181) ;)

He's losing low frequency extension with the EKX in comparison to other options (albeit pricier). I also think the ETX is the best move, or an SRX818sp if weight is an issue. If you get the SRX to pair with the DXRs though, make sure you have a way to delay the tops by about 20 ms for time alignment. Don't end up like me! :P

Yeah, he's losing some low frequency extension, but does that really counterweight the price and weight is something to think about haha. Yeah the SRX818sp is also a really good choice. Why the delay though? I'm hearing that for the first time.

The latency on the SRX818sp (I assume it's the same for all models) is pretty high -- I assume because of the extensive active DSP the signal has to go through before being reproduced. I have to buy a mixer with output delays so that I can time align the drivers between my DXR15s and SRX818sp--I had to offset the SRX by about 15-20 feet for the bass to line up with the tops during testing. I'll post an actual number once I have a gig with the new mixer.

Ohhh, that makes sense. And damn, are there any mixers that have output delays?

Maybe the cheap Behringer ones

It would probably be more cost effective to get a driverack as you would need to purchase a digital mixer like the x32 rack ($1100) or higher to have the ability to set up delay times on the outputs.

Flag on the play...."15-20 feet for the bass to line up with the tops"......Naa cant be right ?

How many people can the B-52 Matrix support?

I know...20ms is a huuuuuuge number. I thought something was up--like the delay was on, but I checked on Audio Architect and it wasn't. My only guess is that the SRX requires more computing and thus has a higher latency because certain filters and effects can be user-manipulated, so it adds a large degree of variables that speakers without such extensive user-accessible parameters, such as the DXRs, don't have to account for.
I'm actually looking into the QSC Touchmix (100ms output delay) to fix the issue -- you'd have to buy the Driverack 260 or the VENU360 because the PA2 only goes up to 10ms of driver alignment. I tried using the 10ms delay with the PA2 and it wasn't enough.
The Behringer Shark DSP110 has a delay of up to 2.5 seconds -- although they look to be recently discontinued (they were $100 each, I'm sure you'd be able to find one around). That being said, it only takes one input, so unless you want to go mono, you'd have to purchase two.

the 1000 - I'd think maybe 150. The 2000 - probably 200-250.

This is a wedding situation where not everyone is expected on the dancefloor at once.

What made you consider the Touchmix? The touchscreen lag is pretty bad on it. The Allen & Heath Qu-Pac is better in every way and is pretty close in price.

I'm actually looking at the Touchmix 8 which I can find for close to $700. I tested the Touchmix 16 at GC and didn't have much of an issue; I found the touchscreen wasn't particularly sensitive, but that's probably good anyways so I don't raise a fader or mute something by accident. I haven't read anything yet in any reviews, is there actually a ton of lag that I missed?

DJZed....No there's something wrong, try resetting the srx to default

I just looked up that Qu-Pac, wow I want it.

Plus they just added auto mixing and a spectrogram in the new firmware.

Just found out I can't get the etx18sp because it won't fit in my car. However, the ekx18sp and kw181 can. Which one will be the best? Also how does one dxr15 sound standalone compared to the dxr12 with either one of the subs above?

I was going through the thread just looking not really focusing on the responses, (i enjoy general discussion but neither here nor there) i have a bose L1 model one and while it is great and serves me well for my uses i've been wanting to get a stereo setup and figuered id ask here and my needs are for about the same number of people as the op. What would be the best option without having to get a sub. Don't really have a budget as im not out to get them in a hurry just would like some options when i decide to purchase them. A sidenote i would like considerations for times i would use just one speaker for quick small events for background sound. Thanks familia.

Forgot to add that while i may have said about not really having a budget, but something in the realm of 2500 or less seems about fair. The main thing for me is not having to need a sub.

2 yorkville ps15p

Yamaha DXR15s.

+1

I have a pair. You can get away without a sub depending on the type of event. The bass is better than the average full range top.

+1

DXR15s poor mans zxa5s

I own and love my DXR15s, but my testing of the PS12Ps would lead me to believe that the PS15Ps would do better than DXR15s stand alone. Their deep low frequencies are exceptional. They are more $$$ though...

Al

You might be right. I did another test with the DXR and SRX and this time it sounded on point--this is in the same room and same placement where I tried my SRX the first time.
I recently had a gig and in the middle of a few songs it just started producing a random sine signal that grew louder and louder until the gain was adjusted, and sometimes it just stopped working for a bit altogether until the gain was adjusted again. I thought it was just a fluke, but now, since I retested and the phase is somewhat correct, I'm REALLY confused and I might take it in and see if something's wrong.

Thanks for the input family, a pair of the yamaha DXR15s would be more affordable but wonder if it would be better to spend a bit more on the yorkvilles, which of the two would you guys say i would be able to get away with in the case i had about a 70-100 person event and use one speaker, that would be the deciding factor for me.

I've used the PS15Ps once and honestly I wasn't that impressed. Was more impressed with the PS12Ps to be honest.

best bet would be to go have a listen and decide which you prefer.

How would the new rcf708asll compare to the qsc kw181?

Yamaha dsr15

Yamaha DSR115 is indeed VERY impressive. Loud as f_ck and excellent bass response as well. I found it necessary to reduce the top end a little and bring up the mids to achieve a better balanced sound. My dealer and I were not able to get it to limit in store.

Al

Powered speakers in general are more expensive. I know I'm late to this discussion and you've probably already gone with something, but if you piece together your own parts, you can make an extremely capable system. Like this:

Rockville RSG 12.24 pair (each speaker is 1000w RMS at 4 ohms) and 250 for the pair. Dual woofers on both speakers.

Behringer KM1700 (2x800w at 4 ohms) for 200

Cables probably would be 50 max. For 500 you've just got a 1600w capable system.

wrong, you just blow $500 on complete garbage.

I'd rather blow my $500 betting on black in the casino. I wouldn't rock that listed setup for free.