Speaker system advice

Hi everyone, i'm looking to buy a new speaker system to about 1200$ for my S4. It's going to be used at house parties, and garden parties and such, and i was wondering if any of you, can recommend a speaker system in that price range, and also available for buying in Europe?

I've been looking at these: http://www.thomann.de/gb/ld_systems_dave_15_g2.htm , but i don't know that much about sound systems and all that, so looking at the specifications, would anyone recommend them, or can i get something better at that price? :)

Any help apprecciated!:):)

http://www.b-52pro.com/products/Matrix1000V2.html

That's my first suggestion. I'm not well versed on speaker systems myself other than researching what is good to start with, but that's been said to be one of the better ones that is powered, and comes with a sub. Would probably fall a little under your budget as well.

The other suggestion I would make, would be getting two QSC K12 tops. Should have enough low end to get you through (and if you really needed it, you could rent a sub until you can buy one). But you'll also have the BEST quality sound.

I'v used a DAVE 12 system in a very small room 80/100 people tops and was not very impressed with it.

Bass was okish in that room but the top end was rather harsh.

In a bigger room it wouldn't be very good.

B52 systems suck.

I sold several of them when I worked at GC because people made me. God, I hate them. They sound like crap.

Only thing I've used for house parties was a pair of JBL 2x15 + tweeter cabs with a QSC power amp and whatever home/computer audio subs we could find and distribute sound to.

I'd look into going that route and skimp on the amps if necessary…I'd run low-end JBL speakers and a Mackie or Behringer amp long before white van speakers with a good amp.

And I don't think I'd ever buy a powered speaker for that. They're too heavy and too much of a PITA.

Yeah I would avoid any of those little mini 3 in 1 systems like what you linked or the b52.

Personally I would go powered JBL or QSC tops with a matching sub but you're only going to find a system like that used within your budget so search around classified forums in your area, I know craigslist isn't great in europe but you must have something.

As far as powered being a pain- I don't know I found them to be the opposite but yeah powered speakers in wood cabinets like I had were pretty heavy.

Thank you very much for all your answers!! :)

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Originally Posted by Bassline Brine

http://www.b-52pro.com/products/Matrix1000V2.html

That's my first suggestion. I'm not well versed on speaker systems myself other than researching what is good to start with, but that's been said to be one of the better ones that is powered, and comes with a sub. Would probably fall a little under your budget as well.

The other suggestion I would make, would be getting two QSC K12 tops. Should have enough low end to get you through (and if you really needed it, you could rent a sub until you can buy one). But you'll also have the BEST quality sound.

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I've heard really good things about the Matrix 1000 actually (until longer down this thread), and if i were to buy those QSC K12, i would only have money for 1 speaker if they shouldn't be second hand..

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I'v used a DAVE 12 system in a very small room 80/100 people tops and was not very impressed with it.

Bass was okish in that room but the top end was rather harsh.

In a bigger room it wouldn't be very good.

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Alright, then DAVE 15 probably isn't better :/

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Only thing I've used for house parties was a pair of JBL 2x15 + tweeter cabs with a QSC power amp and whatever home/computer audio subs we could find and distribute sound to.

I'd look into going that route and skimp on the amps if necessary…I'd run low-end JBL speakers and a Mackie or Behringer amp long before white van speakers with a good amp.

And I don't think I'd ever buy a powered speaker for that. They're too heavy and too much of a PITA.

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Yeah I would avoid any of those little mini 3 in 1 systems like what you linked or the b52.

Personally I would go powered JBL or QSC tops with a matching sub but you're only going to find a system like that used within your budget so search around classified forums in your area, I know craigslist isn't great in europe but you must have something.

As far as powered being a pain- I don't know I found them to be the opposite but yeah powered speakers in wood cabinets like I had were pretty heavy.

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Could you be more specific please? Because I really don't have that much knowledge about sound equipment, so I wouldn't ever know, what amp, speakers or sub to match? That's actually why I wanted a "3 in 1" system like that, because then would be sure that they actually go well together :o So if you could give me some product names, that forms a complete sound system, that would be great!! :)

i would suggest to go to an store and listen to the ld systems pa-sets which were mentioned in this thread, because if the sound of this set's arent matching your requirements you'll need more money ;o)

and for house-partys in normal peoples livingrooms (and if you have neighbors) i think even smaller ones like http://www.thomann.de/at/ld_systems_dave_8_xs.htm will do the job ;o)
(i guess this small one is enough for around ~50pax)

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Originally Posted by racoon

i would suggest to go to an store and listen to the ld systems pa-sets which were mentioned in this thread, because if the sound of this set's arent matching your requirements you'll need more money ;o)

and for house-partys in normal peoples livingrooms (and if you have neighbors) i think even smaller ones like http://www.thomann.de/at/ld_systems_dave_8_xs.htm will do the job ;o)
(i guess this small one is enough for around ~50pax)

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Thanks for your answer :)

The thing is, I wan't to make sure that the system I'm buying, is good enough to play at parties with about 100 people, instead of buying a small one as a start, and then I'd have to buy a new one, if I get a gig at a bigger party. So right know my choice would be either the DAVE 15 (http://www.thomann.de/gb/ld_systems_dave_15_g2.htm) or the Matrix 1000 (http://www.b-52pro.com/products/Matrix1000V2.html), unless someone has a better advice +/- 500$ :):)

HK Audio and DB Technologies build also PA's in this Price-Region (+ the thomann intern brand "T-Box")

but which of these products will give you the most out of the invested money i don't know because this fact is constantly changing and i didn't had a look on this for some time ;o)

i for myself in general, would save a little more money and buy myself an pair of rcf art 412-a and one or two rcf art 905-as because i like how this italians build their boxes but that is obviously not the goal you're aiming for ;o)

Djf has more people that are better at pa systems. I'd ask there. The system I'd put together would be overkill (and over your budget).

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Originally Posted by racoon

HK Audio and DB Technologies build also PA's in this Price-Region (+ the thomann intern brand "T-Box")

but which of these products will give you the most out of the invested money i don't know because this fact is constantly changing and i didn't had a look on this for some time ;o)

i for myself in general, would save a little more money and buy myself an pair of rcf art 412-a and one or two rcf art 905-as because i like how this italians build their boxes but that is obviously not the goal you're aiming for ;o)

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I've looked a bit around at thomann for DB Technologies and HK Audio, and they seem a bit pricey, considering the amount of watt's (I guess that's what has a lot to say about, how loud they are?), but I googled a bit, and a lot of people say very good things about mackie, and then i found this set: http://www.thomann.de/dk/mackie_thump_th_15a_bundle.htm It has the perfect price for me, and I've read about the sub on different forums, and they all seem to say that it's a solid buy for the price :) :)

I actually got another question that might be a bit stupid. If I bought, let's say.. this: http://www.thomann.de/dk/mackie_thump_th_15a_bundle.htm
Would I then be able to run it directly to my S4, or would i need an external mixer or something? Of course i would need some XLR to 1/4" jack adaptors :)

Yeah, you should be able to connect your s4 directly

As far as powered PA speakers there are a few hot choices right now:

JBL PRX http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/genera...x?FId=93&MID=3
EV Live X http://www.electrovoice.com/family.php?id=145
QSC K Series http://www.qscaudio.com/products/speakers/k_series/
Yamaha DSR http://usa.yamaha.com/products/live_...es#tab=feature

Those are all the ones you should check out... I just picked up a pair of the JBL PRX612's for 1200 for similar purposes as you and I think they or any of the choices above would serve you well.

jim

Oh and I hear ALOT of people gush about the RCF Art 312a's... they are very inexpensive too at about 800 a pair.

I got a couple QSC K12's for $1,300 USD, new.

I've played smaller house party's, a smaller bar, and a banquet (80-100 people) with them. Although I could have used a couple subs for the banquet, I'm very happy with them.

I love that they're self powered, so easy. Not a PITA at all. They also have a 6 year warranty from QSC.

Wharfedale Titans worth a listen.

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Originally Posted by jimbrowski00

Oh and I hear ALOT of people gush about the RCF Art 312a's... they are very inexpensive too at about 800 a pair.

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^this

the rcf art 312 was a long time the standard box in his price range :o)

the mackies you mentionet also don't look bad, having 15" at the tops and an 18" at the sub moves more air, also produces more pressure, but i don't like paying so much for the brandname on it and the blue leds, so i didn't owned one until now and can't say much besides that i saw on partys, and there was always enough power as i saw, but don't know how much money they spent on ;o)

but i in personal, i prefer the sound of 15" subs and 12" tops for small partys like you want to use it on because it feels more agile and if i have a sub i think i don't need 15" tops which are capable of playing @low frequency because i dont use them for this, but thats absolutely an personal preference ;o)

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Originally Posted by Conall

Yeah, you should be able to connect your s4 directly

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Great, thanks!

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Originally Posted by jimbrowski00

As far as powered PA speakers there are a few hot choices right now:

JBL PRX http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/genera...x?FId=93&MID=3
EV Live X http://www.electrovoice.com/family.php?id=145
QSC K Series http://www.qscaudio.com/products/speakers/k_series/
Yamaha DSR http://usa.yamaha.com/products/live_...es#tab=feature

Those are all the ones you should check out... I just picked up a pair of the JBL PRX612's for 1200 for similar purposes as you and I think they or any of the choices above would serve you well.

jim

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Originally Posted by Bamfs01

I got a couple QSC K12's for $1,300 USD, new.

I've played smaller house party's, a smaller bar, and a banquet (80-100 people) with them. Although I could have used a couple subs for the banquet, I'm very happy with them.

I love that they're self powered, so easy. Not a PITA at all. They also have a 6 year warranty from QSC.

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I've just looked around for those QSC K-series, and the cheapest, and what seemed like I get most out of my money, is this set of K12's for 2352$: http://www.thomann.de/gb/qsc_k_12_bundle.htm

So now I'm considering either sticking with the Mackie set, or then just 2 K12's, and then later on buying a QSC K 1000W Sub :)

You probably do want the sub. I've been to house parties without them, and it's a huge difference.

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Originally Posted by mostapha

You probably do want the sub. I've been to house parties without them, and it's a huge difference.

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Alright, but it's a lot over my budget, so I'll just stick with the Mackie system:)

I wouldn't get the mackies... and I own a 12 inch thump.

It limits way to early, It's loud enough in an empty room but fill the room with people and you wont have enough volume.

And last week something went wrong with mine after owning it a few months. I was not even pushing it.

It's not worth it in the end.

If money is an issue, pick up the RCF's and then grab a sub later. I think that's a better choice than the Mackies.

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Originally Posted by jimbrowski00

I wouldn't get the mackies... and I own a 12 inch thump.

It limits way to early, It's loud enough in an empty room but fill the room with people and you wont have enough volume.

And last week something went wrong with mine after owning it a few months. I was not even pushg it.

It's not worth it in the end.

If money is an issue, pick up the RCF's and then grab a sub later. I think that's a better choice than the Mackies.

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What sub would go well with the RCF ART 312A? :)

Well I found alot of people recommending the RCF subs but they are a bit pricey ($1200 US).

I would probably look at the Yorkville NX720S or Yorkville LS720P, both seem to be highly recommended or maybe the EV ELX118P. Those seem to be recommended for under $1000 US price point.

For around the price of the RCF the QSC KW118 and the JBL PRX618S-XLF also garner high praise. So does the Yorkville LS801P gets props too but its super heavy at about 130 Pounds!

I would try and find a second had set of NEXO PS15s with their associated 18" subs and amp rack and cabling etc.

Any plastic speakers like the Mackie 450s and RCF equivalent etc sound shit but they are the BEST thing if you want to make money by renting them at 50 a day each to other people who are doing parties or acoustic guitar / vocals etc.