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?
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.
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.
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..
[quote]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.[/quote]
Alright, then DAVE 15 probably isn’t better
[quote]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.[/quote]
[quote]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.[/quote]
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 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 LD Systems Dave 8 XS – Thomann Österreich will do the job ;o)
(i guess this small one is enough for around ~50pax)
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)
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
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.
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.
the rcf art 312 was a long time the standard box in his price range )
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)
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
So if you could give me some product names, that forms a complete sound system, that would be great!!