Looking for new Passive amp + speakers / actives

[jwpentgroup]

Shopping around abit for a good amp & pair of passive speakers or a set of actives.


Should i go for passive or active speakers?

And can anyone recommend a good brand name or some models?

Don't really have a budget in mind - just what is good and any 'industry' standards or ones to take a particular look at.

Regards

[Danno13]

Hmm.. tough one really.. i swore by active stuff until i recently bought new cabs.. and Martin Audio don't do active!

Theres fors and against both really.. so just depends on your uses. I'll probably hang onto my pair of active carlsbros just for small events or mabye hire...

[abyssdjhire]

id say go active. what kind of volume do you need, and what kind of system would you prefer?

ie. just large tops such as a pair of 15"s, or a pair of 15" subs and 12" tops, or a single 15" sub and a pair of 10" tops? etc etc.

what do you want to get from the system at the end of it all

[Corabar Entertainment]

id say go active.In your opinion, what are the advantages, and do you think there are any cons?

[abyssdjhire]

its not really practical to go into the pro's and cons without knowing what jwp wants from the system.

however, to be very brief -

active pros:
90% of the time they are bi/triamped, usually meaning clearer sound and more efficiency
amp is usually designed based on the individual speaker
no need for external crossovers
saves carrying an amp
saves carrying the case that holds the amp
more often than not very lightweight

active cons:
more expensive
people will say "what happens if an amp breaks" and other common phrases

passive pros
the majority of the sound system operating people will say it is more sensible
upgrade speakers without upgrading your amp? not sure thats much of a pro though?
cheaper, although you have to purchase an amp too
more options available

passive cons
usually heavier
usually not bi/triampable
have to sit and choose between amp/speaker setups
more to carry

the list goes on, but at half 3 in the morning thats about the best i can do.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

the list goes on, but at half 3 in the morning thats about the best i can do.

No stamina, the youth of today. :teeth: :beer:

[abyssdjhire]

No stamina, the youth of today. :teeth: :beer:

plenty of stamina, just couldnt be arsed ;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Charming! :)

[alexperrins]

Spent months researching active speakers. Big names to trust (though some have differing opinions - but then again always will) after shopping around are:

RCF (322As)
DB Technologies (Opera Live Series)
Mackie (SRM 450s)
Electrovoice (SXA100s)

You'll probably find a thread not too long back on them, as I asked end of July time. Most of the above were out of my price range, but after listening to them all, my "dream buy" would be the RCF's.

Eventually, I went for a pair of DB Technologies Basic 400s and am purchasing the SUB 15 sometime in the future.
Would certainly recommend them if you are after a nice crisp and clean sound - & at only 16kg each, they are an absolute ease to transport around. This was the main reason I went for them. I did consider passive beforehand but as I now don't have to worry about wiring the amp and making sure it's compatible with impedence and crossovers and what have you, just thought it was easier and simpler! Speak to Abyss if you need help, he gave me some great advice. :teeth:

[soundtracker]

I've got a pair of Mach (Martin) M-flex Active 15s which are excellent, I've just added a Carlsboro Gamma Bass Bin (Cheers Danno!) which under-pins the bass quite nicely for the younger element, and will add a bit of depth for larger venues and marquees.