Yamaha DXR 15's?

[fullcontact68]

Hi All,

Due to my knackered back, and the weight of my Hisys 2XT's, I'm considering moving over to active speakers, namely the DXR15's, which are slight smaller, and a fair bit lighter than the peaveys.


I've just listened to these in a store, they have hi-fi quality top end and middle. But unfortunately, due to the layout of the demo room, being filled with loads of speakers, you cannot really get an understanding of the low end.


Does anyone have any real world experience with these speakers? My 2XT's have been using for events with 250 people, and performed well. Will the DXR's give me the capability for this size crowd too?

How do they compare to the 2XT's for volume / bass? (I know the sound quality is better on the DXR's)

Many thanks
Edward.

[Shaun]

Hi there,

I've moved this over to the Equipment Discussion Forum section for you. When posting new threads please take a moment to ensure they are placed in the most relevant section of the forum. Thanks. :) :beer1:

[Excalibur]

Does anyone have any real world experience with these speakers? .

Dave does. (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?40390-Yamaha-DSR12-DXR15-Active-Cabs&highlight=yamaha)

I've heard them at Coalville, and they went straight to the top of my wishlist ( except I'd want the plastic 12s and the wooden 15s, along with a pair of subs. ) From the published figures, they should blow the Peaveys out of the water. ( But since I haven't heard a side by side sound off, this is in many ways conjecture )

Top end kit. Highly recommended. If your wallet's feeling the pressure, there are a lot of lower cost offerings to choose from, many of which are absolutely fine.


Shortly, there may easily be a review of what appear to be very nice ( wooden ) active cabs from an unexpected source.

[fullcontact68]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the info.

What other options are there, which are going to give to power and quality, (and weight / size) comparable to the DXR's?


Unfortunately, I don't have room for separate tops / subs, so I can only do full range, i.e. DXR15 without subs?


I've got around the £1k mark, but if there is something good for less money, then I'll look at them as an option.

Again, they must be around the same size / weight as the DXR's, these are much lighter, and slightly smaller than the Hisys 2XT's

Thanks
Edward.

[Excalibur]

What other options are there, which are going to give to power and quality, (and weight / size) comparable to the DXR's?
.

After a quick look, quite a few. However, it seems that there are basically two divisions, premier league and first division, from most manufacturers. The premier league cost circa £500-£750, and the first division £250-£400. On paper, drop the price, drop the quality.

Let's hope one or two of the folk familiar with this class of cab chip in with their suggestions.

[musicology]

The DXR12's would fit your budget.

[Excalibur]

The DXR12's would fit your budget.

But not his purpose. He is sensibly working on the principle that if he's going to permanently run without subs, he needs a 15" driver, regardless of the badge on the front, the cabinet material, or the digital processing applied.

As a very wise man once said " Ye cannae change the laws of physics, Captain. "

[fullcontact68]

But not his purpose. He is sensibly working on the principle that if he's going to permanently run without subs, he needs a 15" driver, regardless of the badge on the front, the cabinet material, or the digital processing applied.

As a very wise man once said " Ye cannae change the laws of physics, Captain. "


That is correct. I'm not planning on using subs, hence looking at 15" units.

Must be smaller and lighter than the Hisys 2XT's, and match or be better in sound quality. So far, I've only had chance to listen to the DXR 15's (Which I can just about afford) But I'm interesting in knowing what else is available which would not disappoint me and my audiences.

Cheers.

[fullcontact68]

Right....

I'm looking at going active within the next month or two. (Still using a pair of Peavey Hisys 2XT's (One with a new 500w cone, after one died, with a Yamaha P5000S amplifier)

My No1 contender is still the DXR15.

I'm interested in know what else currently gives me a suitable solution. (15" full range cab, no sub)

The DXR15's is the max I can pay, but also considering cheaper options.


I've been considering options such as :-

Alto TS115A (£500 approx. for a pair) (Heard recently at a wedding, they were the 12's with a single sub. Sounded okay for a disco, but not as good as the DXR's in terms of sound quality)
EV ZLX15P (£800 approx. for a pair) - not heard
JBL EON 515 (£1000 approx. for a pair) - not heard
Not forgetting the DXR 15 (£1100 approx. for a pair)

I'm interested to know if any of these (I already know the DXR will) would suit my needs.
From a client point of view, is the additional expense of the DXR's over the others worth paying (From a DJ point of view, I love good sound quality)

Are there any other options which I should consider? (Not forgetting that I don't plan on subs at the moment due to vehicle restrictions, so need something which will provide sufficient bottom end. Also, the size needs to be no bigger than my current 2XT's, and must be lighter.)

I will consider buying second hand if there are any good used options within my budget of £1k approx.


Many thanks
Edward.

[DJ Jules]

I heard a 12" pair of the EV's at a wedding the other day and they sound absolutely astounding. Singer in question said that they were about £600. I was even more astounded when I found out that was for the pair, not each - they easily sound like they should cost twice as much as they do.

My one comment is that they are quite chunky, I had to lift them off the stands for her as she couldn't lift the weight of them off the height of the stands and they're pretty heavy compared to my RCF's. They were still lighter than the SRM450 V1's I was using on that night.

Usual advice, listen before you buy as decisions as sound "quality" is a completely subjective measure :D

Julian

[Excalibur]

Wouldn't recommend the Altos if you're wanting cabs in the same ball park as Yamahas. I'm currently using the 12" version of these (http://www.pasupercentre.co.uk/ld-systems-stinger15ag2.html?source=googleps&id=885&gclid=CjwKEAjw4PCfBRCz966N9pvJ4GASJAAEdM_KOXY6iBvi byO0xlgRFcGPAHDMI6HL5v7dsLeXsnN_6RoCxj7w_wcB), but before discount, their price is a bit close to the Yamahas.
However, look at these (http://www.pasupercentre.co.uk/rcf-art-315a.html) Lighter than the LDs, and a tried and tested brand. Worth checking out.

I'd probably rank them Yamaha, LD, and RCF.

[fullcontact68]

Usual advice, listen before you buy as decisions as sound "quality" is a completely subjective measure :D

Julian

That's where my problem lies. I love the quality of the DXR's, which I have heard, and are still at the top of my list.

I'm trying to approach this from the punters point of view, rather than mine.

As long as the punters are happy with what they are hearing, it's clear enough, loud enough, and has ample bottom end etc.


So, am I spending money on something which surpasses my requirements, and hence could purchase something cheaper (which would make the wife happier too. She nearly dropped another kid when I told her the approx price of the DXR's lol)

[Benny Smyth]

That's where my problem lies. I love the quality of the DXR's, which I have heard, and are still at the top of my list.

I'm trying to approach this from the punters point of view, rather than mine.

As long as the punters are happy with what they are hearing, it's clear enough, loud enough, and has ample bottom end etc.


So, am I spending money on something which surpasses my requirements, and hence could purchase something cheaper (which would make the wife happier too. She nearly dropped another kid when I told her the approx price of the DXR's lol)

You'll be the one listening to the speakers week in, week out. Yes, your average punter won't notice that much difference, but the biggest thing is that you will, and you'll kick yourself for not doing it properly first time.

Go with the Yamahas. If budget can stretch, I am an advocate for RCF.

[Pe7e]

Usual advice, listen before you buy as decisions as sound "quality" is a completely subjective measure :D


Good advice, I auditioned the EV ZLX15P last year when I was looking to find a lighter alternative to my Mackie SA1521s, IMO, I thought they sounded OK, but more 'brash than beautiful', and I was not impressed with the build quality either. I think the Yamaha DXRs are the best option from the list, and I can't think of anything better within the OP's budget. But as you say, go and listen to them if at all possible.



So, am I spending money on something which surpasses my requirements, and hence could purchase something cheaper (which would make the wife happier too. She nearly dropped another kid when I told her the approx price of the DXR's lol)

To that question you are most certainly spending more than is necessary to please the majority of the clients, but that's only half the story, your own performance will most certainly benefit from confidence and pride in the quality of the kit you are using, especially when it comes to setting you price. Another consideration I always apply to new purchases is 'cost of ownership' quality kit retains it's value far better than the budget brands, lasts longer, and is usually far more reliable than the cheaper alternatives, price alone is not the deciding factor with anything I buy.

[Excalibur]

Another hat to throw into the ring. (http://www.thomann.de/gb/hk_audio_premium_pro_15_a.htm) I've heard the 12" ones, and they're awesome. Going on Thomann's prices, the Yamaha are circa £1200 per pair, but the HK would be nearer £800, a significant cost saving without sacrificing quality.

[fullcontact68]

Another hat to throw into the ring. (http://www.thomann.de/gb/hk_audio_premium_pro_15_a.htm) I've heard the 12" ones, and they're awesome. Going on Thomann's prices, the Yamaha are circa £1200 per pair, but the HK would be nearer £800, a significant cost saving without sacrificing quality.

Hi Pete,

Which HK?

The link is for RCF.

Mod note: Link corrected to HK. Excalibur, doddery old fool, confused by all this modern technology.

[musicology]

A 7 year warranty on the Yamahas is hard to ignore

[paulg]

I've auditioned the Yamaha DXR 15's against DSR 115s and RCF. The Yamaha's are just as good as the RCF's and seem to offer about the same bottom end across the DXR product range but this is not quite enough to use without subs if you want a full bass. I'd recommend Yamaha's - I use them myself albeit the heavier DSR115's.

The DXR15's are very light and that's always an attractive feature but you ought to give some thought to how that is achieved - mainly through the plastic cab design which did seem a bit flimsy to me and obviously affects the overall sound.

If you are buying on line, Why Buy New (Ebay) often have some very good offers on Yamaha. Electro in Doncaster would be my first port of call

[fullcontact68]

If you are buying on line, Why Buy New (Ebay) often have some very good offers on Yamaha. Electro in Doncaster would be my first port of call

Funny, Electro is where I first heard the DXR15's (Not currently in stock though)

Audio works seem to be the best price for a new pair at the moment.

[Excalibur]

Hi Pete,

Which HK?

The link is for RCF.
Oops. (http://www.thomann.de/gb/hk_audio_premium_pro_15_a.htm) :o:o Will go back and amend earlier link.
I've run the 12" HKs against my LDs, and to be honest, the HKs are way better. Well worth a listen, and with being wooden cabinets, generate a surprising amount of bass in the 12" version.


Funny, Electro is where I first heard the DXR15's (Not currently in stock though)

Audio works seem to be the best price for a new pair at the moment.

Other DJ shops are available, not a million miles from you. ;)

[fullcontact68]

Oops. (http://www.thomann.de/gb/hk_audio_premium_pro_15_a.htm)


Do anyone have experience of these? (Before I go and compare them to the DXR15's)

[DJIanScott]

I've pretty much become the 'go-to man' in my locale for these kind of speakers (I used to manage a DJ retailers) as I'm always checking out new PA.

You've pretty much chosen the best value for money cab in your price range already. The Yamaha DXR15 offers power, build quality, sound quality and economic sense. Of course there are better sounding 15" active cabs....the new ones from RCF are deadly (but around £1400 each), the latest EV ETX15 range (in wooden boxes....yippee!) have fabulous sound quality but work out at £1100 per cab.....
On the cheaper side, if you're not bothered about massive power and long throw, the JBL EON XT 15" cabs have hit an all time low price. Their biggest advantage is that they weigh no more than a bag of flour....and can probably be bought for around £750 a pair. Sound quality is good, bass frequencies are nice and low but they struggle to pack a punch in bigger venues, despite the rating on the tin.
If you're avoiding heavy weights, steer clear of the Turbosound Milan 15 cabs. Lovely noise as always from Turbosound, you'll get a pair for under a grand.....but they weigh 28kg each. Aesthetically probably the nicest looking though (I use them at the moment)

Hope this helps

[fullcontact68]

Cheers Ian,

I had not thought about the Turbosound, but they could be an option. That's probably another one I need to listen to.

Cheers.

[paulg]

Audio works seem to be the best price for a new pair at the moment.

Be careful if it is Audioworksuk your are looking at. I've ordered there before and they said an item was in stock and took my card details etc. Half an hour later they were on the phone telling me the item wasn't actually in stock. A common ploy from internet retailers. Also, unless they have changed, you pay 0844 rates for the pleasure of talking to them when things like this go wrong. I reckon Electro would get some in for you and don't forget, if they develop a fault, they will usually try and help you out whilst your item is being repaired. Electro are always good for a little negotiation too!

[fullcontact68]

Yup, dealt with electro before.

Good bunch of guys.

I will certainly be contacting them towards the end of September.

[fullcontact68]

Update......

Been speaking to the wife about getting a new pair of speakers (DXR15's), something lighter which would help my bad back etc.

Told her what I'm looking at, how good the reviews are, warranty etc, all going well at this point....

Then I mention the price for a pair, her faces drops, I know what is coming next.... "How much?" , "Need a new sofa", "Your not spending that much" etc etc etc :(

Grrrrrr.

So it may be that I need to look at other options. Since weight is my main concern here, does anyone have any advise on passive cabs which would be lighter and better than my existing Peavey hisys 2XT's (Not the square ones, but the ones which are the same shape as the 2RX's) The XT's are bloody heavy.

So, If I can keep my existing amp (Yamaha P6000S), and just purchase a lighter pair of passive cabs, I might be back in the good books.

So here are my requirements :-

Lighter than my 2XT's
15" Driver
Same dimensions or smaller (Need to fit in my car)
Full range
Plenty of bass for use without subs.
Good SPL
Works well with my P6000S
Good sound quality
Willing to look at 2nd hand.

Many thanks
Edward.

[Imagine]

Well I can now vouch for the power and quality of the DX15's having got a pair this morning (ouch...'ow much?) and taking them for a test drive this evening.

In a word....WOW!

Let's just say I won't be packing the subs into the back of the truck for a little while to come.

They're heavy buggers, especially when you're trying to get them OFF of the tripods. But this is more than made up by the sheer quality and power which comes out of them....as someone who's used to using RCF tops (occasionally QTX if I don't want to take an amp), these things are amazing. I couldn't believe the power coming out of them even with the taps only just cracked open on the mixer.

[fullcontact68]

Well I can now vouch for the power and quality of the DX15's having got a pair this morning (ouch...'ow much?) and taking them for a test drive this evening.

In a word....WOW!

Let's just say I won't be packing the subs into the back of the truck for a little while to come.

They're heavy buggers, especially when you're trying to get them OFF of the tripods. But this is more than made up by the sheer quality and power which comes out of them....as someone who's used to using RCF tops (occasionally QTX if I don't want to take an amp), these things are amazing. I couldn't believe the power coming out of them even with the taps only just cracked open on the mixer.

Yup, loving mine, really good bit a kit.

I don't own any subs, and after using these, currently I don't need any. (usually I cater for 200 people max ish)

Regarding the weight, they are lighter that my peavey hisys 2xt's (which are now my backup kit). Plus I've purchased a couple of Stagg hydraulic stands. It's a doddle to mount the DXR's with these. Only needs a gentle upwards pressure to make them rise :)

Without a doubt, these are my best investment so far. Even more so, with paying just over £800 for the pair delivered brand new.