RCF Models

[rth_discos]

So the RCF range of speakers seem to be quite well respected, but there's so many 12" models in their active range:

ART 312A
ART 712A
ART 422A

So what is the difference between them except price? Is the difference in sound quality or volume? How much actual difference is there?

Am intrigued to know from anyone who has listened to all of them - what really do you get for your extra hard earned money?

[Andy P]

In terms of output the 800watt 712A are the loudest but they come in around a range that all 12" speakers seem to live in, the highest claim is Yamaha on the DXRs

The 422s are the heaviest by a few KG which probably means a more sturdy enclosure

The main difference will be the quality of the amp and the speaker/tweeter

Most manufacturers have a few ranges to choose from and generally the £400 speakers are very suitable to what we do.

What you get is low bass frequency, so you can go without a cab, better top end clarity and often much better build and design or features.

[DazzyD]

As far as I'm aware he ART series are named a certain way. First there's the "series" number which is the leading 3, 4 or 7. The next number relates to the tweeter size - 1 or 2 inches. The 3rd number is the woofer size - so 0 (for 10in), 2 (for 12in) or 5 (for 5in).

Obviously, tweeter and woofer size play a part in the quality of the sound but for the differences in the various series' you'll need to refer to the spec sheets.

[DJ Jules]

As far as I'm aware he ART series are named a certain way. First there's the "series" number which is the leading 3, 4 or 7. The next number relates to the tweeter size - 1 or 2 inches. The 3rd number is the woofer size - so 0 (for 10in), 2 (for 12in) or 5 (for 5in).

Just to add to that, the series number roughly translates to the output power, 3 series = 300w, 4 series = 450w, 7 series = 800w (originally 700w in the Mk1 from memory). Obviously power doesn't always translate to SPL :D

Julian

[DazzyD]

Just to add to that, the series number roughly translates to the output power, 3 series = 300w, 4 series = 450w, 7 series = 800w (originally 700w in the Mk1 from memory). Obviously power doesn't always translate to SPL :D

Julian

I had a feeling that was the case but I didn't want to say in case I was wrong. I posted those comments during my short dinner break today and I'd been dealing with fraud cases all morning so my head was a bit done in already! That's my my post reads a bit abrupt.

As for the SPL, the specs I've looked at all seem to be around the 129 mark which "sounds" pretty good to me!! :D

[yourdj]

i run my mk1 art 310's on 120 watts and they are super loud. 129 SPL I think? :)

so that is 300 watts - 10 in drivers? All rather confusing especially when they change the specs and keep the same name!

[SC Events]

I use the 312A's and for DJ gigs, i've never needed anything bigger... apart from some more bottom end for Marquee's etc - in which case I use 1 or 2 705AS Subs.

For bigger events, I usually break out the Ohm TRS system (212's, 218's, Infra Subs) ;)

[surround sounds]

I use the 712 with the 905 subs - sounds great althou I still prefer my bose system