On the lookout for a new sound system...

[Shaun]

I'm on the lookout for a new sound system soon...I thought I'd draw upon the expertise of our lovely members to help me narrow down my search.

My main playout is currently a pair of RCF Art 715's above a pair of RCF Art 905AS. With a couple of RCF 525A's as backup in the van. I love the setup, perfect sound, but I feel I'm ready to try a new route.

My main consideration is to find a really high powered pair of full range speakers that sound 'meaty' without the need for subs (but leave me a lot of headroom if it's ever needed). The 715's I have sound great, but I really prefer the sound when used with the subs, so I tend to use the subs every gig. I guess what I'm looking for is perhaps a move to wooden 15" cabs (?) to give me the extra bit kick I'm looking for, and as high an output (RMS & SPL) as I can find, so they can be used on their own without the need for lugging in subs each time. So I think a wooden cab is most likely the way forward?

I'd also be looking to add a couple of 18" active subs too for the bigger gigs. The 15" subs I currently have are fine for the majority of the gigs I do, but a few times I year I find I could do with a little more kick, so for those gigs I thought perhaps a couple of 18s?

Ultimately, I want to go a little bigger/louder than my current setup. Just so I have a little more headroom as and when required.

.

One that's caught my eye is the..
EV ETX Range:
http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/sound-c16/pa-speakers-c18/active-pa-speakers-c20/etx-15p-15-two-way-powered-loudspeaker-p1621
http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/sound-c16/bass-bins-c22/active-bass-bins-c23/etx-18sp-18-powered-subwoofer-p1624

Anyone heard this on demo? thoughts?

Any other recommendations on systems you've heard, or would like to hear?

Looking forward to your thoughts...

[rth_discos]

I'm not totally sure what you're looking for - in one part you want to have a system without subs, and in another, you want something that's even more meaty.

Personally, for your non-sub route, I'd still keep the sub, but make everything much smaller. I would prefer 2 x 10" cabs and 1 x 12" sub to 2 x 15" speakers, plus you end up with lighter kit. I'd even look at the Evox 8 as your alternative for smaller gigs.

As for needing to go louder, are you really going to see enough of an improvement for that amount of spend?

Personally, I'd get a second much bigger rig, which enables you to then take on the much bigger gigs that your competitors can't match:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/hk_audio_linear_5_big_venue_pack.htm

I'm interested to know if, at nearly half the price, this comes near the HK Audio system:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_box_pro_achat_rock_n_roll_bundle_aktiv.htm

A system like the above gives you nice coverage outdoors should you have any outdoor opportunities.

[DJ Jules]

I've heard the EV ETX tops and subs on demo (the 12" variant over 18" subs I think it was from memory) and they sound absolutely amazing. The subs deliver some serious chest pounding bass while the tops have vibrant and clear mids and highs.

In short, they do roughly what I'd expect for their £5k price tag ;)

Julian

[Shaun]

I'm not totally sure what you're looking for - in one part you want to have a system without subs, and in another, you want something that's even more meaty.



Apologies for the confusion. I'm after a complete system (subs & tops). However, for the majority of gigs I need the tops to be meaty enough to cope on their own. With the option of using the subs just for the one or two bigger jobs that they're required.



As for needing to go louder, are you really going to see enough of an improvement for that amount of spend?



Which is why I think finding right full range speakers are a must. The plastic cabs I have are ok, but something in a wooden cabs and a bit more power will I'm thinking give me a little more low end (when used without subs) that the current plastic cabs can't do.

Cheers fo rthe links, I'll have a little look. :beer1:

[Excalibur]

May be a circle you can't square. There's a strong case for having two different systems, such as a Bose/Vertus/Maui/Evox type rig, and a " concert " type one. That's one solution.
If you wanted a " one-size-fits-all " rig, although I don't have any experience of your RCF cabs, I'd be looking seriously at only two makes, HK or Yamaha. I've heard both, and been impressed by both.

I'm curious to know why you're looking to change your rig, best guess is you're sick of carrying subs in, but want the same sound with only two cabs. Perhaps your desire for that sound is making a rod for your own back? I'm not sure if you're seeking the Holy Grail, but I wish you luck.

It's a shame I can't remember who that knowledgeable chap is who often says that if he could only have two cabs they'd be wooden, with 15" drivers. :confused::whistle:

Stop press:
Here's a left field idea. What about cabs with twin 15" drivers? I used some of those happily for a long time. If you had to give them a boost, add some single or twin 18" subs.

[Sapphire Disco]

Save yourself some money buy one more 905 sub put all three subs close together in the middle on the floor then use RCF 715 & 525s together simples :)

[Shaun]

I'm curious to know why you're looking to change your rig, best guess is you're sick of carrying subs in, but want the same sound with only two cabs. Perhaps your desire for that sound is making a rod for your own back? I'm not sure if you're seeking the Holy Grail, but I wish you luck.


Stop press:
Here's a left field idea. What about cabs with twin 15" drivers? I used some of those happily for a long time. If you had to give them a boost, add some single or twin 18" subs.

Pretty much the reason. I want to leave the subs at home for the the majority of gigs. I know I'm never going to get the same sound with just two full range, but if if I can find something that has more bite (and a little more low end) than my current tops then win win

Twin 15's might be a tad too heavy, especially for use on a tripod.

[Shaun]

Save yourself some money buy one more 905 sub put all three subs close together in the middle on the floor then use RCF 715 & 525s together simples :)

I had thought of just buying a sub or two, but space is an issue in the van. Currently, for the bigger gigs I use the 715's and 525's together with the subs. Rather than using 6 speakers, I'd ideally like a four speaker system that gives a comparable (or better) output.

[Pe7e]

You seem to have shortlisted a pretty good system already based on the performance stats. My only comments are, try the 15" actives on their own in a variety of gig situations before you buy the subs, top quality, 15" wooden cabinet full range tops give huge amounts of bass compared to 12" plastic cabs, you might find you do not need the subs. Don't under estimate the weight of 18" wooden cabinet active subs, I have a pair and can't load them into a vehicle myself due to their size and weight, I'm not built like a brick out house, but neither am I a 7 stone weakling.

[Excalibur]

Shaun, re twin fifteens, tripods are out, they are basically floorstanders, or perch atop subs. I'd suggest you go into your local emporium, and wave a few cabs about, you may be surprised to find out which cabs are the easiest to move. The twins balance completely differently to singles, and my old ones were easier to move than my ( huge ) singles. Also, twins move really easily on a sack truck.

Pe7e, Shaun's already got fifteens, but in plastic cabs, so I don't expect him to notice a huge increase in low end response, although I agree with your comments re plastic twelves / wooden fifteens. That's one reason for suggesting he has a look at twins.
Re portability, you're absolutely correct. That's one reason why I have passive subs.
However, not all wooden bins are the same. We compared my passive LD fifteens to active HK eighteens, and the HK were probably easier to move. Again, it's worth hurling a few round the shop, although it may be pushing it to ask if they'll let you try to have a trial run at loading them into the van. :D

To paraphrase an oft used piece of advice: " Lift before you buy ".

[Shaun]

Shaun, re twin fifteens, tripods are out, they are basically floorstanders, or perch atop subs. I'd suggest you go into your local emporium, and wave a few cabs about, you may be surprised to find out which cabs are the easiest to move. The twins balance completely differently to singles, and my old ones were easier to move than my ( huge ) singles. Also, twins move really easily on a sack truck.

Pe7e, Shaun's already got fifteens, but in plastic cabs, so I don't expect him to notice a huge increase in low end response, although I agree with your comments re plastic twelves / wooden fifteens. That's one reason for suggesting he has a look at twins.


There' unfortunately no local djshops near me (none that I'm aware of that hold stock of the types of speakers I'm interested in). perhaps I'll need to venture further afield.

Re:Twin15's. I still currently own a set of passive twin15's. I used them for many a year before going down the active route. in all honesty, I much prefer speakers raised high (which isn't an option with the dual 15's.

Thanks for the input thus far everyone. :) :beer1:

[Shaun]

I've heard the EV ETX tops and subs on demo (the 12" variant over 18" subs I think it was from memory) and they sound absolutely amazing. The subs deliver some serious chest pounding bass while the tops have vibrant and clear mids and highs.



Julian

Cheers Julian. :)

[sweetie]

What about these puppies

http://www.qsc.com/products/speakers/KW_Series/