Speakers...back to the drawing board

[rob1963]

I was just on the phone to Turnkey to see if they had any Mackie C300z speakers in stock, and they told me they don't & won't be getting anymore...as these speakers are now discontinued. :eek: :eek: :eek:

They thought there would be a replacement, but don't yet have the details.

Therefore, it's back to the drawing board for me. :(

So, for those of you who use 2 full range passive speakers, are there any you can recommend?

I am not looking to spend much more than £350...which is the price I could have got the Mackies for.

Any ideas?

[Arnold_disco]

You could try buying them from Mackie here (http://www.mackie.com/products/c300z/index.html)

[Vectis]

You auditioned the Peavey Pro 15's?

Excellent price performance 300W RMS per side at 4ohm. Compression, not piezo.

I use these in smaller venues for up to about 120-150 peeps.

Add a Prosub 15 under the deckstand for bigger halls or if I feel the need for some bass extension. For exceptional events (like outdoors) I use 2 prosubs under the Pro's with poles.

A pair of Pro15 passives can be had for around the £200-220 mark (eg. Stagebeat) and the Prosub 15 passive around £150. I use the powered Prosub-P's at around £230 which means only one amp to carry round.


OK not the very best sounding speakers I've ever heard but for that price they are extremely good. Fairly compact, not too heavy too.

When shopping don't confuse 'Pro15' with 'ST15' as they're nowhere near as good.

[rob1963]

Vectis,

Thanks very much for the info.

I will take a look at the Peaveys.

:)

[CRAZY K]

You auditioned the Peavey Pro 15's?

Excellent price performance 300W RMS per side at 4ohm. Compression, not piezo.

I use these in smaller venues for up to about 120-150 peeps.

Add a Prosub 15 under the deckstand for bigger halls or if I feel the need for some bass extension. For exceptional events (like outdoors) I use 2 prosubs under the Pro's with poles.

A pair of Pro15 passives can be had for around the £200-220 mark (eg. Stagebeat) and the Prosub 15 passive around £150. I use the powered Prosub-P's at around £230 which means only one amp to carry round.


OK not the very best sounding speakers I've ever heard but for that price they are extremely good. Fairly compact, not too heavy too.

When shopping don't confuse 'Pro15' with 'ST15' as they're nowhere near as good.


I USE THE SAME SPEAKERS 5YR Warranty

Allegedly not the very best---sound alright to me--no ones complained yet--well they have--someone could hear them half a mile away:eek:

The punters just keep on dancing:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[funkymike]

Have you tried Deltec, a bit more expensive new, but iam sure there are some knocking around second hand, but they are wood so heavier, however I tested them against EV speakers and even the shop said they sounded warmer and just as good.

[rob1963]

Hiya Vectis & Crazy,

Thank you both for your advice.

I've been looking at the Peavey PRO15 speakers online, and they look fine, so I think they're the ones I'll be going for.

Unless anyone else has any suggestions...

[NiM]

Dont you want to listen to them first before deciding?

[colinm345]

I was just on the phone to Turnkey to see if they had any Mackie C300z speakers in stock, and they told me they don't & won't be getting anymore...as these speakers are now discontinued. :eek: :eek: :eek:

They thought there would be a replacement, but don't yet have the details.

Therefore, it's back to the drawing board for me. :(

So, for those of you who use 2 full range passive speakers, are there any you can recommend?

I am not looking to spend much more than £350...which is the price I could have got the Mackies for.

Any ideas?

Have you tried these people yet Rob? http://www.millennium-music.co.uk/home/products.pl?ProductCode=MACC300Z&mode=detail

[rob1963]

Dont you want to listen to them first before deciding?

Not really - partly because I've already heard the PRO 12 (12 inch version) as my mate has some, and the PRO 15 would presumably have a better bass response...

...and partly because Vectis & Crazy are two fine upstanding professionals, and I trust their opinions!

:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Dont you want to listen to them first before deciding?

He had Warrior before, so anything will be an improvement....hehehe. :p :D

[NiM]

Meow :P

[rob1963]

Have you tied these people yet Rob? http://www.millennium-music.co.uk/home/products.pl?ProductCode=MACC300Z&mode=detail

Thanks for the link Colin, but their price appears to be £299 EACH...whereas Turnkey had them for £350 a PAIR!

I know that £299 is still £100 off the RRP, but I really don't want to spend as much as £600.

:)

[Paul James Promotions]

He had Warrior before, so anything will be an improvement....hehehe. :p :D

Apart from Mackie :D :D :p :p

[colinm345]

Whoops sorry Rob did it in a hurry perhaps as it would appear to be a discontinued line perhaps you may be able to negotiate?:)

[rob1963]

He had Warrior before, so anything will be an improvement....hehehe. :p :D

:moon:

Don't let penmare hear you say that!

Darren - you're a man of the world...do you have any experience of the PRO 15 Peaveys?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

:moon:

Don't let penmare hear you say that!

Darren - you're a man of the world...do you have any experience of the PRO 15 Peaveys?

It's one brand that I've never used Rob. I've heard the UL series and was quite impressed with them, but I think they are quite a bit more expensive. The only other time I've heard Peavey are being used by bands and they were the Hisys and extremely loud.

I used Ohm speakers for years and I reckon the RW3s would have been right up your street too, but they stopped making them too.


Apart from Mackie :D :D :p :p

:boxer2: :boxer2: :boxer2:

[NiM]

I used to own the pro 15s and as long as you don't push them too hard then they are ok.. Just need to control the top end somewhat..

Funnily enough, when I started using my 802s - a punter that had been at a few of my gigs complained and said he much preferred the old speakers..

Weird..

[Excalibur]

I was just on the phone to Turnkey to see if they had any Mackie C300z speakers in stock, and they told me they don't & won't be getting anymore...as these speakers are now discontinued. :eek: :eek: :eek:

They thought there would be a replacement, but don't yet have the details.

Therefore, it's back to the drawing board for me. :(

So, for those of you who use 2 full range passive speakers, are there any you can recommend?

I am not looking to spend much more than £350...which is the price I could have got the Mackies for.

Any ideas?


Knowing what your other set is, I'm amazed nobody has suggested it, so I will.............................................. .................................................. ...............................................




Class-D . In your price range you can have 15" tops and subs, or if you want a bit of change in your pocket 12" tops, 15" subs. That's before you look for Ebay discount.

Memo to self, must see if I can get some commission from these lads! :D

[CRAZY K]

Not really - partly because I've already heard the PRO 12 (12 inch version) as my mate has some, and the PRO 15 would presumably have a better bass response...

...and partly because Vectis & Crazy are two fine upstanding professionals, and I trust their opinions!

:D

Providing you have a decent amp and mixer to produce bass end then the pro 15s will sound fine--I was quite surprised at one venue where I couldnt get the subs in because of nightmare staircase--I was worried there would be a lack of bass--wasnt that much of a problem if you dont need room shaking bass:D

From what I read your functions are typically Weddings and Parties for mainstream people in Hotels and I think the Peaveys will be fine for you.

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Providing you have a decent amp and mixer to produce bass end then the pro 15s will sound fine--I was quite surprised at one venue where I couldnt get the subs in because of nightmare staircase--I was worried there would be a lack of bass--wasnt that much of a problem if you dont need room shaking bass:D

From what I read your functions are typically Weddings and Parties for mainstream people in Hotels and I think the Peaveys will be fine for you.

CRAZY K

Until recently I was using Eurosys3's as weapon of choice, ( roughly equivalent to ST15's now ) and Bass was not a problem ( tone controls were up to full though. Now they're nearly fully off! )

[Corabar Steve]

Memo to self, must see if I can get some commission from these lads! :D

Join the queue :sj:

[rob1963]

On the advice of vectis & Crazy I've just picked up a pair of Peavey PRO 15 speakers from the new Stagebeat warehouse in Farnham.

Supermarkets often have "buy one get one free" offers, but due to an opening day special deal, that's the exact offer I got on the Peaveys...so the pair cost me £129.95, which must be one of the best deals I've ever had.

I'm not working tonight, so I'm looking forward to using them (along with my new Crown amp) for the first time at my wedding tomorrow night.

:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Supermarkets often have "buy one get one free" offers, but due to an opening day special deal, that's the exact offer I got on the Peaveys...so the pair cost me £129.95, which must be one of the best deals I've ever had.



Ahem....:D

[rob1963]

Ahem....:D

;) :p

[spin mobile disco]

Just found a supplier of the c300z's as well who has them in stock, never mind the peavey pro's are very goos speakers.

[CRAZY K]

On the advice of vectis & Crazy I've just picked up a pair of Peavey PRO 15 speakers from the new Stagebeat warehouse in Farnham.

Supermarkets often have "buy one get one free" offers, but due to an opening day special deal, that's the exact offer I got on the Peaveys...so the pair cost me £129.95, which must be one of the best deals I've ever had.

I'm not working tonight, so I'm looking forward to using them (along with my new Crown amp) for the first time at my wedding tomorrow night.

:)

WOW--SHOWS YOU HOW MUCH THE MARK UP MUST BE :eek:

Lucky boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let us know how they go--

CRAZY K

[Twinspin]

I have used peavey in the past myself. Tbh in all fairness theyre not bad speakers. reliable enough as well.

The new pro 15s and pro 12s are made cheaper than the previous peavey range. But i will still say for the price they are good speakers. Before i bought a HK Audio system I had a pair of Peavey Impulse 1012s with a PV-1500 peavey amp. also had Peavey eurosys 3s. which i had for 5 years.

For the price sounds like you got a good deal there rob.

[rob1963]

WOW--SHOWS YOU HOW MUCH THE MARK UP MUST BE :eek:

Lucky boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let us know how they go--

CRAZY K

I will Crazy!

:)

[rob1963]

Ok, I used my new Peavey PRO 15 speakers for the first time last night, and here is my review.

Firstly the positives...I got them for the ridiculous price of £129.95, and the 15 inch speaker does give a better bass sound than my Warrior L300s.

However...

...I have a bit of a problem with their size & weight, and much more of a problem with the handles. The Peaveys are are several inches wider, taller & deeper than the Warriors, and are also noticably heavier, which wouldn't be so much of a problem if it wasn't for their awkward handles.

My Warriors are really easy to carry, as their handles are long bars running down the side of each speaker.

However, the Peaveys have "teardrop" handles, which basically means short bars running in the direction from the front to the back of the speakers. This makes it much harder to carry them comfortably, which is not helped by their size & weight. If it hadn't been for the relatively short distance involved last night & wide access area, I would have probably decided to carry them in one at a time...even more so if the venue had been upstairs. It was also harder to lift them up onto their stands. I think they are designed with the possibility of carrying them one at a time in mind, as (unlike the Warriors) they have TWO handles - one on each side.

At my age, and not being as fit & healthy as I used to be, I'm looking to make things as easy as possible for myself, with equipment that's as light as possible, unproblematic to carry and relatively easy to set up...and sadly the Peavey's have the opposit effect.

My verdict: The benefit of their better sound & extra bass over my Warriors is more than outweighed for me by their size, weight & especially awkward handling due to those "teardrop" handles. I think "teardrop" in this case actually means "non-user friendly!"

Therefore, I think I'll be continuing with the Warrior L300s for the time being.

One of the benefits of getting the Peavey's at half price was that if I had any problems, I knew I'd be able to sell them on & still make a profit...which is probably what I'll be doing.

[Danno13]

I wouldn't have thought there are that many 15" speakers that you'd be able to carry two at a time. Like you say, the size and bulkiness stops this. So I think you're expecting a bit much to be able to carry them both at the same time.

Is it really that much of a hassle to make an extra trip?

[Corabar Steve]

:agree:

[rob1963]

Is it really that much of a hassle to make an extra trip?

Yes...because as I said, at my age (& having no roadie) I'm looking to make things easier & quicker for myself...not harder & slower!

Also, if you saw how much I pespire (more like sweat bucket loads!) carrying in & setting up the gear, you'd understand where I'm coming from!

It will be interesting to see how much profit I manage to make on them, so I certainly don't regret making the purchase!

[Vectis]

Rob.... gutted mate!

I didn't think for a minute that the Pro-15s weight would be an issue as I've always had big speakers carried one-by-one. Good job you didn't get one of the Prosub's then, as they're even beefier.

[Ricesnaps]

These chappies solve all sorts of problems:

http://shop.handling-storage.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=86

Wouldn't be without mine - haven't lifted a speaker in years (so to speak)

[rob1963]

Rob.... gutted mate!

I didn't think for a minute that the Pro-15s weight would be an issue as I've always had big speakers carried one-by-one. Good job you didn't get one of the Prosub's then, as they're even beefier.

Don't worry Vectis...it was a good learning experience, and I needed the exercise anyway!

No wonder I got through 6 pints of water last night!

:)

[CRAZY K]

These chappies solve all sorts of problems:

http://shop.handling-storage.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=86

Wouldn't be without mine - haven't lifted a speaker in years (so to speak)

Spot on Rice---mines even smaller than yours:D :D :D

Rob you are a silly boy-----

I could give you nearly 20 years in age and I dont have a problem even using the Subs as well. ---no Roadie required.

Invest in a TROLLEY. They cost peanuts.

Best Disco Investment I have ever made--£12-50 in Morrisons.

CARRYING SPEAKERS BY HANDLES---WHATS THAT?

Sounds very uncomfortable.

I can trolley BOTH the cabs together---Ill admit you need a bit of practice---ring me for instructions :D

I can even trolley the two SUBs together as well.

Thats not all 4 together :D

Have you kept the boxes the speakers came in--I use those as permanent speaker covers.

I agree getting them up on stands is tough to start with--but you use the handles to get a swinging motion --then up they go.

Its all to do with Technique.

Hang in there baby--IN DEEP BARRY WHITE VOICE!

regards

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

Spot on Rice---mines even smaller than yours:D :D :D

Rob you are a silly boy-----

I could give you nearly 20 years in age and I dont have a problem even using the Subs as well. ---no Roadie required.

Invest in a TROLLEY. They cost peanuts.

Best Disco Investment I have ever made--£12-50 in Morrisons.

CARRYING SPEAKERS BY HANDLES---WHATS THAT?

Sounds very uncomfortable.

I can trolley BOTH the cabs together---Ill admit you need a bit of practice---ring me for instructions :D

I can even trolley the two SUBs together as well.

Thats not all 4 together :D

Have you kept the boxes the speakers came in--I use those as permanent speaker covers.

I agree getting them up on stands is tough to start with--but you use the handles to get a swinging motion --then up they go.

Its all to do with Technique.

Hang in there baby--IN DEEP BARRY WHITE VOICE!

regards

CRAZY K

The link was purely an example - my trucks came from the man at the end of the road for £14.99! Always get pneumatic tyres though (trust me on that one!). M-Flex and subs stack (two of each) for one trip.

As for getting them on stand, why not try laying the stand down to attach and stand both up togther.

[Dragonfly]

it's ok suggesting trolleys ....... i challenge anyone to fit one in my car with the rest of the show ?????? there is literally no more room at all, im saving up for a trailer in the new year.

i put wheels on my sub to make transporation easier i don't see why you couldnt pt them on other speakers ........ plastic cabs maybe a problem though?

[CRAZY K]

it's ok suggesting trolleys ....... i challenge anyone to fit one in my car with the rest of the show ?????? there is literally no more room at all, im saving up for a trailer in the new year.

i put wheels on my sub to make transporation easier i don't see why you couldnt pt them on other speakers ........ plastic cabs maybe a problem though?

Two ideas Dave--hope this helps Rob---

1. Mine measures 28 inches long by 11.5 inches wide and slides to half height for the car -- the wheels are the only bit sticking out they are only 6 inches--not pnuematic which is best--but you have to compromise sometimes. YOU WILL GET THAT IN YOUR CAR ILL BET.

It carries TWO peavey subs TOGETHER.

OK maybe I am Denfords strongest man :D :D :D

2. Buy a Roofbox for lighter items--second best investment after the trolley:D

Trailer is ok but you have to think of speed restrictions:eek: punctures, security etc.

I would use a roofbox or get a bigger car--

regards

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Trailer is ok but you have to think of speed restrictions:eek: punctures, security etc.



Speed restrictions? Erm, yeah, you can only go 60 mph on a motorway.

Punctures? Have cars and vans not got tyres then? There are such things as spare wheels by the way Al.:D

And security? I'm sure it's easier to open a roof box or steal it, rather than steal a trailor and you can't see equipment in a trailor, but you can in a car.

[CRAZY K]

Speed restrictions? Erm, yeah, you can only go 60 mph on a motorway.

Punctures? Have cars and vans not got tyres then? There are such things as spare wheels by the way Al.:D

And security? I'm sure it's easier to open a roof box or steal it, rather than steal a trailor and you can't see equipment in a trailor, but you can in a car.

60 mph Motorway--yup that would definitely DO MY HEAD IN-and never get anywhere--admittedly most of my gigs are long distance on Motorways--most people actually do 80--not that I do of course:D

Theres more chance of a puncture if you have six wheels on the road rather than 4 ?

An increase of 50 per cent maybe?

Id like to see you break into my roofbox quickly or steal it--its top of the range Thule with safety locks on the roofrack===put that crowbar down!

regards

Alan
CRAZY K

[Dragonfly]

trust me if Daz has had a curry he'd just need to stand next to any material object to dissolve it like an anadin extra :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Rob you are a silly boy-----

Invest in a TROLLEY. They cost peanuts.

Best Disco Investment I have ever made--£12-50 in Morrisons.

CARRYING SPEAKERS BY HANDLES---WHATS THAT?

Sounds very uncomfortable.

regards

CRAZY K

Hi Crazy,

When I first bought out my mate & started gigging on my own, I DID buy a trolley...it was about £15 if I remember correctly, but unfortunately it was stolen from my garage & I just didn't bother replacing it.

The heaviest bits of my kit are my console & amp...which I carry in together & my speakers...which again I carry together - with no problems at all.

I can assure you that it is VERY comfortable carrying my existing speakers by their handles.

Taking 10 trips to carry in my existing kit is also better exercise than dumping everything on a trolley & wheeling it in...so it helps with my exercise & weight loss too!

:)

[PropellerHeadCase]

10 trips to carry in my existing kit is also better exercise than dumping everything on a trolley & wheeling it in...so it helps with my exercise & weight loss too!

Yep, that's what I figure, too. Not bad for the chest and shoulders, either.

[Excalibur]

Ok, I used my new Peavey PRO 15 speakers for the first time last night, and here is my review.

Firstly the positives...I got them for the ridiculous price of £129.95, and the 15 inch speaker does give a better bass sound than my Warrior L300s.

However...

...I have a bit of a problem with their size & weight, and much more of a problem with the handles. The Peaveys are are several inches wider, taller & deeper than the Warriors, and are also noticably heavier, which wouldn't be so much of a problem if it wasn't for their awkward handles.

My Warriors are really easy to carry, as their handles are long bars running down the side of each speaker.

However, the Peaveys have "teardrop" handles, which basically means short bars running in the direction from the front to the back of the speakers. This makes it much harder to carry them comfortably, which is not helped by their size & weight. If it hadn't been for the relatively short distance involved last night & wide access area, I would have probably decided to carry them in one at a time...even more so if the venue had been upstairs. It was also harder to lift them up onto their stands. I think they are designed with the possibility of carrying them one at a time in mind, as (unlike the Warriors) they have TWO handles - one on each side.

At my age, and not being as fit & healthy as I used to be, I'm looking to make things as easy as possible for myself, with equipment that's as light as possible, unproblematic to carry and relatively easy to set up...and sadly the Peavey's have the opposit effect.

My verdict: The benefit of their better sound & extra bass over my Warriors is more than outweighed for me by their size, weight & especially awkward handling due to those "teardrop" handles. I think "teardrop" in this case actually means "non-user friendly!"

Therefore, I think I'll be continuing with the Warrior L300s for the time being.

One of the benefits of getting the Peavey's at half price was that if I had any problems, I knew I'd be able to sell them on & still make a profit...which is probably what I'll be doing.

You Wuss! Good job you didn't get the big Class-D's like I have! ( A real MAN's speaker:D )

Not used anything with teardrop handles. The strap handles are available from Maplins, if that is easier.

If these are as I believe, equivalent to my Eurosys 3's, then I'm baffled! When we went to these, we were delighted at how liht and easy to carry they were.

PS. I have never carried speakers two at a time, unless the entrance is over 6ft wide!


it's ok suggesting trolleys ....... i challenge anyone to fit one in my car with the rest of the show ?????? there is literally no more room at all, im saving up for a trailer in the new year.

i put wheels on my sub to make transporation easier i don't see why you couldnt pt them on other speakers ........ plastic cabs maybe a problem though?

Stuff the car, white van man rules!:p


60 mph Motorway--yup that would definitely DO MY HEAD IN-and never get anywhere--admittedly most of my gigs are long distance on Motorways--most people actually do 80--not that I do of course:D

Theres more chance of a puncture if you have six wheels on the road rather than 4 ?

An increase of 50 per cent maybe?

Id like to see you break into my roofbox quickly or steal it--its top of the range Thule with safety locks on the roofrack===put that crowbar down!

regards

Alan
CRAZY K


There is gear in my van permanently that would cut the roof off your car in 3 minutes! :p

[rob1963]

You Wuss!

PS. I have never carried speakers two at a time, unless the entrance is over 6ft wide!

...and you call ME a wuss!!! :rolleyes:

[Twinspin]

If you decide to get rid of the peaveys. Why dont ya see what price you can get a pair of Electrovoice SX300s for.

But the pro 15s arent that awkward to carry. I have lifted them before when helping a vocalist unload his car when i was discoing.

[rob1963]

the pro 15s arent that awkward to carry. I have lifted them before when helping a vocalist unload his car when i was discoing.

With all due respect, I disagree, Twinspin.

I found them VERY awkward to carry at the same time, partly due to their size & weight & partly due to the toilet handles.

It's not just me, either...

...earlier in the thread, someone else said he carries them one at a time, and another person suggested there are very few 15 inch speakers that can be carried both at the same time - and someone else agreed with him...

...so it's not just me that's weak & unfit! :rolleyes:

[Twinspin]

have a look at some EV SX300s theyre the same cabs as the l300 warrior cabs or have a look again at Mackie C300z if you can find a dealer that does them.

As you mentioned about wanting to make things easier. Even though i dont think its what you wanted (in a previous post)

If you want to make things easier sell your warrior l300s the peaveys and your amp.

and buy yourself some Mackie SRM450s it will save you a lot of hassle. They may be more than what you want to pay.

but ill give you some advantages of them.

They weigh the same as the C300z passive version of the cab plus you wont have to carry an amplifier because theyre active and theyre easy to carry. Could carry both. (ask simon cowey about the weight)

from what you have said. I wouldnt rule the SRM450S out. They would be the perfect speaker for what you want.

[rob1963]

Thanks for the info, Twinspin.

Certainly something for me to think about.

[Corabar Steve]

They weigh the same as the C300z passive version of the cab

No they don't, there's a 4 or 5 kg difference.

Nearly the same as, but not the same as.

[Twinspin]

Ok not much difference then. Simon thought they weighed the same. From checking the specs they is a 4kg difference.

which isnt much

[Corabar Steve]

It is if you've got one in each hand!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It is if you've got one in each hand!

Only to you wimpy blokes....:D

[Corabar Steve]

I'm too used to nice lightweight speakers, but that wasn't my point. 8kg is quite a lot of extra weight & while it is quite possible to carry 2 SRM450s it is easier to carry 2 C300zs

[Twinspin]

The mackies SRM450s are easy to carry even carrying both.

[Excalibur]

...and you call ME a wuss!!! :rolleyes:

You wanna see the size of my speakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[soundscapes]

tbh i couldnt tell much difference when i tried carrying johns. must be my huge rippling muscles :)

[soundscapes]

im thinking of trading my c300z's in for some titan15's

[Twinspin]

Im quite strong. Im not skinny either and have broad shoulders. I dont mind carrying most heavy things. Thats because my roadie is a WUSS!

he's frightened ill have him for breakfast if he drops anything

[soundscapes]

i thought u prefered sugar puffs for breakfast :)