What do you like better Powered speakers or amps?

[Jim Casey]

When I do get a powered speaker again, it will be the FBT series.

The only problem with them is that they have been slow to get to market because they are imported from overseas.

[Art Dearing]

Gosh! I didn't know there were many dj's on this site that used Mackie 1530's. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif[/img] I have a pair of 1530 's because I wanted to add more "presence" to my system when playing larger venues. They certainly help! But, they are not the same as my RCF's, which have more clarity and tight LF. Mackie bought out RCF's technology and began incorporating it Mackie speakers, i.e. 1530's, 450's. The Mackie 1530 takes more power to "get it up" to volume equal to the RCF (mains & subs), which then of course forces the Italian made RCF's to override the Mackies. Fortunately, each of the RCF speakers have a volume control on the rear to adjust for this very issue. That's my only complaint with the Mackie 1530's when used with my main system. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif[/img]

Now comes an interesting question that I would pose to everyone reading this post.
I would like to hear especially from those of you who know about speakers and their outputs.

Everybody knows that the Mackie 1530's are big and bulky to handle at 111 lbs. each. They are rated at 500 RMS each and are a three way system with 300 RMS amp on the bottom and 100 RMS each for HF and MF. Here's my dilema. I have the opportunity to pick up a set of used RCF ART 500A's (powered) that are the same series as my current RCF Mains and Subs. The ART 500A's are no longer available for sale in the USA. The 500A's are 400 W LF and 100 W HF and 129db/1m peak power. These RCF 500A's are the same size cabinet as my RCF 800A subwoofers, and stackable with one another. I realize that the 500A is only a 2-way system, but has 100W more power than the Mackie 1530; ART 500A 15" LF is 400 W vs 300 W LF in the Mackie 1530. And, the 500A is designed to compliment the other RCF's that I now have.

Comments on what I would lose by switching the RCF ART 500A for the Mackie 1530? Is 3-way really that noticeable vs. 2-way system? I would gain in aesthetics (looks) by having all speakers with the same cabinet design. Also, the overall sound would require less tweeking with the ommission of the Mackie. Plus, the weight of the ART 500A is about 20 lbs lighter than the Mackie 1530. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif[/img]

Comments, please.

Art DJ

[Bill Cronheim]

Art,

It soulds like a reasonable direction for you to go.

I like the sound of the 1530's, but with 300w to the woofer they simply don't have the punch of their brother speaker the 1521. The 1521 features 400w to the 15" woofer and 100w to the HF transducer, like the ART 500.

Of course you could sell everything and pick up the 1232's for some impressive SPL. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Art Dearing]

The only problem with the Mackie 1232's that I can see, besides being extremely heavy, is that you need a 20 amp dedicated circuit for each speaker (both?). Not many banquet, home, or outdoor function areas come with 20 amp outlets, at most 15 amp. So, from my point of view at least here in Maine, I would have trouble getting the maximum efficiency per speaker. Am I not correct, Bill?

Yep! 139 SPL is L-O-U-D all right! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

DJ Art

[Bill Cronheim]

Hi Art,

Keep in mind that the suggestion to run each 1232 on its' own 20 amp service is just that... a suggestion. At normal operating levels a pair of 1232's can work on one 20 amp circuit. If you're maxing them out then yes, by all means feed each with a 20.

[Art Dearing]

Bill, your point is well taken.

Thanks,

Art

[mp3jrick]

Yorkville powered subs and satalites on sticks.
Never run out of power even at outside events.
!/4" or XLR all wood cabs.
Extended 25' power cables on subs with surface outlets to power sats.
Unlimited set up options.

The sound speaks for itself.

[djron1]

Powered speakers for me. I have six jbl's. four 15's and 2 new g2's. This gives me the ability to set up many different configurations in a room when I need extra sound. I also can make one speaker wireless to be placed in the rear of a long room. How you ask? Just take a wireless mic (lapel or head set) and plug the reciever into the powered speaker. Next buy a guitar adapter for the belt pack and a 1/4 inch female to RCA adapter and plug into your mixer and presto, a wireless speaker. It works great to get a little more sound to the far back of a room by placing the speaker behind people. Besides I have never had anyone at a funtion tell me anything bad about my sound execpt for the old people; It's To Loud! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif[/img] Thanks, DJ Ron

[djdonny]

I've been using powered JBL G2's since they first came out, and I love them. The only times I've used my old passive EV's and Crown amp since then were for a block party (which I did only as a favor since I never do outdoor events) and a couple of school dances for 400+ kids. 90%+ of my events are for less than 200 guests.

Just came back from the AC convention where I finally bought a JBL powered sub (the JRX118SP). I think this will add just enough punch to finally force my EV's into retirement.

I also bought an 8" powered speaker for ceremony/cocktails from a Spanish manufacturer called DAS (web site) that had a booth there. Yeah, I never heard of them either, but the speaker sounded awesome for a tiny 8".

Ron, I love your idea about the "wireless" speaker. :clap (Why didn't I ever think of that?) I don't know if I'd need to place it in the back of the room, but there are times when a wireless speaker would come in handy, such as when the dining area is separate from the dancing -- another use for that 8" DAS.

[HeadlineDJ]

I use Passive.

Two Humongous Peavey Cabs for my mains, each with it's own external Mono Power amp. and I have some 4-way (15",10",2xhorns) for backup with a Peavey DPC-1000 amp as backup to the MONO's.

The main cabs are 60Kg (132lbs) each, and feature Dual 15's and a wide dispersion compression horn. One 15" serves as sub woofer the other is for the low-mid.

I am careful of where I work so I mainly just Wheel em in... [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

Not only do they sound the muts nuts, they are damn loud when used (1200W rms per cab), but I like the comments and reactions from clients and venue staff when they see them wheel by. LOL usually along the lines of,, "Holy Sh!t, so it;s gonna be loud tonight then?" hehe, I usually reply with "Not necessarily".

It amazes me why people see big speakers and asume it;s gonna be loud, having these simply allows me the flexability to have it very quiet with great quality, or blow their ear drums with equaly good quality. LOL