Karaoke Forums

Greetings all,

I have spent a lot of time reading and asking on this forum and thanks to all the feedback of experienced users, I believe that I have narrowed down the powered speakers I want for my starter home system - all in the sub $400 price range:

- CARVIN LM12A (molded 350W 34 lbs $370)
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... duct=LM12A

- CARVIN LM15A (molded 350W 39lbs $410)
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... duct=LM15A

- CARVIN LSx1202A (wood 350W 37lbs $350)
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... t=LSx1202A

- CARVIN LSx1502A (wood 350W 49lbs $390)
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... t=LSx1502A

Note:
The LM12A/LM115A integrated amp has 3 inputs: 2 XLR for 2 mics + 1 RCA stereo whereas the LSx1202A/LSx1502 has only 1 XLR input.

In your opinion and from your experiences - 12" vs. 15" speakers - molded vs. wood - which one would provide better sound in general for Voice/Acoustic instruments (guitar, keyboard) applications?

Thanks

Have you heard these Calvin If you have in mind to ad a sub, the 12" is a good option but if not, the 15" should give you more bass.

Molded or wood? Depends, if the components are bad, it doesn't really matter
I'd say, good molded speakers for the mid and highs and wood for a good sub would be best in my opinion

They are good speakers. Again i've used them & would put them in line with JBL EONs. I prefer wood but have heard some molded that still kick.

These are for home use primarily? The 12's should be more than sufficient, if you plan on outside or club work, i'd opt for the 15.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Thanks Micky, Lonman,

From the spec of the following CARVIN speakers - LSx1202A wood vs. LM12A molded - I notice that the Frequency Response of the LSx1202A (wood) is higher (70Hz - 20kHz) whereas the LM12A (molded) with Neodymium transducer is lower (46Hz – 18kHz).

Would it make a significant difference in term of sound quality reproduction between the two or it wouldn't be noticeable in voice/acoustic applications (karaoke, acoustic guitar, keyboard)?
What would be your opinion and preference?


CARVIN LSx1202A (wood) spec:
======================
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... t=LSX1202A
System Type: 12" 2-Way, bass-reflex
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz (-10DB) / 76 Hz – 18 kHz (-3 dB)
Crossover Frequency: 2.5 k Hz
LF Driver: 12" heavy-duty woofer
HF Driver: 1" titanium exit (1.5” VC)
Maximum SPL: 127dB
Bi-amp LF: 8 ohms 300W RMS / 600W peak
Bi-amp HF: 8 ohms 50W RMS / 100W peak
Nominal Impedance full range: 8 ohms
Connectors:
- two Bal. XLR
- one Bal. 1/4 TRS phone jack
Enclosure: 18mm Multi-Ply Hardwood
Finish: Black DuraTex™
Dimensions (H x W x D): 23 in x 15.5 in x 11.75 in
Net Wt: 37 lb


CARVIN LM12A (molded) spec:
=====================
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... duct=LM12A
System Type: 12-inch 2-Way, bass-reflex
Frequency Response: 46 Hz – 18 kHz (-10DB) / 57 Hz – 17 kHz (-3 dB)
Crossover Frequency: 2.5 k Hz
LF Driver: 12" Neodymium woofer (2.5" VC)
HF Driver: 1" Neodymium exit (1.5" VC)
Maximum SPL: 127dB
Bi-amp LF: 8 ohms 300W RMS / 600W peak
Bi-amp HF: 8 ohms 50W RMS / 100W peak
Nominal Impedance full range: 8 ohms
Connectors:
- one XLR Male
- one XLR Female
- two 1/4 TRS phone jack
- two RCA jacks
Suspension/Mounting: 1-3/8-inch pole mount cup / 4 Fly Points
Dimensions (H x W x D): 24.375 in x 16 in x 13.125 in
Net Wt: 34 lb

In this case i'd go by specs, the cab design of the molded is obviously tuned lower than the wood cab.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I would agree and keep in mind, 18KHz or 20kHz doesn't matter, you probably can't hear that high anyway

LM12A molded it is then... Appreciated the feedback...

From the below spec, both LM12A and LM15A have the same output power (350W) so why is the 15" preferred for outdoor/club work over the 12"?


CARVIN LM12A (molded) spec:
=====================
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... duct=LM12A
System Type: 12-inch 2-Way, bass-reflex
Frequency Response: 46 Hz – 18 kHz (-10DB) / 57 Hz – 17 kHz (-3 dB)
Crossover Frequency: 2.5 k Hz
Sensitivity (1w @ 1m): 100dB
Maximum SPL: 127dB
LF Driver: 12" Neodymium woofer (2.5" VC)
HF Driver: 1" Neodymium exit (1.5" VC)
Bi-amp LF: 8 ohms 300W RMS / 600W peak
Bi-amp HF: 8 ohms 50W RMS / 100W peak


CARVIN LM15A (molded) spec:
=====================
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... duct=LM15A
System Type: 15-inch 2-Way, bass-reflex
Frequency Response: 44 Hz – 18 kHz (-10DB) / 55 Hz – 17 kHz (-3 dB)
Crossover Frequency: 2.5 k Hz
Sensitivity (1w @ 1m): 99dB
Maximum SPL: 127dB
LF Driver: 15" Neodymium Woofer (3" VC)
HF Driver: 1" Neodymium Titanium exit (1.5" VC)
Bi-amp LF: 8 ohms 300W RMS / 600W peak
Bi-amp HF: 8 ohms 50W RMS / 100W peak

Usually a deeper bass response & farther throw on the bass. But this is all speaker dependant. I have seen some high end 12" cabs that will outperform some lower end 15" cabs.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Thanks Lonman... Looks like you're never "closed"

The important thing about speaker cabinets is that the cabinet surfaces don't flex under sound pressure loads. This is remedied through good design of the internal bracing or reinforcements whether it be wood or plastic. Wood enclosures have proven strong enough for subs and lo/mid/high cabinets and even about as strong as carbon fiber ones. They are cheap to make in small lots but it is cheaper to manufacture injection molded ones for mass production. The response, efficiency and SPL takes the driver, crossover, and cabinet designs into account. When properly matched to amplification it will yield an optimal efficiency. Some cabinets may be preferred for clarity and others for certain responses.

I don't think it would matter what it was made of as much as listening yourself and getting a consensus as you are doing. Look online at some performers setups or go out and check out some similar sounding artists to see what they use and how it sounds. Compare the specs. Ask artists what they use for their vocal acoustic setups. Listen for yourself as well and go with a solid product.

It sounds like you've made your decision but if you'd like someone to applaud your decision I will. I have a pair of Carvin LM15s. I've had them for about a year and here isn't anything about them I don't like. They sound terrific! I've also had lots of great comments from people in other bands.

I was a little reluctant to order them because of some of the things I had heard about molded cabinets. But I've had such good luck with Carvin equipment that I decided to give them a try. I'm glad I did.

The thing I like best, aside from the great sound, it that they are lightweight and very easy to lug around. That's important if you play a lot of venues and don't have a permanent installation.

Good luck. I hope you have the same experience I had.

Larry

_________________
"Life is too short for diet soda and lite beer"

Thanks to Larry and Lonman as well as to other gurus on this board for your valuable feedback and recommendation.

I did a lot of reading and research on some entry/mid-entry powered speakers and everything routes me back to the Carvin LM12A (12" 350w $700 a pair) or LM15A (15" 350w $800 a pair).
Looks like these can't be beaten in term of power/price/quality/support - made in USA and backed with 3 year warranty by a reputable company.


I also found from the vdrums users forum that another mid-entry powered speaker Kempton GT12A (250w biamp 12" $600 a pair) designed by Italian FBT (made in China) could be a good alternative that fits the bill as well.
It had been reported to sound as good as the JBL EON series or Mackie SRM450 - and comes with dual 1/4" TRS channel inputs - separate EQ for each channel (see pix).
# Built-in amplifier: 200w+50w RMS class AB
# Frequency response: 50Hz - 20kHz @ -6dB
# 12" woofer, 2" coil, 1" driver, 1.4" coil
# Sensitivity: 97dB
# Max SPL: 121dB
# 38 lbs


Otherwise, the next step-up that I'd love to get would be the QSC HPR122i (12" 500w $1400 a pair after $200 rebate) but it'd also be twice the budget I can afford and twice the weight too (60 lbs ea).

So, at this point in time, I think that I'd feel more comfortable to go with the USA made Carvin LM12A first based on all the feedback I received.
Besides, I always have the option to return it or upgrade to the LM15A within 10 days of trial if I am not satisfied with the LM12A.

Cheers...