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My question is what do you prefer?

1. Powered mixer and non powered speakers

2. Powered speakers and a non powered mixer

or

3. Non powered speakers,non powered mixer and a seperate amp.

can't decide

cheers

My personal preference would be number 3.  Components will almost always sound better than all in ones provided they are quality & matched properly.  But the downside is more space.

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If you would have asked that question a year ago, I would have said option #3 without hesitation but now I would have to go with option #2. That only applies though if you are buying quality powered speakers though. Like the HPR line by QSC, the Elite P or Unity P line by Yorkville, PRX line by JBL or even the RCF and EV powered speakers. There are a few other brands out there that would qualify also. As Lonnie mentioned, Option 3 is always good if thought out and designed properly, but only if you understand how to set and run it. I still have a full blown three way option 3 PA, but I've been using my powered Yorkvilles more and more, and liking them a lot.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

I agree with both Lonnie and London.

It really depends on how you plan to use the system.

I do more mobile work, and couldn't deal with the 100+lbs of my mixer/amp box with passive speakers, so I switched to EV 250aSX active (powered) speakers with a separate mixer. Both systems sound great, but you should buy good quality active speakers if you go with number 2.

I have all three setups, and think each works well for different situations.

Option 1 is my favorite for small-room mobile DJ. Powered speakers require long power cord runs, and that is a pain.

Option 2 is great for permanent installations. Mount the speakers to the wall, carry the mixer and laptop with you.

Option 3 is best for a big room, because face it -- it is hard to find a powered mixer with the kind of power you need.

Either two or three, but not one. I don't know about the cheapest stuff, but  amps  from mid level powered speakers on up will be actively crossed over and will be matched to the speakers, which can be an advantage if done right.  Power amps in mixers often have inflated specs (power rating at 1kHz burst  with more than 1% THD) that don't give a true account of what's there. There's usually not enough room in a powered mixer to squeeze in a decent amp.

I personally prefer separates.

Thanks for you suggestions
i will be using Peavey PR12's as i am only performing in smaller venues
can anyone suggest a reasonably priced amp that will suit these speakers
also a good mixer please

cheers all

The PR12's you are more than likely going to want to add a sub as well, they aren't known for very good bass response on their own.
As far as an amp for them, they will require an amp capable of at least 400 watts per channel into 8 ohms.  Here are a couple of options.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--QSCGX5
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMP3500S
http://www.zzounds.com/item--CWNXLS602
http://www.zzounds.com/item--QSCRMX1850HD (slightly less power than i'd want to go with)
https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... ct=DCM2000  These are great amps

Mixer go with something from Mackie or Yamaha & you should be good to go.

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My take on it would be a bit different. Because I have a rack with wheels, from purely portability point of view I would choose option 1 as mobile set up and use option 2 as permanent setup. The powered speakers are way too heavy, although I own them. The non powered speakers are much easier to handle and let the mixer handle the power.

From sound point of view, I would agree with others, option 3, then 2 then 1.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

If you're using PR12s you could get a powered mixer that could easily be carried in one hand. Then there is no need for a rack with a heavy amp and a separate mixer. I had a Behringer PMP3000($399) which is more than enough power for your speakers and enough so that you could add 2 more speakers or 2 small subs down the road. I stepped away for a few minutes and a couple of people were messing with it and fried it. I sent it back and got a refund from Musicians Friend.

I then got a Yamaha EMX512($569 retail) which has loads of power, I can lift it with two fingers. Rated at 500w per channel, it can go VERY loud. It has lots of input channels and will easily drive your speakers plus two more in the future or two smaller subs. I have 2 Electro-Voice SB122 subs and they pump out tons of bass($359 each retail). They are small and easy to carry. If you decide to stay all Peavey they make a 15" sub that would go nicely with the PR12s, it's the PR15 sub($219 each retai).

In any case, a decent powered mixer is VERY easy to carry compared to an amp and a separate mixer in a rack, probably less expensive too. PR12s don't need tons of power so a small powered mixer is all you need.

Lots of ways to go. Everyone has their preference based on what they've worked with. Lonman knows more than anyone here, listen to what he says.

My rack was on wheels, and it weighed over 100lbs! A pain to lift in and out of the truck...my powered speakers are under 50 lbs. I don't understand or get what your saying at all.

The PR12 need 400 watts at 8 ohms.  The PMP only pushes 210 at 8 ohms.  Very underpowered for what the speaker actually would need to run efficiently, cleaner/fuller sounding & less chance of blowing.
The Yamaha is a little closer at 350 watts into 8 ohms so would be a better match.

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I have to agree the type of set up depends on your expected use - like many I have a rack type  setup ( separate amp and mixer ) and also a powered mixer set up for smaller type venues.

"IF" you initial plan is for small venues go with the powered mixer and passive speakers.   I used to have the Peavey PR12  "great speakers"  as expected "thumping" BASS was missing but for small rooms they were  "FINE".

Recently I have "switched" them for BEHRINGER B212 also a very lite weight and only $300 for the pair.  I would say they sound AS GOOD AS the Peaveys  (personally I like the sound,the look, the size and the price better)

I'm powering them with a Behringer Powered Mixer PM880s - everything sounds good with enough power volume etc.

If money is no object go with the YAMAHA SERIES of powered mixers they seem to be proven performers and not expensive as Mackie or Peavey.
I still like the BEHRIGER B212 for a 12inch lite weight  :wave:

My EV SX100s (12 inch LF drivers like the PR12s)must be a lot more efficient than the PR12s because my mixer pushes them easily without clipping even with the SB122 subs and that's not even in bridged mode. I just DJed an event tonight in a large health club about 4000 or 5000 sq ft and the main controller knob was at 12 o'clock, the channel the music was on was set at 12 o'clock and the music easily made it all the way to the back, I walked back there to see if it would. I had one guy ask me to turn the music down. The volume control on the DJ program was at about 50%. I could have gone quite a bit louder.

I'd be surprised if my mixer couldn't push the PR12s and I'd love to try it. I know what you're saying Lonman, Peaveys are notoriously power hungry. I know my mixer can drive Yamaha S115Vs fine and those are rated at 500w program, 1000w peak. I've used my mixer with my EV's and a pair of inexpensive 15" cabs all at the same time in bridged mode with no problems. So far I haven't found any single pair of passive speakers that my mixer doesn't have enough power to drive.

I haven't tried the Peavey PV215s yet. Those are dual 15s and are 700w program at 4ohms. I'd like to try that. Most pairs of passive 12" speakers should be able to be driven by the Behringer PMP3000 or my EMX512.

The EV's are rated the same for program power, 400 watts @ 8ohms.  I never stated that the mixer/amp wouldn't work, sure it will make sound & get loud - what I was stating was efficiency & possibility of blowing the speaker due to not having enough power - with proper power behind a speaker, the speaker will sound much fuller, cleaner & not having to be turned up as loud to get the full clarity.  But again, your EMX512 is close enough at 350 watts into 8 ohms which I stated as well so they would match fine to the EV's.  The Behringer board is alot less power which could tend to lead the host to turn up the volume to compensate which will drive closer to clipping which leads to distortion which leads to heating up the voice coils which will kill the speaker.
The PV215 will be a LITTLE much for the EMX with it's 4 ohm load - again will work, will play, just not as efficiently or clear/full sounding as they could.

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Dude, you're making me think my stuff could sound even better with a more powerful amp and if that's true then I may have to do that down the road. What about the EP2500? Enough power for my 2 mains and my 2 small subs-4 ohms per side? I know a lot of folks like Crown and QSC amps and they dis the Behringer products, but you can get a new EP2500 for a bit over $300 and a decent mixer for around $200 and a rack for around $100-$125. I can sell my mixer no problem, those things are very popular and in demand, I only paid $350 for it on ebay.

Full, rich sound is what I'm after. I'm willing to invest some more money if it makes that much difference going to a more powerful amp. So what, I'll lug a rack with an amp and a mixer around if it means better sound quality. Good sound is important to me. If it's a noticeable difference in sound quality, I'll do it.

I hope all of this helps the guy with the PR12s.

Ok, here is the breakdown based on some research I just did on a couple of web sites.
No doubt you can spend more than what I am estimating here. This is entry level to low mid range gear. You could find a lot of this stuff in good used or near new condition on ebay or on Craig's list for less too.

Mixer  $200-$300 non powered-with built in vocal effects
Amp   $350-$600  
Rack   $125-$150  table top

Optional:
Vocal effects unit  $100-$300
EQ      $100-$200

Without optional equipment, shiny and new, in the box> $1,050 max, $675 minimum.
I see why my mixer is so popular. It may be a little underpowered, but it's all in one and you can lift it with 2 fingers. I wonder if any companies make a more powerful powered mixer and how much it would cost?

The EV/Yamaha combo is actually close enough, they wouldn't sound that much difference with the 50 watt discrepency - however a good powered sub under them would make a HUGE difference in the fullness as well, 12" just aren't designed for good bass - in PA standpoints they are typically considered in the midrange class.  
The PV215 would be better served with an amp that is capable of delivering the full program power.  You could actually still use your powered mixer with an external amp - line out (or power amp out) on the front to the amp.  Just bring it when you need the bigger speakers.

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Thanks for the advice Lonman.

As far as the EV SB122 12" subs, you have got to hear them to believe it. I keep turning the bass down. They aren't like any 12" or 15" passive sub out there. According to EV they have the guts of an 18" sub in a compact, lightweight, easy to carry 35 pound cabinet. I'm hoping some day I can play out somewhere and crank my system without worrying all the time that it's too loud. I think you're right about needing more power to truly sound great. I heard my system at Sam Ash and I believe they were cranking some serious power through the speakers. They sounded MAGNIFICENT! The EVs can handle quite a bit of power for small speakers.

Electro Voice under rates the power ratings of their speakers if you read the specs and how they test them, you will see that they can handle a lot more power. They make them "bullet proof" by lowering the ratings.

The other thing about EV, is the speakers are very efficient. They produce more sound with less power (SPL). I have a set of EV 12" with horns that I have mounted in one of my regular gigs (a sound problem room). I drive them with a Fender mixer/amp combo that is rated at 75 watts per channel (I know it doesn't sound like much). I never run above 50% on main power, and it is more than loud enough. It's all in the speakers. Very clean quality sound. Of course I love EV  :yes: