Karaoke Forums

I just purchased some new equipment to replace my wife's first karaoke stuff. Looking to add a sub or speakers for low end. I'm quite sure I will stay with powered speakers and would appreciate others suggestions and experience.

Also shopping for a good cordless mic that wont break the bank. I think I read a post recommending a Gemini as a middle of the road?

System is:

Yahamaha MG124CX (mixer -unpowered)
(2) Mackie SRM350s (powered speakers)
RSQ E500 Karaoke Disc player
(3) Shure SM58S (corded mic)
Mogami Silver series XLR cables (lifetime warranty)

Thanks to those that have helped steer me in the right direction.

I have had good luck with the AKG WMS-40. I own the single version (my system) and a double system (at the permanent install for my service club). The sound is decent, and they are surprisingly durable for plastic construction. They also get 25-30 hours of battery life on a single AA alkaline cell.

I bought it on recommendations here, and have been happy.

I should add that I paid $200 for the single and $310.00 for the double (open box special).

Kona: As you went with the SM350s for speakers, I am going to recommend that you purchase a Mackie powered sub to go with these. It is SIMPLY amazing the sound that is put out by a system of two SM350s and the 15-inch sub. I got my sub through SameDay Music as they offer blems; paid $790 for it but I have found them cheaper since (of course). I also use the sub with a pair of SM450s (that I was able to purchase used) and they have incredibly great sound even in a HUGE venue (college gymnasium). I know there are Mackie naysayers on this board but I love good sound and that is what this system pumps out with the sub.

K

Agree with Karen!

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Oh here I go again venturing into the land of "M". I'm not so much a Mackie "naysayer" as a person that does a tremendous amount of research before making audio purchases. I don't care who makes it if it checks out spec wise, sound wise, and is reliable. I will admit that when the dust settles, Mackie is rarely at the top of my list. If your looking for bang for the buck in the 15" powered sub market I strongly suggest checking out the Yorkville LS720P before making any purchase. The Yorkville puts out more continues power @ 720 watts while consuming less electricity (average 2.4 amps) due to using a more efficient class D amplifier to Mackies 500 Watts using a class G amplifier ( which is a hybrid two or three rail version of a class A A/B amplifier) Class A amplifiers can sound very good, but are extremely power hungry and convert almost 50% of the electricity it uses into heat instead of sound( perhaps this is why Mackie has to have a thermal reset on it). Class D amps are considered ideal for subwoofers as the electronic switching that takes place to maintain efficiencies occurs at higher frequencies than a sub will reproduce. Anyway, the bottom line is this. The facts, they have more power, use less electricity, weigh less (they use a neodymium speaker, probably a B&C driver), they cost less by several hundred dollars, slightly smaller in size and last but not least, The opinions, sound better and are more reliable. I'm not telling anybody what to buy, but get out there and do your homework, read forums, see what owners are saying (both happy and not so happy) about the products. I think you will find there are other alternatives. QSC also makes a great powered sub although not as cost effective as the Yorkville. I don't have the LS720P, but I do have two of the LS800P's (their 18" big brother) , and they are considered by most to be about the best sub in their class. By the way, they are made in Canada in the good ole North American continent. Don't buy Mackie because someone says so, or Yorkville because someone says so, or any other brand, do your research, let your ears and what you've learned tell you what to buy.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

thats the best advice I have read so far...go test drive and find something that suits you and your needs

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

I absolutely agree with Londonlive ! i personaly am not a fan of mackie powered stuff. really i dont care for any powered stuff but in my experence mackie speakers are not top notch.I guess for non teckie users powered speakers are user friendly and they do have a place. As stated above, check out different stuff, listen to it un use at other peoples shows if you can.
I do LOVE my mackie powered mixers, and am thinking about a small non powered mackie mixer, but just cause it says mackie does not mean its an awesome piece.

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

I have had 4 Mackie subs die on me.

If you like PSSL.com has them right now refurb for $500.

I'm a Yorkville fan the LS720 is a very good sub we have 2 of them an I tried to break them for 2 months with no success. I can get a mackie to smoke in less than 15 minutes.

We are moving to Dynacord for our bar karoke systems but at $3500 for a powered sub, I guessing you would not like to spend that much.

I am also in the process of moving to EV for our live sound division.
the ElectroVoice SBA760 is a beast and will out perform any other 15" sub currently on the market.

We use the Yorkville 700s with NX550 tops. They beat Makie in every way. The subs have been in use for 7-8 years and the tops 6-7 years. We are a mobile show and they are moved almost on a daily basis. Yorkville has excellent customer service. We sent back one (for a weld that came loose after 5 or so years) and received it back in about 2 weeks including shipping time.

But since the OP already has Makie, then he should get the matching Makie subs.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

Thanks LondonLive and others. Reading the experiences of others provides some of the best info for researching a product. You can compare specs all day but real world experience with the stuff is VERY useful.

I have read other complaints about reliability issues with Mackie powered subs on the reviews sections on several other websites. Sounds like many love them and their sound but Mackie may have a problem with their product.

In checking into the warranty it looks like I would have to ship the sub to their facility at a large cost to me in the event of a problem. Certainly something I will consider when purchasing.

Thanks again.

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-Kona

Kona, sounds like your on your way to making a well informed decision. Those 700's Tim uses look like they might be something to look at also, I believe they use a pair of 10" long excursion drivers, should be a very tight bottom end. Good luck.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye