Karaoke Forums

Although i'm a while off from purchasing this, the next upgrade on my list are my speakers. I'm looking to buy powered speakers however i'm not physically that strong and the main mission is to find some that are lightweight and preferably small.

the two that i'm considering are the mackie 350's and rcf ART310-A but i'm open to suggestions.

As per usual the main problem is that I live in an area where I can't physically listen to them, so I'm left looking on the internet and listening to any advice.

Thanks

I can't speak to them -- I think Karen uses the SRM350.

The only thing I would worry about is the 10" speaker without a sub. It will not go low, and there will be a difference. If you have a sub, or are planning on getting one, that is different.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

I use a set of the SM350s at two of our venues, and yes, they are very lightweight, easy enough for me to pop up onto the stands, which actually places them almost over my head (I'm 5'5"). As they have a handle on the side, and a carrying capability from the top, they are my faves. I did use them for a limited time without a sub and they were adequate - but adding a small sub made all the difference in the world. People cannot believe they are listening to 10" speakers. I have the big brothers to these which are VERY heavy comparatively and I use those without a sub occasionally but the sub, I believe, is probably a necessity with the 10-inchers. I swear by the sound ... absolutely clear, very good range (I chose them over others because of the solid sound through the whole range, not just heavy at top or bottom). I have never felt underpowered with them in any venue I use them in.

I believe the price on them has come down considerably since I bought them (a year ago now, I believe) and if I had to replace mine, I'd go for the same thing again.

k

I get the same reaction with my PR-10s. People ask me how I get all that sound out of those little speakers. Then I pull back the curtain on my DJ table and show the PR-Sub. With 1200 watts going to the three speakers, they sound pretty decent.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

I'd recommend Yorkville NX55s. About 40 lbs, 12", with 550W program power. If you want a 15", the the NX750s, at about 60lbs, with 750W program power. Also included is a 2/10 warranty, notthat you would need it.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

EV ZxA5 there is not a better sounding powered speaker on the market. 50 lbs it's not too heavy but when you hear this 1250 watt powerhouse you will be amazed.

+1 on the Nx55p speakers. I am running them after years with 2 peavy sp2x's and 2 2600 watt peavey amps. I dont fell any less of a kj, just one with an easier job

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

I would hope so at $1999 each

What doe you consider lightweight? Do you have speakers in mind that are lightweight you can use as an example?

I hope I have got the coversion from Kg to Lbs right, but I have 60lb speakers which sound lovely but don't get used, I can lift them but the stress and strain involved isn't worth it. 40lb to 45lb is about the right weight for me.

I tend to do smaller venues, with at most 150 people. . . I'd like to be prepared for larger venues if the need be, but I already own four speakers so I can in theory daisy chain them. Budget isn't too much of an issue, mainly because I can sit on ebay and wait for the right offer to come up. . . but in saying that $1999 is a bit much. If i was buying new i would consider around the mark of £600-£900.

It's just like most everything else in life,your budget will dictate your quality! How much do you think that you want spend for a Pair?

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Man Must Know His Limitations -Clint Eastwood

I think most would consider the MOLDED plastic cabinets as LITE WEIGHT

I would suspect however in this case, that the weight would dictate the quality to a certain degree.

lyquiddye suugested EV ZxA5 , but the weight at 50lb caused more fear than the price. I secretly think 1250watts is far to many for my small show any how.

I prefer the idea of a sub, and two speakers as it spreads the weight. As previously said, I'm a while off this upgrade. . . but if i know what i want now, i can start saving and start the search for second hand if need be.

I brought speakers over the phone before, the first set sounded lovely but I paid far too much for them ( i think the sales guy could smell a fool a mile off), the second set were recommended for my needs, (of which i agree they are light) but the sound is terrible. I've learnt the hard way that price isn't an issue, providing you get what you pay for.

Light weight with quality sound and loud?
> RCF ART310A (27lbs @ 300w+50w) or FBT Maxx2a (28lbs @ 200w+50w) hands down.
Erik @ rmcaudio can give you an unbeatable price on these shipped.

Check other online user reviews and you'd be convinced.
Below are some user comparisons b/w RCF ART310A vs. Mackie SRM350 vs. FBT Maxx2a
http://www.sweetwater.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12093
http://216.57.203.36/showthread.php?t=2074707&page=3

Also, take a look at the USA made Carvin LM12A (12" - 34lbs - 350w @ $390).
Their 15" LM15A speaker (39 lbs @ $400) produces a better and deeper bass so you can even get away without a sub in small venues (a good one usually weights b/w 65-100lbs).
And best, these quality speakers are backed with a 3 yrs warranty by a reputable San Diego based company and you can even return these (minus shipping fees) for a full refund within 10 days if you are not satisfied.
http://www.carvinguitars.com/lm/

I currently have the RCF ART series 12 in speakers and not only are they lightweight at 38lbs but they sound phenomenal. I think they still run around $800 ea. The eq knobs on the back of the speakers offer three different settings music, voice, or flat. At my venues I usually put one on voice and one on music(bass) and they thump pretty darn good. A sub will probably be an option at some point but the compliments I am getting on sound quality are pretty awesome.