Karaoke Forums

The restaurant/bar that I am currently hosting karaoke at has its own powered mixer and speakers that I use. A couple of the other local venues that I am looking at hosting at also have their own sound systems.

However, I would like to start purchasing my own equipment so I can do private parties and possibly outdoor venues in the future. The question is, what is the best active speaker to purchase in the 200-300 dollar range per speaker?

If anyone could throw me a bone here that would be awesome. I realize that different speakers are better for different things so if there are a few options that are good for karaoke/dj in that price range I would be grateful for input.

Tim Haney
Kinetic Entertainment

At $200.00 - 300.00 a speakers, you are looking at the lower-end powered speakers. In that range, if you want to buy NEW, I'd go with the Behringer Eurolive:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-BEH-B412DSP-LIST

I've heard some good reviews on the Mackie Thump, if you want to go a little higher ($350/each):

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-MAC-TH15A-LIST

If you watch your local Craigslist and Ebay, though, you could probably get a JBL EON set or EV SXA100 set for around $400-600, which is probably the route I'd go if you can find a good deal:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-JBL-EON315-LIST
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i- ... 0PLUS-LIST

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C Mc
KJ, FL

According to me there are various new speakers avaliable in the market but it depends on your specifications such as

1.Brand preferred.
2.Budget you have.
3.Features you required.

So match the one that suits you the best and have it.

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Philips freeview hd box

You should be aware that any new speaker in this price range is going to be pretty crappy. You won't be able to cover a very big outdoor area with $300 speakers. I would do a little investigating and see what your local competitors are using, and then buy something comparable or better to what they have.

Also, consider renting speakers for private gigs if you won't need them very often, at least at first.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

I would look at the b52 matrix 1000... it is not a speaker but a three piece(2 tops and a sub) powered system. Biggest drawback IMO is the lack of options.

Used on craigslist in the $500 range and new with stands you can find them around $700.

Also I agree that lower end powered speakers will not be enough for bigger venues, especially outdoors. But for smaller lounges and bars they should be OK, and if you add a Subwoofer... they really kick in.

I have some cheap $200 Harbinger 15inch powered speakers(paid even less), my good sized backyard was showing their weakness. But then i added the Mackie Thump 18 inch powered sub, and now they really fill the whole yard WITHOUT any blinks on the clip meters. Clarity improved noticeably at higher volumes, but IMO they would be enough for smaller indoor venues without the sub.

What options do you really need in a powered speaker except to have the amp built in? Any processing as far as eq'ing i'd actually prefer to use external anyway.
The Matrix 1000 is actually a very nice starter system, not overly huge, packs up into itself & would run small scall outdoor shows as well.

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

I would like the option to UPGRADE the tops or sub individually, not the all or nothing option offered by the matrix.


But I do agree the Matrix is a very nice starter UNIT.

I have looked at the Matrix 1000 setup and have put some thought into getting that. I realize that speakers in that price range are not great quality. I am looking for something to get me started.

I may just save a little longer and get a good amp and passive speakers, that way I don't limit myself as much. The only issue i have with that is limiting myself to the venues I can host. But I guess with crappy speakers I would be doing that anyway. Thanks guys and gals. I think i'll just wait a little longer and get the good stuff...

Well that & most likely you wouldn't like the sound & would be wanting to replace the equipment.

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

Also the matrix can serve as a back up to your "good stuff" that you buy later, even though most good stuff never needs it.


Another neg on the matrix is that they are a UNIT, you cant just take the tops if you are playing a tiny venue, the sub has to come along since all the amps are in it.

Never thought of that as a neg? I haven't played a place that was so small (actually too small, wouldn't play anyway) that I couldn't fit a sub in somewhere - minimum 1 sub is a requirement for me .

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

Understood, but I have been to plenty of shows where adding a sub to a good set of tops would be overkill.

I think the matrix sub is over 100 pounds. Choosing to load/unload is one thing, but being forced might be a neg for some.

If you have a limited budget right now take a look at the Carvin LM series powered speakers. The 15" seems to be a good deal and from what I read they are pretty light and they're reliable. The Harbingers are really inexpensive, but I've read of quite a few problems with them. That may have been when they first came out and those issues might have been worked out by now. They are dirt cheap-around $200 I believe. I've been meaning to go to Guitar Center to see if they have them on display so I could hear them.

Another option is the Behringer B415DSP-I've seen them for $379 each which seems like a very good deal considering how good the reviews are - I've read a lot about them and I've considered them except for one thing, they are heavy and I would have a VERY hard time getting them up onto speaker stands. I

I'm toying with the idea of getting one Carvin LM15a https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=LM15A just to see what it would be like to use a powered speaker. In some of my venues I can get away with using just one speaker because they don't want loud music and they're small venues. With a 15" I might be able to get away with not using a sub.