Time To Upgrade

[Tec 0]

Its time to upgrade, I’ve had my Mackie 450 and Swa1501 for the last four years and they have served me well. Indeed they have pulled me out of a hole sometimes. However in the last two months, I’ve blown the bass twice in one cabinet and the horn in the other (my engineer reckons it’s a faulty amp in one of them) the bins are ok; one of them is not as clear as before but will do the job. I've been looking at setups like a dynacord P5 etc but to me I love the flexibility of the active system.

 

It was thru this site that I made my mind up to purchase the Mackie’s a few years ago so I would be grateful for the advice.

 

The budget is 2500 - What would you buy?

 

Thanks

Tec

 

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

First of all take a good look at the JBL PRX range, the RCF active range, and EV Zx active range...

 

all 3 of the above are ideal for what you want..... also have sent you a PM with another idea..

[sandysounds 0]

also...consider what kind of sound you prefer. I personally don't like the sound from JBLs as i find them too harsh......but i know other people swear by them. I run with active LEMs, tops and bins, which give a warm woody sound.

[Bouncy Dancefloor 0]

the mackie srm 450's do have a history of amp problems (the part linked to the bass), thats why they just released the MK2's

 

personally if i was still very happy with my mackies, id buy the V2's and see about keeping the bass cabs (or replacing one of them)

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

I personally don't like the sound from JBLs as i find them too harsh

 

then sandy you need to listen so some more JBL kit not some plastic eon stuff... tongue out icon

[Dukesy 0]

Depends what type of functions you cover really.

I like RCF and have heard the Z5s. Nice. So I would recommend the EV Z5s first as an all-round great speaker but if you can, try and compare.

Also, if you do go for the EVs, check the length of the 'tinsel wires' (speaker connections) betwen the voice coil and the solder terminals as EV appear to have a shorter length than other makes?!

Other than that, they are the dogs! I'm not an expert but I know a man who is....who is not beside me at the moment!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[spinner 0]

then sandy you need to listen so some more JBL kit not some plastic eon stuff... tongue out icon

 

 

Fair point.

 

The EONs are harsh though. I got rid of 2 pairs because of it.

 

[Tec 0]

Well,

 

Now in the process of testing and listening to the syatems mentioned by everyone so i'll let you know what i fond them like. An interesting option that a dealer has offered to me is the new RCF ART 7 Series - has anyone come across these ?

 

Tec

[Andy Dunn 0]

There is a pair of Turbosound TQ315 active boxes on e-bay at the moment,

1 x 15" + 1x 2" compression.

£2200 or best offer!

[D.X 0]

For £2500 you could get the HK Audio Elias system complete with covers.

 

It's what I'll be getting when I come to upgrade.

[dh140770 0]

Well,

 

Now in the process of testing and listening to the syatems mentioned by everyone so i'll let you know what i fond them like. An interesting option that a dealer has offered to me is the new RCF ART 7 Series - has anyone come across these ?

 

Tec

 

No, they have just come out, but I am saving for something like this. I want one set of speakers, portable that will do the lot. The 722A or 725A look like they might and I have heard good things about the RCF sound.

 

[Tec 0]

Yea,

 

Thats exactly what i am looking for one set of speakers that will do the lot for the majority of gigs 150-200 people. Only bring in bass bins if absoluty necessary

 

Tec

[D.X 0]

I've done gigs with for nearly 200 people with just a pair of Mackie S215s being fed 1K by a QSC amp and it was only up around half way. They do actives too. Professional Active and Super Active. The smallest speaker in either category would be enough to create a substantial sound for 200 people.

[Tec 0]

AN update on this.

 

HAving checked out the RCF, The HK ELIAS i've come across mackies at a serious low rate

 

check this out http://www.musicstore.com/en_EN/IEP/Mackie...-PAH0006715-000 and see what you think ?

 

AM i Mad to go for these ?

[D.X 0]

At the current exchange rate they'll cost about £330 each and they're refurbished. You can get them brand new from DJ Kit got £437 each. It's up to you but I'd go brand new.

 

And they'll be well worth it. I have the passive and they create an immense sound.

[Tec 0]

Yea i contacted djkit - a few things

 

1) Speakers will not be in stock until 6 weeks - thats nearly christmas

2) Since i live in southern ireland i cant not claim the VAT back which makes them 17.5 % dearer whereas with music store they create a vat free account .

3) Free shiping with musicstore and a 3 year waranty -no problems send it back free of charge.

 

Looking at the pros and cons

 

 

[JCarey 0]

Just a few things,

 

1. Both Musicstore and Thomann off a excellent service both in terms of delivery and back-up, have no fear about doing business with them.

2. The speakers your looking at buying are both bigger (slightly) and heavier (x2) than what you are currently using. Will your transport and back be able to cope.

3. There are posts on the US boards from people who use the new mackies your looking at. All happy, but I do note they tend to people who use them without subs for jobs of 100-150 (thats just an observation, not sure if it's an important point).

 

Good Luck with your purchase,

 

John

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Logic do a nice powered box.

[Tec 0]

Just a few things,

 

1. Both Musicstore and Thomann off a excellent service both in terms of delivery and back-up, have no fear about doing business with them.

2. The speakers your looking at buying are both bigger (slightly) and heavier (x2) than what you are currently using. Will your transport and back be able to cope.

3. There are posts on the US boards from people who use the new mackies your looking at. All happy, but I do note they tend to people who use them without subs for jobs of 100-150 (thats just an observation, not sure if it's an important point).

 

Good Luck with your purchase,

 

John

 

Thanks John for that, i've a crew cab jeep which should be capable of transporting the equipment, and after talking to fellow Dj's and advice from this forum i 've decided to purchase them. With the money i'm saving i purchased some wind up stands as well which should make them easier to put up.

I'll post a review of them when they arrive next week

 

Tec

[Bouncy Dancefloor 0]

we had these in stock and couldnt believe how big they were (without any real reason for this!)

 

they did sound good though! good luck with them