PDA

View Full Version : What are the best speakers to get?



Jayko101
12-13-2012, 06:14 AM
Just wanting to know your guys's opinions on the best speakers for DJing

Daniel S
12-13-2012, 06:43 AM
You can never go wrong with Meyer Sound.

Anyway, your question is too broad. You need to provide more details, like budget, size of room, size of crowd, type of music, etc for anybody to be able to give you any suggestions.

Adzm00
12-13-2012, 07:09 AM
Home or club use? And what budget?

fueledbymusic
12-13-2012, 09:56 AM
The most common of all is RCF ART312s, and JBLs. Powered speakers are probably the most common and popular in the DJ world. tipically JBL

DJzrule
12-13-2012, 10:23 AM
Electro Voice and Mackie in my opinion are the best bang-for-buck options, but Mackie support has gone way downhill. I personally owned both for years.

QSC (K series, KW series, HPR series), higher-end JBL (PRX/MRX series), RCF (ART series), Yamaha (DSR series and DXS series), and also the Yorkville offerings (elite and unity) are very good.

Coronaoperator
12-13-2012, 10:42 AM
Just wanting to know your guys's opinions on the best speakers for DJing

These are (http://www.danleysoundlabs.com/danley/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/JH90-spec-sheet.pdf) and can be used as high end reference monitors as well :slayer:
At 34,000 watts a pair, finding power might be a problem.

Sween
12-13-2012, 10:45 AM
There is no correct answer to this question...

It is like asking "which is the best car for driving?"

light-o-matic
12-13-2012, 11:17 AM
Where?
For who?
How much money do you have?
What is the rest of your setup?

Johnnotestine
12-13-2012, 12:57 PM
These are (http://www.danleysoundlabs.com/danley/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/JH90-spec-sheet.pdf) and can be used as high end reference monitors as well :slayer:
At 34,000 watts a pair, finding power might be a problem.
I would love to hear the Jericho in action, but I don't think we have any in Alaska yet. That thing is a beast.

BillESC
12-13-2012, 01:09 PM
I like my 10" 2-ways and dual 12" sub combo. It's all KV2 Audio gear and would currently cost $ 8093.00 to replace,

Incognito
12-13-2012, 04:54 PM
There is no correct answer to this question...

It is like asking "which is the best car for driving?"

:tup:

DJAkash
12-14-2012, 03:14 AM
Mobile DJing RCF 722a's pair and a pair of JBL VRX subs. powerful, loud, portable
Club RCF TT series over 140 db and 3500 watts.

Brian Sang Han
12-17-2012, 09:43 PM
lazy question = lazy answer

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=what+are+the+best+speakers+to+get

DennisBdrmDJ 2.0
12-17-2012, 10:13 PM
^ that was kind of cool:tup:

DjNeedleSharp
12-27-2012, 11:20 PM
I like my 10" 2-ways and dual 12" sub combo. It's all KV2 Audio gear and would currently cost $ 8093.00 to replace,

8k for two mains and two subs?? Jeeze... What speakers are you referring to? What would that setup be comparable to against a JBL system (for reference purposes only... I'm sure it's superior).

Edit: I'm assuming the EX2.2 and EX10. Had no clue those cabs were THAT expensive...

DJMLC
12-28-2012, 07:06 PM
I used to own 4 KV2 EX-12's a pair of EX2.2's and a pair of EX2.5's. The tops with 12" subs definitely have a more clear, defined output than the JBL PRX and QSC KW lines. The EX2.2 subs have a sledgehammer-like bass that hits you in the chest just like club-type subwoofers. Most mobile stuff is more boomy-sounding. (Not tight bass). The closest I've found while shopping for sound nowadays in a similar price range is the RCF ART722a with 4PRO8003 subs. When I purchased my KV2 systems, the 12" tops were $1750 each and the dual 12" subs were $1300. Unfortunately KV2's pricing went way up now and the distribution here in North America has diminished incredibly.

den1213
12-28-2012, 08:18 PM
Well, I'm a newbie for offering advice, but I'll add my 2 naive cents.;) I'm 3 gigs in since September, and have used a pair of KW153's for all 3 gigs; conference room for 100 guest, and Halloween Party at medium size banquet hall for 200 screaming guest, and a Xmas Party for 100 plus guest. My KW 153's sound incredibly clear, and with plenty bottom at only a quarter of the volume. I have yet had to crank them full blast. I also own 2 Yorkville 801p's and 2 more KW 153's, and have yet to need all my speakers:(. Hopefully in the new year, I can line up a few larger gigs so that I can report back on my entire system.:lol:

In short, I am VERY impressed and confident with my KW 153's, and would highly recommend them if someone ask me!

light-o-matic
12-28-2012, 08:25 PM
KV2's very nice stuff. But for home use, not worth it. You are paying for SPL you don't need. For less money than that you can have a really top end hifi or studio sound setup in your house.

Granted I am running EAW stuff in my house but it is small stuff.. MS20 tops and SB48 sub. And, tho I really like my setup at home, I'd be the first person to admit that it does not sound as good as the hifi stuff I was using in my old place (Proac Studio 1 Mk2 monitors with Vandersteen 2W sub).

LondonSoundMan
12-29-2012, 10:06 AM
KV2 is very nice and they are keen to get people on board but you need to be spending ££££'s...... Shame really as the kit is good to be fair.

Gareth
12-29-2012, 11:24 AM
These ones...

http://www.shinyshiny.tv/Spekal%20pigs.jpg

...cause they look like pigs :love:

LondonSoundMan
12-29-2012, 03:20 PM
You can get a lots of speakers on Ebay for £2500 ! I was looking at a huge EAW system the other week..... 8 subs, 6 tops plus two amp racks full of crowns for £2850 ONO

dabird23
12-30-2012, 11:39 AM
I have the same problem but I will be more specific. I have a communion to dj that will have around 100 people, and I need to get some good speakers. For a budget, I think 1500 for two speakers is my max, but I can DEFINITELY go lower. I still want the quality, though. Thanks.

DJMLC
12-30-2012, 04:20 PM
I have the same problem but I will be more specific. I have a communion to dj that will have around 100 people, and I need to get some good speakers. For a budget, I think 1500 for two speakers is my max, but I can DEFINITELY go lower. I still want the quality, though. Thanks.

You can easily get a decent set of speakers for $1500. If you stick to decent quality brands like RCF, QSC, JBL, Yamaha, etc you'll be fine. I'd recommend the RCF ART312a, which is an excellent quality speaker for a beginner or seasoned pro--and the price is very reasonable too. (Figure around $850/set with shipping). RCF has good bass response in a small 12" cabinet and the high frequencies are crisp and smooth. Other options you can price out would be the Yamaha DSR112, JBL PRX-612M or QSC K12. Even B-52 is a reputable brand for a smaller budget--figure around $850 for a pair of the ACTPRO-12M. (I always felt that a wooden cabinet just always sounded better than plastic ones). Check out the RCF though--for this price range, they're really tough to beat.

windspeed36
12-30-2012, 04:35 PM
I have the same problem but I will be more specific. I have a communion to dj that will have around 100 people, and I need to get some good speakers. For a budget, I think 1500 for two speakers is my max, but I can DEFINITELY go lower. I still want the quality, though. Thanks.
Rent.

light-o-matic
12-30-2012, 05:36 PM
Since it sounds like you're just starting out.. 1500 is actually plenty if you spend it right. It depends where you live tho.. if you're in a major city you can easily find used deals.. For example, here's a pair of Mackie SRM-450's for $650..

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/msg/3507265627.html

Here's a Mackie SWA1501 sub for $350!

http://longisland.craigslist.org/ele/3479462628.html

Add $150 for stands and cables..

$1000 done and done. You will better off than MANY DJ's starting out, and yea Mackie ain't the end-all, for sure.. but, at your level it's gonna make you DAMN happy.
Trust me on this.

DJMLC
12-30-2012, 10:39 PM
^^^ I live pretty close to where those Mackie's are located. If anyone's interested in purchasing them, I might be able to drive there to pick them up and arrange shipping if needed. At the very least, I could make sure they function as advertised...

azarraga053
12-30-2012, 11:43 PM
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ele/3493986286.html

This is quite a deal too. Bulky though.

nojretlas
01-09-2013, 09:45 PM
I use Berhinger 215's.......I was apprehensive but I have had good results...with that being said they need the subs to really make the sound.

Statik
01-10-2013, 07:03 PM
Well, I'm a newbie for offering advice, but I'll add my 2 naive cents.;) I'm 3 gigs in since September, and have used a pair of KW153's for all 3 gigs; conference room for 100 guest, and Halloween Party at medium size banquet hall for 200 screaming guest, and a Xmas Party for 100 plus guest. My KW 153's sound incredibly clear, and with plenty bottom at only a quarter of the volume. I have yet had to crank them full blast. I also own 2 Yorkville 801p's and 2 more KW 153's, and have yet to need all my speakers:(. Hopefully in the new year, I can line up a few larger gigs so that I can report back on my entire system.:lol:

In short, I am VERY impressed and confident with my KW 153's, and would highly recommend them if someone ask me!


Yup I spent 4 hours listening to JBL/YAMAHA and QSC(KW SERIES BIRCH ENCLOSURE) Powered speakers... In the End. The KW15's sounded really good but tend to lose the SQ at higher volumes vs the KW122's The 15's have alot more lower end though its a good thing and a bad thing. The QSC K Series sound good but once u hear the KW's you will want to spend the extra money to get the Warm sound you get out of them. The K Series QSC's sound good but are a little Brighter than the KW series. JBL's sounded good but i Prefered the Yamaha's over the JBL's. In the End i Picked up a pair of KW122's and KW181 I still havent played them to full blast...these get stupid loud and clear but the also cost 1100 dollars a Pop + 1400 for the 18's (Local). I was looking for the EV Powerd subs...good for the price. There is no "BEST" out there it depends on how you like the sound. Every brand has its own sound..its up to you to choose. What sounds good to me might sound terrible to you. You will never keep everyone happy though.

BillESC
01-11-2013, 08:18 AM
For about $ 1600.00 you could get a pair of Electro Voice ZXA1 tops and one ZXA1-SUB. This highly portable system would be perfect for your application and crowds up to 150 or so.

Do yourself a favor and stay away from Mackie.

jayhwk
01-11-2013, 01:31 PM
For about $ 1600.00 you could get a pair of Electro Voice ZXA1 tops and one ZXA1-SUB. This highly portable system would be perfect for your application and crowds up to 150 or so.

Do yourself a favor and stay away from Mackie.

I was going to recommend the same thing.

light-o-matic
01-11-2013, 01:57 PM
The tops are great for a small setup (I have a pair) but I wouldn't suggest the sub to anyone unless they know exactly what they want and exactly why they want it. That sub definitely has its charms in terms of size and weight but just one of them is not going to do much. I can only imagine the reaction when they spend $1600 and then bring it out to a gig and find out how quickly it runs out of gas when they turn it up. Definitely NOT something I would suggest for a newb who does not even really understand what they need yet.

BillESC
01-11-2013, 02:07 PM
The OP mentioned doing gigs for up to 100 people and my recommendation would be sufficient for such an application.

Dj Onyx
01-11-2013, 02:49 PM
I got a pair of RCF 312MKIII with rcf case for sale. Pm me if you're interested!

light-o-matic
01-11-2013, 03:40 PM
Bill, OP didn't say anything about the number of people. He's abandoned this thread.

dabird23 chimed in (on page 3) with a need for a system for 100 people for a communion, with a $1500 budget. And yea, the system you suggest would probably work for that. But sorry, I personally would not suggest that, it's just not a good investment as an only system.. unless you know your need REALLY well and know that ALL your gigs will fit within the limited capabilities of that system. Otherwise you will find you've gone $100 over budget for a system that can handle nothing bigger than a communion. It's not a good choice for a general purpose mobile DJ system. I happen to like the EV system (as I said, I have the ZXA1's and I do use them for small parties) and the sub is real cute but to have just one of them as your only sub is just a really bad idea, unless you happen to be a DJ who specializes strictly in small sober events with guest who are very chill.

jayhwk
01-11-2013, 04:10 PM
Bill, OP didn't say anything about the number of people. He's abandoned this thread.

dabird23 chimed in (on page 3) with a need for a system for 100 people for a communion, with a $1500 budget. And yea, the system you suggest would probably work for that. But sorry, I personally would not suggest that, it's just not a good investment as an only system.. unless you know your need REALLY well and know that ALL your gigs will fit within the limited capabilities of that system. Otherwise you will find you've gone $100 over budget for a system that can handle nothing bigger than a communion. It's not a good choice for a general purpose mobile DJ system. I happen to like the EV system (as I said, I have the ZXA1's and I do use them for small parties) and the sub is real cute but to have just one of them as your only sub is just a really bad idea, unless you happen to be a DJ who specializes strictly in small sober events with guest who are very chill.

I disagree. I rent my Zx1s all the time with Sb122s (a even wimpier sub than the ZxA1sub) for 100-150 person events all the time without any trouble.

LondonSoundMan
01-11-2013, 07:30 PM
You might juuuust get away with it but you cant have much or any headroom left....

dabird23
01-13-2013, 05:56 PM
Thanks guys for the advice. Im still stuck though. I want to get speakers that sound good and wont blow up on me. Im considering the RCF ART312a. Yes?

DJzrule
01-13-2013, 06:05 PM
dabird23, those RCF's are very good starter speakers, but I would advise getting a sub or 2 with them.

dabird23
01-13-2013, 06:20 PM
Thanks djzrule but do you think that there are any professional level speakers out there for cheap?

Al Poulin
01-13-2013, 06:48 PM
For a little over 1500$ a pair of Yamaha DXR15s are excellent speakers even used stand alone. The low frequency response, output, sound quality and awesome mixer section + 7 year warranty make them tough to beat....

Al

dabird23
01-13-2013, 07:34 PM
Are there any others that I can use just stand alone?

electricsmooth
01-13-2013, 07:34 PM
Well, I'm a newbie for offering advice, but I'll add my 2 naive cents.;) I'm 3 gigs in since September, and have used a pair of KW153's for all 3 gigs; conference room for 100 guest, and Halloween Party at medium size banquet hall for 200 screaming guest, and a Xmas Party for 100 plus guest. My KW 153's sound incredibly clear, and with plenty bottom at only a quarter of the volume. I have yet had to crank them full blast. I also own 2 Yorkville 801p's and 2 more KW 153's, and have yet to need all my speakers:(. Hopefully in the new year, I can line up a few larger gigs so that I can report back on my entire system.:lol:

In short, I am VERY impressed and confident with my KW 153's, and would highly recommend them if someone ask me!

I have the exact same setup (minus the 2 extra kw153s) and feel the same

Al Poulin
01-13-2013, 08:36 PM
Are there any others that I can use just stand alone?

Yorkville NX750P is another active top that has enough low frequency response to handle small to medium wedding type occasions without absolutely needing subs. It is more $$$ than the DXR15 however. FBT also produces a few active tops known for their strong and extended low frequencies, but they are more expensive yet... EV's ELX active 15 might be OK too, but the components (and cabinet) aren't as high quality as the others mentionned so likely won't offer as much performance.

AL

akela
01-18-2013, 03:15 AM
I am with Al Poulin on the DXR15s

jlaskin
02-05-2013, 09:37 PM
Here's a new brand budget permitting of course. If you like the old EAW, check out the former innovators now running Fulcrum Acoustic in the same Whittenville, Mass. town as EAW.

FA28AC
FA12AC
FA15AC

Lightweight birch baltic based cabs with B & C drivers and Powersoft amps built in.

The best sounding lightweight portable cabs I have ever heard with support right here in the good ole USA 😃