EKX-12sp and ETX-18sp review

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DJ Forbes

DJ Extraordinaire
Jul 30, 2021
313
767
47
So I've had my new speakers for a few months and have gotten to test them out at a few indoor locations. I am fairly new to dj'ing but have worked at wedding events for a few years. I've gotten to hear a wide range of 12 and 15" power speakers. My favorites before my purchase were QSC K12's. I did a LOT of research before making my purchase. I knew I liked the sound of 12's over 18" subs more than I liked the sound of 15" tops, so I decided I would go with tops and bottoms. Had I went with one set of speakers, I would have went with a set of ETX 15's most likely.

So my reviews...
EKX-12sp - This is a great sounding speaker. Very clear, warm sounding cabinet. I have been very impressed with the clarity and sound of these speakers, even at high volumes. I often personally feel that some speakers get muddy at higher volumes, but these seem to perform well across all volume levels. I think a person could easily use a pair of these and play music and PA for 200 people indoors. It would not be ideal sounding, in my opinion, but everyone would be able to hear and enjoy the music. They have enough low end in them to be fine for smaller venues up to maybe 100 people if you want to hear a little bass. If you want to "feel" the bass, you'll need subs. Period. I have not used them outdoors, so I can't comment on that as much. I'd say you could still PA and play music for a fairly good size area... but you will lose some of that volume a lot quicker, I'd think. These speakers are a tad heavy for 12" speakers in my opinion, but that's due to the thick cabinet. It pays for itself in sound. My only real complaint about these speakers is that they only have one handle on them, located on the side. A top or bottom handle would make them a little easier to lift onto a pole, but it's still easily manageable. Compared to the QSC k12.2, I felt the EV's were just a touch "warmer" sounding. Likely due to the cabinet or maybe driver layout, I'm not sure.

ETX-18sp - I absolutely LOVE the sound of these subs. I opted for the ETX line for subs because one, they had wheels, and two, several folks said they were worth the money. I'd have to agree. When these things are turned up, you can feel the bass in your core, and they are still crystal clear sounding. So far, I have only been playing smaller venues, and one of these subs would be plenty. I use two because I have them and like the sound, but one would get the job done. The only drawback to these speakers is their weight. They are around 110lbs a piece. If you're wheeling them into an enclosed trailer for transport, you'll be fine. If you're lifting them into the back of a pickup like I do, it's doable, but not enjoyable. I purchased a "rack jack" to assist with them if I ever need it. it's just cumbersome so I don't use it too often. You young, strong fellas would be fine. LOL

I would 100% buy this speaker setup again. The only thing I would change is that I MIGHT have started with one sub. That would have been a little cheaper. I just liked the look of the tops mounted over the subs, so I went for it. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives that would do the same job, but I wanted to offer clear, warm sound and not have to upgrade in a year or so. I did see a lot of folks commenting about EV speakers limiting early. That was a concern of mine. A friend has a set of ZLX-15's and I've seen them hit the early limit mark a few times. I feel like these 12's will play just as loud and I've not hit the first limit light yet. If you have any questions about either of these speakers, please feel free to ask. It took me a few months to settle on what I wanted, so if you're in that boat, I totally understand. It's a big investment for most of us.
 
I have 2 of the etx18's and got to use a venue's ekx18...i like the sound of the ekx18 better.
I may play with mine a big and see if some setting changes things.

I'll use it this weekend. My tops are yahama DXR12's.

I have a pair of 15" subs from EV (had them before the 18s) and love their sound.

I can't limit the yamaha tops...the 18 subs do seem to limit too son at times.
 
So I've had my new speakers for a few months and have gotten to test them out at a few indoor locations. I am fairly new to dj'ing but have worked at wedding events for a few years. I've gotten to hear a wide range of 12 and 15" power speakers. My favorites before my purchase were QSC K12's. I did a LOT of research before making my purchase. I knew I liked the sound of 12's over 18" subs more than I liked the sound of 15" tops, so I decided I would go with tops and bottoms. Had I went with one set of speakers, I would have went with a set of ETX 15's most likely.

So my reviews...
EKX-12sp - This is a great sounding speaker. Very clear, warm sounding cabinet. I have been very impressed with the clarity and sound of these speakers, even at high volumes. I often personally feel that some speakers get muddy at higher volumes, but these seem to perform well across all volume levels. I think a person could easily use a pair of these and play music and PA for 200 people indoors. It would not be ideal sounding, in my opinion, but everyone would be able to hear and enjoy the music. They have enough low end in them to be fine for smaller venues up to maybe 100 people if you want to hear a little bass. If you want to "feel" the bass, you'll need subs. Period. I have not used them outdoors, so I can't comment on that as much. I'd say you could still PA and play music for a fairly good size area... but you will lose some of that volume a lot quicker, I'd think. These speakers are a tad heavy for 12" speakers in my opinion, but that's due to the thick cabinet. It pays for itself in sound. My only real complaint about these speakers is that they only have one handle on them, located on the side. A top or bottom handle would make them a little easier to lift onto a pole, but it's still easily manageable. Compared to the QSC k12.2, I felt the EV's were just a touch "warmer" sounding. Likely due to the cabinet or maybe driver layout, I'm not sure.

ETX-18sp - I absolutely LOVE the sound of these subs. I opted for the ETX line for subs because one, they had wheels, and two, several folks said they were worth the money. I'd have to agree. When these things are turned up, you can feel the bass in your core, and they are still crystal clear sounding. So far, I have only been playing smaller venues, and one of these subs would be plenty. I use two because I have them and like the sound, but one would get the job done. The only drawback to these speakers is their weight. They are around 110lbs a piece. If you're wheeling them into an enclosed trailer for transport, you'll be fine. If you're lifting them into the back of a pickup like I do, it's doable, but not enjoyable. I purchased a "rack jack" to assist with them if I ever need it. it's just cumbersome so I don't use it too often. You young, strong fellas would be fine. LOL

I would 100% buy this speaker setup again. The only thing I would change is that I MIGHT have started with one sub. That would have been a little cheaper. I just liked the look of the tops mounted over the subs, so I went for it. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives that would do the same job, but I wanted to offer clear, warm sound and not have to upgrade in a year or so. I did see a lot of folks commenting about EV speakers limiting early. That was a concern of mine. A friend has a set of ZLX-15's and I've seen them hit the early limit mark a few times. I feel like these 12's will play just as loud and I've not hit the first limit light yet. If you have any questions about either of these speakers, please feel free to ask. It took me a few months to settle on what I wanted, so if you're in that boat, I totally understand. It's a big investment for most of us.
What pole are you using to put your tops over your ETX's? I absolutely love mine. I have a pair of the EKX15SP's to go over top of my ETX18SPs. If I had a do over, I would have bought the ETX15's to go over my subs instead. Only thing I would change.
 
I’m all for someone finding the equipment that works best for them. Sounds like you found yours. Congratulations.
 
What pole are you using to put your tops over your ETX's?
It is the stock pole from EV I believe. When I ordered my subs, it was a "suggested item" and I just added to the cart... I don't recall paying much attention. LOL. They are pretty beefy.

I'm using ETX 12's / 18's and love them as well. Nothing wrong with the EKX line. Very nice write up LTG and glad to hear your loving your setup.
@ittigger Thank you very much. I appreciate your feedback early on and through my process. I know when I was doing my research, I wished there were more write-ups (either good or bad) on some of the products I was shopping for. Usually we just write bad reviews if something doesn't make us happy, so I try to be better and remember to share the good things about the products I'm happy with.
 
It is the stock pole from EV I believe. When I ordered my subs, it was a "suggested item" and I just added to the cart... I don't recall paying much attention. LOL. They are pretty beefy.


@ittigger Thank you very much. I appreciate your feedback early on and through my process. I know when I was doing my research, I wished there were more write-ups (either good or bad) on some of the products I was shopping for. Usually we just write bad reviews if something doesn't make us happy, so I try to be better and remember to share the good things about the products I'm happy with.
Do they screw into the ETX 18 sub? or just drop in?
 
Do they screw into the ETX 18 sub? or just drop in?
They fit perfectly in the cup and screw in. They have about 3/4" of an inch that's threaded. I think they may be the PCL35 model. I will check when I get home if I think about it. They are very solid once screwed into the sub. They are stout enough that Tonya Harding would have used one back in the day if she had it nearby.... LOL. (joke for those of you my age or so.... LOL)
 
For the ETX sub, they are M20 threaded - but the opening is slightly different from other stack poles - which means you need to get them from EV (part no ASP-58).
What is the difference between that asp-58 and the PCL-35? Besides one being adjustable.
 
One of my ETX018SP went out on me. The display shows an input signal on both inputs, but neither one will produce an output. Factory reset didn't fix it either. Luckily it is still under the 3yr warranty. EV sent me a label to ship it back to them in Nebraska for repair.
 
One of my ETX018SP went out on me. The display shows an input signal on both inputs, but neither one will produce an output. Factory reset didn't fix it either. Luckily it is still under the 3yr warranty. EV sent me a label to ship it back to them in Nebraska for repair.

Please let us know the results.