EV ELX200 series - first speakers - thoughts?

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DJ Forbes

DJ Extraordinaire
Jul 30, 2021
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As the title states, I'm new and looking to get into mobile dj'ing. I had my sights set on a full QSC setup... I've heard them multiple times and just really like them. K12.2's over KS118's. Price is somewhat of a factor. I also like the sound of the EV ELX200-12p's. I believe these are a step or two below the QSC's (my opinion.. maybe they aren't?). They have less features and half the wattage, for what that's worth... The EV ELX200-18sp's are the matching subs, again, less power than that QSC's, and I've not heard the EV subs anywhere. I am looking at 3 tops and 2 subs to get me started on my journey (one extra top for backup/cocktail/ceremony/etc).

Has anyone had any experience with this line of EV speakers? I like clarity and decent volume... with enough base to keep a dance floor going. I don't need bass to stop pacemakers or rattle license plates outside in the parking lot (or do I? :) ). My target audiences would be small fund raisers, small parties indoor or out, and eventually weddings 200 people or less (for my area, think firehall/community centers/ VFW/redone barns for venues). I've heard the QSC setups in a large barn venue and felt like it rocked it pretty good. 2 tops over 2 subs. The same amount of speakers from EV is about 2500 cheaper than the QSC route. Is it a buy once, cry once kind of thing, or would I be happy going with the EV's?

I know and understand with sound it's tough... what I like, may be different than what you hear and like... I've been trying to listen to some other brands, and so far, these are my top two for the sound I like.

Thank you for any insight, thoughts, and/or opinions....
 
I run the EV ELX and ETX line as well as the K12.1 line. In order, my preference would be the ETX, QSC and then ELX. While I prefer the sound of the ELX cab, the QSC has cooling. The ETX line also has cooling. Indoors, it's probably fine either way. If you want subs, the ETX will kick the crap out of the ELX in every way, every day - the ETX line has more power. While the subs can do their thing, it's ultimately up to you as to how much bass you want heard. I haven't used the KS118, though I have used the Ksub (12" drivers). Again, the ETX wins here. For obvious reasons, the ETX will be the more expensive line - ELX is a great line as well though, as is QSC. Quality subs are expensive, but generally you'd rather have enough and not need it - than need it and not have enough. Bassboss and JTR make some amazing subs - but they cost quite a bit.

If you can help it, try to get your entire system from the same MFR - and if you can, the same line is even better.

By the way, if you shop at Guitar Center or something, that's cool - but you can sometimes find better prices from competing shops. Ben at NLFX Pro provides excellent service and pricing. I know the ETX is cheaper from Ben.
 
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Check out KPODJ and see what they have to offer and recommend. If you buy from them sign up for VIP to get the discounted price. I've been buying from them for many years. Some things I wished I listened to them and not bought certain things. The big thing is since you're new is to set a budget on what you can afford to spend and go from there. Just remember you get what you pay for. Classic mistake made is buying something because it's cheaper. Only to find out you wish you had spent the extra money. You will be much happier and won't want to quickly get rid of the thing. We have 2 Yamaha DSR 115 speakers that we truly love. No issues with them at gigs and they sound great. They are discontinued however. I bought them my guess is around 10 years ago and have never regret the purchase. Good luck with what you buy. Please let us know what you bought when you do buy some speakers.
 
Just remember you get what you pay for. Classic mistake made is buying something because it's cheaper.
Mix, if you're going to give advice, please be smart enough to actually use the advice that you're giving. You continue to not follow the decade+ of advice you've been given, which includes the information you posted.
 
Mix, if you're going to give advice, please be smart enough to actually use the advice that you're giving. You continue to not follow the decade+ of advice you've been given, which includes the information you posted.
I've got to be honest and say there have been times I have bought things because I only had a certain amount of money to spend at the time and I should have waited till I got the money to buy something better. You generally do get what you pay for. U King has a bunch of cheap moving heads they make. I would not say any of them are really good. I certainly wouldn't compare them to Chauvet moving heads.
 
I've got to be honest and say there have been times I have bought things because I only had a certain amount of money to spend at the time and I should have waited till I got the money to buy something better. You generally do get what you pay for. U King has a bunch of cheap moving heads they make. I would not say any of them are really good. I certainly wouldn't compare them to Chauvet moving heads.
There are also recent times where you bought a box full of microphones for $40 bucks, thinking this was a good idea. For someone who says he has 30+ years of experience - and tries to advise others, you need to practice what you preach first.
 
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I will add this... for example... if spending 5k on speakers will give me the best sound, best dependability, best quality, I'll spend the money on it. However, if I can get the same for 3k minus a fancy logo, I'll go the cheaper route. I'm going to start a business, and this is part of my up-front investment. My budget isn't really a set number, but I want to keep it in reason. I've priced out a whole "setup" and I'm in the 7500 range... which I think is pretty fair, and if I can do a decent job, I should be able to recoup those expenses. Again, I COULD spend 25k.... but I'd prefer not to if 7500 will do the job nicely. I keep going back and forth on my first speaker purchase.... it's a lot of money either way (to me) to invest. I may just bite the bullet and go with the QSC's. Other than the price tag, I don't see too many bad things said about them.
 
I would try to go with brand name, quality pieces. The ETX line is great. The QSC tops are nice, have been around for numerous years and still sell. QSC bottoms, other than the Ksub, I'm not sure - but the ETX bottoms are rock solid (and weigh in at 114 lbs a piece, they're on wheels). As stated previously, talk to pro audio shops and sometimes you can find better pricing, as well as product support. Some of these people will give you their ideas / opinions as well if you give them your stance.
 
I will add this... for example... if spending 5k on speakers will give me the best sound, best dependability, best quality, I'll spend the money on it. However, if I can get the same for 3k minus a fancy logo, I'll go the cheaper route. I'm going to start a business, and this is part of my up-front investment. My budget isn't really a set number, but I want to keep it in reason. I've priced out a whole "setup" and I'm in the 7500 range... which I think is pretty fair, and if I can do a decent job, I should be able to recoup those expenses. Again, I COULD spend 25k.... but I'd prefer not to if 7500 will do the job nicely. I keep going back and forth on my first speaker purchase.... it's a lot of money either way (to me) to invest. I may just bite the bullet and go with the QSC's. Other than the price tag, I don't see too many bad things said about them.


If you really like the QSC's, I say get those. Why not start out with 2 tops and one sub, and then add a second sub as the gigs start rolling in? Where are you located?
 
If you really like the QSC's, I say get those. Why not start out with 2 tops and one sub, and then add a second sub as the gigs start rolling in? Where are you located?

Just south of Pittsburgh, Pa. Sort of in a very rural area between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV.
 
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I agree with Itigger. Buy quality name brand gear. Now you said earlier you may get into this business and find out this is not what you want to do. That's a big reason for buying name brand quality gear so you can easily sell the gear and get a decent price for the gear. QSC speakers sound great and I say will work for a long time. You shouldn't need to have to have any repairs done to them. I still have the QSC 2450 amp I bought when I first came back. They make solid gear. My suggestion is for you to buy enough gear right now to get the job done and as you improve and see you want to stay in this business then buy more gear.

You also said you want to start off with small events and work your way up. That's another reason to start off small buying gear because no need of buying all this gear and not use most of it because it would be over kill for the event you're doing. Also as you improve the price you charge should improve as well. That also means finding potential clients who will pay the price you quote them. You won't win over everybody who contacts you. You just want a good percentage booking you.
 
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Just south of Pittsburgh, Pa. Sort of in a very rural area between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV.

We have a couple of members in PA I don't know the geography but they may be able to talk about market conditions with you.

Since budget is not you first concern vote with your ears. Go with what you like to hear and sounds good to you. Either of the speakers you listed will do the jobs you mentioned. The QSC is more powerful and that is a bonus but the EV boxes are fine also either one are likely all or more than you need

You are going to hear these speakers far more than anyone else and the average client doesn't care as long as the job gets done right please yourself
 
After researching a few suggestions, I think I'm going to skip the ELX line.

I am now looking at the ETX line or the QSC's. Either ETX 12p's over 18sp's or QSC K12.2's over KS118's. I'm now trying to find places within a decent drive that has these in stock so I can listed to them in person.
 
I got say for a beginner you're making some great choices to choose from. I got to ask so this may help someone else just starting out. How did you get to know about buying quality speakers?
 
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I will add this... for example... if spending 5k on speakers will give me the best sound, best dependability, best quality, I'll spend the money on it. However, if I can get the same for 3k minus a fancy logo, I'll go the cheaper route. I'm going to start a business, and this is part of my up-front investment. My budget isn't really a set number, but I want to keep it in reason. I've priced out a whole "setup" and I'm in the 7500 range... which I think is pretty fair, and if I can do a decent job, I should be able to recoup those expenses. Again, I COULD spend 25k.... but I'd prefer not to if 7500 will do the job nicely. I keep going back and forth on my first speaker purchase.... it's a lot of money either way (to me) to invest. I may just bite the bullet and go with the QSC's. Other than the price tag, I don't see too many bad things said about them.
Everyone has their budget, but in my experience you are not paying for a fancy logo. Quality name brands are name brands because they use quality control methods, quality parts, and quality assembly methods. Yes, you’ll find options that look exactly like the name brand, and it will be tempting. But, for me, things got easier when I started using quality gear. I’ve seen Chinese factories that make name brand stuff with the brand’s employees there enforcing strict quality controls while the same factory also makes similar looking, much cheaper stuff with cheaper parts, much quicker assembly and next to no quality control.

I find quality gear to not only give me peace of mind, but is often less expensive overall, because it lasts longer and has greater resale value.

Is it possible the cheap stuff will sound as good and last as long? Sure, it’s possible. So is winning the lottery. Just don’t count on it.

I’d buy the best quality used gear I can find if I couldn’t afford new.
 
I do not recommend the ELX speakers for outdoors. I have had horrible experiences with them shutting off in the middle of a ceremony, and will refuse to use them.

K series is OK, but not the best sound, especially when pushed. If not looking at collum array type of speakers, I would be purchasing RCF 945a

 
or RCF HDM-45a

 
I understand everybody has their taste in speakers. Some will like one brand over another. For me I say QSC speakers are very good and sound very good to me. CV had a power top they made that to me sounded like pure garbage. I only saw them for a short while in GC. I don't know if they still make that speaker.
 
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I got say for a beginner you're making some great choices to choose from. I got to ask so this may help someone else just starting out. How did you get to know about buying quality speakers?

Mix... it was a combination of things... but the biggest thing for me was the sound. I worked as a wedding videographer for a few years... I did it basically for fun as a friend needed some folks for his business. I as immediately more interested in the DJ'ing side. I always did my job, but I always tried to check out the DJ's that were there... how they set up, what they used, how they MC'd/ran the show, how they dressed, etc... I knew that's what I wanted to do someday. I heard and saw some great things, and some not so great. I remember one wedding in particular where the DJ had QSC k12's over KS118 subs. It was like my ears just opened up. Since that day, I've always compared about every speaker I've heard to that sound. That's the speaker I first looked at, and searched the internet for it's competitors. I Googled... a LOT.... but you have to use some common sense with the internet... if you search best dj speakers for 2021, and you find a webpage that has their "top 10" and 7 of them are Bose, chances are, that's someone who's getting paid by Bose. Instead, look at 20 or 30 of those top ten lists, and see what ranks near the top every time... both in sound and quality. I did that. Then I tried to listen to all of the top speakers and see what sounded the best TO ME. That narrowed things down a little more. Then come to forums like this and ask those who've been using those speakers in the real world for months or years... Are they happy? What would they do different? Etc...

You have to know what you want first... Or at least I did.... and it helped me.

I had to find a speaker that delivered on what was important to me. There are a lot of amazing products out there that I can appreciate for different things. For example: There are some amazing sounding 15's out there, but I knew I preferred the sound of 12's with subs, so skipped over those 15's.

I'm also old-ish.... 44.... and I think life experience helps... I've went cheap on things in the past... sometimes it worked out great. Other times it was fine for a short while, then I went back and spent more money on what I really wanted upfront and ended up spending more money with more headaches in the long run. If I had a really tight budget, I'd do things a little differently. Instead, I'm trying to find what I want, and find a way to budget what I want.