What to Choose?

SpinCin said:

Thanks Steve, but I am still concerned about having to baby powered speakers.

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For many years I hauled around a passive system & dealt with the problems that were involved, that was until I used an active system.

I love active speakers, with the exception the problem with the overheating problem of the ZXA1, it has been a true pleasure. My load is lighter/setup time is quicker & it just makes more sense.

But to each his own.

Bill Kexel said:

For many years I hauled around a passive system & dealt with the problems that were involved, that was until I used an active system.

I love active speakers, with the exception the problem with the overheating problem of the ZXA1, it has been a true pleasure. My load is lighter/setup time is quicker & it just makes more sense.

But to each his own.

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Bill,
When I am running a three way system, I have a DJ Console, Process Rack, Amp Rack, 4 bass speakers, two midrange horns and two tweeter cabinets. I can set this up in half an hour. Everything except speaker cables are prewired. The speaker cables are connected to the amps in the rack and needs only to be rolled out to the cabinets. 3 per side (One more per side than a powered speaker).

If I am running two way it takes less time because I use my Bose as tops and one or two subs (Summed). So in other words 3 cables to speakers whereas with two powered mains and one powered subs I would have to run six cables (Three AC and three speaker cables)

Okay, let me chime in here.................One thing to remember is that this argument against Passive and Active speakers has been going on since long before this thread and neither side will ever agree. There is no right or wrong, you use what works best for you. To say that you need to " baby " powered speakers or that you " won't get the power you need " is foolish. Every speaker and every brand has their own pros and cons. Now, as was stated you have the POTENTIAL for more head room with a passive system DEPENDING ON EXACTLY WHICH SPEAKERS YOU'RE USING. There are active speakers that blow away passive set-ups and then there are passive systems that blow away Active systems. If you feel active systems are in some way Weaker than passive systems then you've never seen RCF's or RCF line arrays ( active, and INCREDIBLE ). Now with all of that being said...most of my speakers are passive, for small events i Love the EV Tour X speakers and for large events i love the EV Phoenix Line. But as far as actives go, there are MANY great options, RCF doesn't make a bad speaker in my opinion so you can't go wrong there ; The EV Live X Speakers are great for smaller events/weddings ; for larger events you could look at the powered EV ZXA5's ( i have 4 and they're absolutely amazing, not to mention Ben at NLFX has great pricing on them ). There are many options in both active and passive that will be perfect for you. There is no right or wrong, only personal preference. Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase

I have been using the same passive speakers for 20-years.
I also carry active speakers for ceremonies, and to use as backups
if I blow a speaker OR blow an amp...I am covered.
it has nothing to do with set up time, weight, laziness, or anything but
my own personal preference.
(thanks to Lone Avenger for saying it first)

I own and run BOTH types of systems...sometimes together. When I started, I was strictly running passive. For weddings and smaller events (especially as small as you say you are doing)...passive is NOT the way to go. If you are trying to keep set up, technical issues, footprint and weight down...the POWERED/ACTIVE set up is the best way to go. If I had it to do over again, I would have never invested in a passive rig. Powered speakers have come a LONG WAY in recent years. Get out to some audio dealers and listen to the various high end, well respected manufacturers speakers. You will certainly find a good system for your needs. I would not narrow down my choices before getting out...looking and listening.

DJ_MJ said:

I own and run BOTH types of systems...sometimes together. When I started, I was strictly running passive. For weddings and smaller events (especially as small as you say you are doing)...passive is NOT the way to go. If you are trying to keep set up, technical issues, footprint and weight down...the POWERED/ACTIVE set up is the best way to go. If I had it to do over again, I would have never invested in a passive rig. Powered speakers have come a LONG WAY in recent years. Get out to some audio dealers and listen to the various high end, well respected manufacturers speakers. You will certainly find a good system for your needs. I would not narrow down my choices before getting out...looking and listening.

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Do you ever have your speakers 50' or more on each side away from you? Would love to see some pics of that setup!