Looking at passive speakers

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rickryan.com

rickryan.com

Mac Daddy DJ
ODJT Supporter
Dec 9, 2009
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www.rickryan.com
I'm thinking about replacing my actives with passives. They'll be driven with one side of a Peavey IPR3000 (or QSC GX5). Here are some models I was considering:

EV ELX112 - sens. 94db - 250-watt - $209
EV SX100 - sens. 97db - 200-watt - $450
Yamaha C112v - sens. 97db - 350-watt - $340
(used) EV SX300 - sens 99db - 600-watt - $500 (asking price)

I'm leaning towards the yamahas. Better specs and they just look nicer. Seems every yamaha speak I've ever used has always been good. Any thoughts?
 
You can use this setup and add an EV or JBL single or pair of subs. You won't be sorry. Nice looking. Can be uses as full range without the subs or in a two way configuration. That is what I use as part of one of my 11 or so combinations. It is line array tops so it has a pretty nice spread and best of all is light!

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Description here: http://www.proacousticsusa.com/productdetail.php?pId=6994
There are many Bose Panaray packages available from lots of dealers.
 

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Rick,
I have 2 pairs of Yamaha S115V's and as long as you power them properly they run great. I'm happy with them and while they may not be EV's, JBL's etc. they're worth every penny, the bigger HF driver is what sets them apart from some of the other speakers in it's class. I've powered them with 2 RMX2450's but have also run them with my Yamaha P7000 and PLX2 3602's and they shine a lot better ;)
 
Rick look in your PM
 
Just some thoughts here ~ take 'em for what they're worth.

200 - 250 WRMS is weak for a pro SR cabinet. There you're getting down into Radio Shack stuff. Even stage wedges are usually capable of handling 400 WRMS.

But I digress. On to sensitivity. Aside from a bass cabinet standpoint, the sensitivity ratings you've posted are rather low for professional sound reinforcement speaker systems.

Sensitivity is an important criteria as it gives you an idea of much SPL a given cabinet can produce. The higher the rating, the more efficient a system is... and the less amp power dissipation you'll need to achieve an equivalent SPL.

No matter how hard you drive it, you can only get so much sound pressure from a given speaker system. The higher the sensitivity rating, the more SPL the system will produce.

We have a pair of old Radio Shack home stereo cabinets that are (or were when they were still being made) rated at 97 dB sensitivity. That should tell you something. ;)

I understand folks are probably burned out on my going on about Carvin gear over the years... and I can't say I blame 'em. But it needs to be said: Two sets of Carvin cabs we own; dual 10" tops and dual 15" mid-lows were rated at over 100 dB sensitivity. The 18s are rated lower, of course. Carvin didn't fudge on the specs.

That said, Yammy and EV both offer fine cabinets. You won't get those fine cabinets at the lowest (read cheapest) end of the cost scale.
 
rickryan.com said:
ugh, I don't want to replace my entire rig, just picking some decent passives. If the SX300s are still available (that $500 is for the pair, BTW), I'm strongly leaning that direction.
Click to expand...
You can get just the two 802s, stands and the Controller (Which is actually a two way crossover so you can add any sub(s). You can also run the 2 802s by themselves for outdoor ceremonies or small parties.
Specs:Line Array.
802 Loudspeakers Specifications
Frequency Response 55Hz to 16kHz (-3dB)
Maximum Acoustic Output 114dB-SPL @ 1m (pink noise), 116dB-SPL @ 1m (IEC3 noise)
Dispersion (-6dB point, average, 1- 4kHz) 120° H x 100° V
Active EQ Required Yes
Long-term Power Handling 240W continuous
Impedance 8? nominal
Connectors Two (2) parallel-wired NL4 connectors
Dimensions 20.5W" x 13H" x 12.5D"
Weight 31 lbs.
These are the latest models. Mine is 33 years old and can run circles around a lot of tops that I have seen. They are not cheap but then again good quality is not cheap.
 
Before you turn your back on powered speakers, you might want to take a listen to the Yamaha MSR400. They are going for $499 each right now. I heard a pair about two months ago and they were AWESOME. I was really surprised. The only downside to them is they are kind of heavy at 50 pounds each. I was/am very tempted, but I just can't justify buying a pair unless I get rid of a couple of pairs of speakers that I already have. I can't imagine anyone not being satisfied with them.
 
Just ordered a pair of Carvin LM15s this morning. Good power-handling ability (475/950) and 99db sensitivity and featherweight light (31lbs). I also ordered their cover that can be left on if gigging in the rain. They might not take the place of the EVs all the time but I'm confident it'll make a solid setup for outdoor gigs.

Thank you to everyone for your input.
 
rickryan.com said:
Just ordered a pair of Carvin LM15s this morning. Good power-handling ability (475/950) and 99db sensitivity and featherweight light (31lbs). I also ordered their cover that can be left on if gigging in the rain. They might not take the place of the EVs all the time but I'm confident it'll make a solid setup for outdoor gigs.

Thank you to everyone for your input.
Click to expand...

Let us know how they sound when you get them. I like the covers, they make a clean professional looking weather and wear protection system.
 
It's my guess that Ricky will be happy with the spec-to-performance of this cabinet set. The LM series has been getting positive reviews for some time now. It's not Meyer or EV but it's fine mid-level pro sound for the cost. And unless that's changed, comes loaded with B&C and Eminence, not Chinese mystery meat drivers.

Every pro sound manufacturer has released a turkey at one time or another, Carvin included. Part of Carvin's poor reputation of past years was self-inflicted due to hit-or-miss quality construction. And accessories like wireless mic sets are rebranded Nady or other less desireable makes to this day.

But the pro sound part is all Carvin and it's made in the USA.

In the late '90s Carvin brought in an engineering team to reverse the old rep. Those guys with Doc Sound among others developed the mid-level Club cabinet line for local bands and musicians, the step-up TRX cabinets and initiated what later became the TCS Audio touring line.

On a side note, look at the source when somebody bashes Carvin pro sound. If it doesn't come from someone who has owned and operated it properly, dismiss it. Pay no mind to the "I heard it and didn't like it" anecdotes.

Most Carvin-battering originates with pro sound dealers. Carvin is factory direct ~ they don't sell through dealers. Buying factory direct removes dealer markups which can go upwards of 100% or more. Dealers don't particularly care for that arrangement.
 
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