2 speakers or 4.......to fill the floor

[seansy59]

Well, as with my previous thread of songs/attire for a Casino/Talent night, I come across the choice that since it is the same place I played at least year for another event, how to fill the room with sound. It is a large room, high ceiling, and when I ran my 2 15" tops only, it was quite not loud enough (loud enough to me, clear bass, but not for the client, who wanted it to be blasting) In fact, some people were complaining about the noise level, but the client wanted it louder.....

The speakers are 400w rms, and the amp I was using was 210w rms. I got a better amp after that gig at 350w rms, and it was a great upgrade. Ideally I know it should be 400w rms at least, better 500w rms, but putting that aside because of cost............

I have a pair of 10" PA speakers also. Not the greatest as they were my first, but they do sound fine, and get the job done.

If I place my 2 15" on the floor instead of the tripods to gain more bass out of them, would then putting the 10" on tripods up in the air help more? Total of 4 speakers. Both on separate amps. I know your going to say get a sub instead, but I have no room in the van or budget for it.

 

[ahoustondj]

Fist of all you need a stronger amp to run those speakers. The amp should be putting out about 500W - 600w. Since you already know this, do you realize that you can damage the speakers or amp or both by under powering them, especially if you are attempting to get more sound as you said? When are you chaps going to realize that you can't go to battle with a slingshot! You need a gun! Since what you have is inadequate then just use it and hope for the best. Sell the 10" and get a sub.

 

[steve149]

Rent Mix's system ..

Seriously, Canute is correct that the way to get more sound is to get the right speakers. Mixing 2 different type of speakers does a number of unflattering things. If you have no other choice and someone is holding a gun to your head to use them, at least invert the 10" speakers and place them on top of the larger ones. You need to get the horns as close as possible to minimize comb filtering (which will sound crappy). If you can't do that, make sure the 10" units do not overlap in coverage with the other set.

 

[Scott Harris]

Just to clear up what Canute said, you can't damage speakers by underpowering them. You can damage speakers by running an underpowered amp into clipping. Your current system will sound MUCH better if you add a subwoofer and proper crossover which will remove the burden of the low bass from your tops.

A crappy system is too loud at a much lower level than a good system. The client doesn't want louder bad sound, he wants full sound with bass which makes people happy and prompts them to dance. Get some decent subwoofers!!! If you have $1,000 buy a JBL PRX618xlf. If you have $2k, buy a pair of them. (A single xlf has more impact than a pair of most lower cost subs.) If this is way out of your budget aim lower at something like an EV ELX118p which is $700/each. If that's still too far out of reach, look around for used. After you have a good pair of subs, then upgrade your tops.

Do not put your speakers on the floor in search of bass unless you are on a raised stage. The tweeters need to be above head level so the sound can travel past the first row of people to everyone else.

 

[ahoustondj]

Just to clear up what Canute said, you can't damage speakers by underpowering them. You can damage speakers by running an underpowered amp into clipping. Your current system will sound MUCH better if you add a subwoofer and proper crossover which will remove the burden of the low bass from your tops.

A crappy system is too loud at a much lower level than a good system. The client doesn't want louder bad sound, he wants full sound with bass which makes people happy and prompts them to dance. Get some decent subwoofers!!! If you have $1,000 buy a JBL PRX618xlf. If you have $2k, buy a pair of them. (A single xlf has more impact than a pair of most lower cost subs.) If this is way out of your budget aim lower at something like an EV ELX118p which is $700/each. If that's still too far out of reach, look around for used. After you have a good pair of subs, then upgrade your tops.

Do not put your speakers on the floor in search of bass unless you are on a raised stage. The tweeters need to be above head level so the sound can travel past the first row of people to everyone else.

It appears he is running the amps wide open to get all the sound he can get so, yes, they will clip and thus damage his speakers. That is what I meant.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Rent Mix's system ..

Seriously, Canute is correct that the way to get more sound is to get the right speakers. Mixing 2 different type of speakers does a number of unflattering things. If you have no other choice and someone is holding a gun to your head to use them, at least invert the 10" speakers and place them on top of the larger ones. You need to get the horns as close as possible to minimize comb filtering (which will sound crappy). If you can't do that, make sure the 10" units do not overlap in coverage with the other set.

Thanks for the complement even though I know 6you were trying to be funny.

Now seriously the op never told us what name brand speakers he's using or amps. That can make a big difference in how things will sound in a room. Also we don't know the size of the room the op is talking about.

Not to be mean at all but just maybe what the op has may not be good enough to use in that room. He might need to upgrade to have the right sound to cover that room. Without knowing the exact model of speakers and amps he's using we can't really give a good answer to help him out. I do like Canute's idea of selling the 10" speakers and getting at least 1 sub. What sub he would get depends on how much he can get for those 10" speakers. He will probably have to look at buying a used sub for what he can get for the 10" tops.

W

- - - Updated - - -

Rent Mix's system ..

Seriously, Canute is correct that the way to get more sound is to get the right speakers. Mixing 2 different type of speakers does a number of unflattering things. If you have no other choice and someone is holding a gun to your head to use them, at least invert the 10" speakers and place them on top of the larger ones. You need to get the horns as close as possible to minimize comb filtering (which will sound crappy). If you can't do that, make sure the 10" units do not overlap in coverage with the other set.

Thanks for the complement even though I know 6you were trying to be funny.

Now seriously the op never told us what name brand speakers he's using or amps. That can make a big difference in how things will sound in a room. Also we don't know the size of the room the op is talking about.

Not to be mean at all but just maybe what the op has may not be good enough to use in that room. He might need to upgrade to have the right sound to cover that room. Without knowing the exact model of speakers and amps he's using we can't really give a good answer to help him out. I do like Canute's idea of selling the 10" speakers and getting at least 1 sub. What sub he would get depends on how much he can get for those 10" speakers. He will probably have to look at buying a used sub for what he can get for the 10" tops. Sorry for the double post but my PC went and did what it wanted to on it's own.

With that being said let me tell you what speakers I have in the basement along with the amp. All of the speakers are from Yamaha. I have a pair of S215 and to push those speakers I have a QSC 2450 amp that I've had over 10 years ago when I first got back into DJing. A pair of DSR 115 tops and matching DSR 118 subs. I don't know if all of that would be good enough for the room the op will be playing in or not. Just would need more info. He might be playing in a big grand ballroom with say 299 people in attendance or more.

Remember people absorb sound too. I didn't post about the speakers and amp I have to show off but so the op might just get an ideal of what he may need to use to get the job done right. What I have for speakers is good to me but depending on the room size and amount of people at an event may not be good enough even if I used everything. That was the point I was trying to make.

Lastly if some of the guest were complaining that the music was too loud it just might have been about the placement of the speakers. You need to be careful about placing speakers near a table where people are sitting and have them blasting in their ears. You don't want them right on top of people.

 

[seansy59]

Fist of all you need a stronger amp to run those speakers. The amp should be putting out about 500W - 600w. Since you already know this, do you realize that you can damage the speakers or amp or both by under powering them, especially if you are attempting to get more sound as you said? When are you chaps going to realize that you can't go to battle with a slingshot! You need a gun! Since what you have is inadequate then just use it and hope for the best. Sell the 10" and get a sub.

LOL.....no one will want my crappy 10" Radioshack speakers. They work, they sound decent, but I usually keep them as a backup and use them for our band. I'd be lucky to get $50 for the pair.

Just to clear up what Canute said, you can't damage speakers by underpowering them. You can damage speakers by running an underpowered amp into clipping. Your current system will sound MUCH better if you add a subwoofer and proper crossover which will remove the burden of the low bass from your tops.

A crappy system is too loud at a much lower level than a good system. The client doesn't want louder bad sound, he wants full sound with bass which makes people happy and prompts them to dance. Get some decent subwoofers!!! If you have $1,000 buy a JBL PRX618xlf. If you have $2k, buy a pair of them. (A single xlf has more impact than a pair of most lower cost subs.) If this is way out of your budget aim lower at something like an EV ELX118p which is $700/each. If that's still too far out of reach, look around for used. After you have a good pair of subs, then upgrade your tops.

Do not put your speakers on the floor in search of bass unless you are on a raised stage. The tweeters need to be above head level so the sound can travel past the first row of people to everyone else.

Your talking to someone who has 1 gig every 3-4 months. I do it as a hobby. I'm lucky to get $200-$300 a gig. Not everyone has money to spend on their dream, but still want to continue with what they do because they are a natural at it, and love to do it. I love mixing, and DJ'ing, but being in a low income family, I don't have extra money for "popular equipment". I buy what works. If it gets good reviews online, and sounds good, then that is what I go for.

I never run my amps into clipping.

Thanks for the complement even though I know 6you were trying to be funny.

Now seriously the op never told us what name brand speakers he's using or amps. That can make a big difference in how things will sound in a room. Also we don't know the size of the room the op is talking about.

Not to be mean at all but just maybe what the op has may not be good enough to use in that room. He might need to upgrade to have the right sound to cover that room. Without knowing the exact model of speakers and amps he's using we can't really give a good answer to help him out. I do like Canute's idea of selling the 10" speakers and getting at least 1 sub. What sub he would get depends on how much he can get for those 10" speakers. He will probably have to look at buying a used sub for what he can get for the 10" tops.


- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the complement even though I know 6you were trying to be funny.

Now seriously the op never told us what name brand speakers he's using or amps. That can make a big difference in how things will sound in a room. Also we don't know the size of the room the op is talking about.

Not to be mean at all but just maybe what the op has may not be good enough to use in that room. He might need to upgrade to have the right sound to cover that room. Without knowing the exact model of speakers and amps he's using we can't really give a good answer to help him out. I do like Canute's idea of selling the 10" speakers and getting at least 1 sub. What sub he would get depends on how much he can get for those 10" speakers. He will probably have to look at buying a used sub for what he can get for the 10" tops. Sorry for the double post but my PC went and did what it wanted to on it's own.

With that being said let me tell you what speakers I have in the basement along with the amp. All of the speakers are from Yamaha. I have a pair of S215 and to push those speakers I have a QSC 2450 amp that I've had over 10 years ago when I first got back into DJing. A pair of DSR 115 tops and matching DSR 118 subs. I don't know if all of that would be good enough for the room the op will be playing in or not. Just would need more info. He might be playing in a big grand ballroom with say 299 people in attendance or more.

Remember people absorb sound too. I didn't post about the speakers and amp I have to show off but so the op might just get an ideal of what he may need to use to get the job done right. What I have for speakers is good to me but depending on the room size and amount of people at an event may not be good enough even if I used everything. That was the point I was trying to make.

Lastly if some of the guest were complaining that the music was too loud it just might have been about the placement of the speakers. You need to be careful about placing speakers near a table where people are sitting and have them blasting in their ears. You don't want them right on top of people.

I use Seismic Audio amps and speakers. They had good reviews and 2 DJ's I met, along with a sound company in my area of Ocean County use them. My local church also uses them. I took a chance and tried them like I did with the GTD Audio microphones. 2 brands I never did heard of before. Once I tried them though, I fell in love with them. Sometimes the smaller companies are more impressive then you think. The speakers even held up when some @$$ decided to move my tripod without asking, didn't know it was "top heavy" (what an idiot) and the 15" speaker took a 6 foot fall to a tile floor. Not a dent, actually cracked the tile! They keep on tickin'!
www.seismicaudiospeakers.com

The 10" Radioshacks were my first speakers 5 years ago. Are they the best? No. Are they decent for my use? Yep, they get the job done. I just hated the piezo tweeters though, so I put in 2 titanium compression horns (also from Seimsic Audio). Made the sound crisper and tighter.

When I first setup last year, they placed me on the back wall, with tables and 50ft of space in between me and the dancefloor. I asked to be placed closer, and they said no.
This year, they rearranged the room to have me in front of the dancefloor.

 

[ittigger]

Please take this as advice and not criticism.

Your talking to someone who has 1 gig every 3-4 months. I do it as a hobby. I'm lucky to get $200-$300 a gig. Not everyone has money to spend on their dream, but still want to continue with what they do because they are a natural at it, and love to do it. I love mixing, and DJ'ing, but being in a low income family, I don't have extra money for "popular equipment". I buy what works. If it gets good reviews online, and sounds good, then that is what I go for.

Not everyone has money to spend on their dream is right - but it also takes money to make money. If you want people to invest in you, you have to first invest yourself. Being a natural at this means little if the sound is not good. Kinda like riding a tricycle in a triathlon. I am in no way doubting your talent - but take some time and invest in yourself and your talent. Investment includes music - you should be buying all of your music from legitimate and legal sources.

The 10" Radioshacks were my first speakers 5 years ago. Are they the best? No. Are they decent for my use? Yep, they get the job done. I just hated the piezo tweeters though, so I put in 2 titanium compression horns (also from Seimsic Audio). Made the sound crisper and tighter.

Are they decent - the answer should also be no. These are not professional grade DJ speakers. Are these good for your home, possibly. Your guests will be comparing the sound of your event to other events.

When I first setup last year, they placed me on the back wall, with tables and 50ft of space in between me and the dancefloor. I asked to be placed closer, and they said no.
This year, they rearranged the room to have me in front of the dancefloor.

Sounds like a good compromise.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

I just want to say I agree with you Itigger. The powered speakers and Denon DN MC 6000 with the case I bought was an investment. An investment that would sound really good and have clients happy they booked me beyond just my skill level.

I'm wondering why you're only doing one gig every 3-4 months. You can advertise for free on CL and also what about listing yourself on Facebook. You can also look into the free advertising sites even though you may not have a website. You can still leave people a way they can contact you. What other peices of gear are you using besides the speakers and amps?

Don't think of it in terms of you not being able to afford better gear but having better quality gear to work with that should help you to charge more.

Not busting your chops. Just trying to help a fellow DJ out.

 

[seansy59]

Please take this as advice and not criticism.



Not everyone has money to spend on their dream is right - but it also takes money to make money. If you want people to invest in you, you have to first invest yourself. Being a natural at this means little if the sound is not good. Kinda like riding a tricycle in a triathlon. I am in no way doubting your talent - but take some time and invest in yourself and your talent. Investment includes music - you should be buying all of your music from legitimate and legal sources.



Are they decent - the answer should also be no. These are not professional grade DJ speakers. Are these good for your home, possibly. Your guests will be comparing the sound of your event to other events.



Sounds like a good compromise.

It's hard to invest in equipment when I don't get enough gigs. I don't even have the money to start making money. Yeah, that's how low my income is.

I just want to say I agree with you Itigger. The powered speakers and Denon DN MC 6000 with the case I bought was an investment. An investment that would sound really good and have clients happy they booked me beyond just my skill level.

I'm wondering why you're only doing one gig every 3-4 months. You can advertise for free on CL and also what about listing yourself on Facebook. You can also look into the free advertising sites even though you may not have a website. You can still leave people a way they can contact you. What other peices of gear are you using besides the speakers and amps?

Don't think of it in terms of you not being able to afford better gear but having better quality gear to work with that should help you to charge more.

Not busting your chops. Just trying to help a fellow DJ out.

I've tried Craigslist, but their phone signon recognition does not work with my cell phone (don't have a home phone). I've tried contacting them, buts its an automated "everything I've
tried" list they send back.

I have nice colorful flyers at my local stores, business cards handed out, word of mouth, website, Facebook, and also tried a small ad in mt local paper for a month, in which didn't help out, and was a wasted cost since no one reads it. I live in a country like area.

I use a Numark mixer, Numark dual CD players, Virtual DJ, American Audio rack cases, and GTD Audio wireless mics. In which it took me 5 months to save up for the mixer when my Radioshack finally took a crap after 5 years of abuse. Everyone has always commented on how nice it sounds when I do a gig, and how they can actually hear when they talk on the mic. They all love the mixing and how the songs are mashed and mixed up. But other people, like me, don't want to put the money out.

People in my area are just cheap. I've had 7 "possible clients" within the past 2 years. All of which fair prices were given, and a description and pictures of my setup, benefits, etc. And all of them tried to get my price down to below $100, even for a 4 hour gig. Which I would usually charge $300 depending on travel and whatnot. I even try doing some distance gigs when I can get them, but they're cheapness shows too!!!!!

 

[ahoustondj]

It's hard to invest in equipment when I don't get enough gigs. I don't even have the money to start making money. Yeah, that's how low my income is.

Maybe this is not the business for you. This may sound harsh to you but I will say it and not mince words. Regardless of the area or income, people are going to have needs and wants. When a DJ starts lowering their prices and offering substandard services, it then becomes a race to the bottom. Sometimes the Clients win if they are lucky to get a skilled DJ for cheap. However, in most cases it is a losing entity for all involved and leaves a bad mark on the industry. Those who dedicate themselves to doing this for a living get slammed by the proliferation of low prices. I do not believe the saying "That was not my Client anyway!" Hell yes, it was! If the cheap prices were to go away, they Clients would still want entertainment but this time they WILL have to budget for it and pay the going rates.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Canute you nailed it. It's about you finding the clients that will pay the rate that you want them to pay. If you're looking for clients say that will pay $500.00 you got to know where to find them. Also you've got to deliver a service that is at least $500.00 and stay consistent with what you're offering.

Not everyone is looking for the cheapest DJ they can find. Some want the best quality they can find for the money they are looking to spend.

It's also about knowing how to sell to potential clients so you can get the price you want. Just because some want to tell you they want to pay $100.00 doesn't mean you can't get some to spend more.

It's not just about selling your skills to potential clients but your value is. If they see your value is worth for example $500.00 they will pay it. If not they will look else where.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Maybe this is not the business for you. This may sound harsh to you but I will say it and not mince words. Regardless of the area or income, people are going to have needs and wants. When a DJ starts lowering their prices and offering substandard services, it then becomes a race to the bottom. Sometimes the Clients win if they are lucky to get a skilled DJ for cheap. However, in most cases it is a losing entity for all involved and leaves a bad mark on the industry. Those who dedicate themselves to doing this for a living get slammed by the proliferation of low prices. I do not believe the saying "That was not my Client anyway!" Hell yes, it was! If the cheap prices were to go away, they Clients would still want entertainment but this time they WILL have to budget for it and pay the going rates.

I'll add to what you said Canute this way. He mentioned he bought those Radio Shack speakers 5 years ago and uses them for backup at gigs. I would never use Radio Shack speakers for a backup. If I did have some I would only use them in the house to use while practicing my mixing.

Now if he really was serious about what he's doing then he should have been upgraded from those Radio Shack speakers. It's one thing when you first start out and don't really know what to buy. Normally you just buy the cheapest thing that works or fits your budget. Later on you should learn the difference between mediocre gear and really good quality professional gear.

The best thing to do when first starting out and looking to buy some gear would be to take someone that knows their stuff when it comes to buying DJ gear. After 5 years you should have made enough money to at least buy some really good speakers to work with. At least that much since that's something you must have to produce sound. I know that real professional gear can cost a lot of money but after 5 years I say there is no excuse he doesn't have a better set of speakers even if they are for backup then Radio Shack.

Another thing is if you really don't have the right gear to do the job with, then you might want to consider letting someone else do the gig. Don't short change the client and make us DJ's as a whole look bad. Nothing wrong with letting a potential client know that you're not the right DJ for the job.

Sorry for being so cruel but that's the truth.

 

[ittigger]

.. but having better quality gear to work with that should help you to charge more.

The client doesn't care what kind of gear you have - and that does not equal a higher paying show. JT and I could rock the same party and both be successful - JT won't make more because his Dynacords cost more than my EV's. I may make more because I sold 'my show' better than he did. Equipment does NOT equate to price.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's hard to invest in equipment when I don't get enough gigs. I don't even have the money to start making money. Yeah, that's how low my income is.

Not to sound rude, but if you don't have the money then you probably shouldn't be doing it. Most of us used money gathered from all areas of life to make this work. One has to ask - if you don't have the money, then how on earth can you legally stay current on music - let alone have the proper equipment (in addition to other issues / requirements / necessities)?

I use a Numark mixer, Numark dual CD players, Virtual DJ, American Audio rack cases, and GTD Audio wireless mics. In which it took me 5 months to save up for the mixer when my Radioshack finally took a crap after 5 years of abuse. Everyone has always commented on how nice it sounds when I do a gig, and how they can actually hear when they talk on the mic. They all love the mixing and how the songs are mashed and mixed up. But other people, like me, don't want to put the money out.

Generally people that 'don't want to put the money out' get the exact products / service that they deserve. It's usually not a good outcome. Do you believe that without putting money out (or charging appropriately) - you will ever be able to obtain or deliver professional quality products / service?

People in my area are just cheap.

This isn't exclusive to your area. Lots of areas have cheap people. Also, you'd be surprised to see how much people are willing to pay if you show them that its worth it. You're only worth as much as you sell for.

I've had 7 "possible clients" within the past 2 years. All of which fair prices were given, and a description and pictures of my setup, benefits, etc. And all of them tried to get my price down to below $100, even for a 4 hour gig. Which I would usually charge $300 depending on travel and whatnot. I even try doing some distance gigs when I can get them, but they're cheapness shows too!!!!!

Again, you're only worth what you can convince people you're worthy of. Maybe it's time to look for a new clientele base?

Some food for thought:

What do you think you're worth?
What is your time worth?
What is your investment worth?
What are your expenses?
Are you doing it legally and professionally?
After all expenses, what is left?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll add to what you said Canute this way. He mentioned he bought those Radio Shack speakers 5 years ago and uses them for backup at gigs. I would never use Radio Shack speakers for a backup. If I did have some I would only use them in the house to use while practicing my mixing.

For backup gear, these are probably sufficient. Backup gear is meant to get you through - not be the main star. Could he have better backup equipment, sure - but at least he has some. Some guys have nothing.

Now if he really was serious about what he's doing then he should have been upgraded from those Radio Shack speakers. It's one thing when you first start out and don't really know what to buy. Normally you just buy the cheapest thing that works or fits your budget. Later on you should learn the difference between mediocre gear and really good quality professional gear.

See above

The best thing to do when first starting out and looking to buy some gear would be to take someone that knows their stuff when it comes to buying DJ gear. After 5 years you should have made enough money to at least buy some really good speakers to work with. At least that much since that's something you must have to produce sound. I know that real professional gear can cost a lot of money but after 5 years I say there is no excuse he doesn't have a better set of speakers even if they are for backup then Radio Shack.

I agree here.

Another thing is if you really don't have the right gear to do the job with, then you might want to consider letting someone else do the gig.

I agree.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Let me say first Itigger you're right. It's about selling what you can do to make an event a success and not your gear. I just like using top quality gear which to me helps me with providing better entertainment to a client and their guest. I remember one DJ who got paid $75.00 to do a cookout outside where my partner used to live. They wanted my partner to do it but he laughed at them and kept walking. What I saw they got wasn't even worth $75.00.

With that said I got a pm from the op and he let me know he's 17 years old. He said he started DJing at 10. So then I told him that explains a lot. There obviously are those on here who have been a DJ longer then he has been living. So at that age even though he started at 10 how much would you expect him to be this really polished DJ with the best gear that money can buy. I just told him he should have explained that off the top and maybe some others on here might have been a little more kind to Sean.

 

[ittigger]

While I understand his age, the costs remain. Sean still has to have legally acquired and purchased music. To my knowledge, age has no factor here. The record companies / the clients don't care how old you are. Among these costs, I know that he has other costs - like, a car. IMO, one avenue Sean should be chasing down - working within an established DJ company to further his goals of working in this line of business - which will help him immensely. There are no shortcuts for doing it properly / nor to the big time.

I (and others) started young as well and walked a similar road.

 

[soundinmotiondj]

Your talking to someone who has 1 gig every 3-4 months. I do it as a hobby. I'm lucky to get $200-$300 a gig. Not everyone has money to spend on their dream, but still want to continue with what they do because they are a natural at it, and love to do it. I love mixing, and DJ'ing, but being in a low income family, I don't have extra money for "popular equipment". I buy what works. If it gets good reviews online, and sounds good, then that is what I go for.

OK...it is what it is. Given that $$$ are not going to happen, there are still a few things that you can do.

Cabinet placement.

It is tempting to put the 15" mains on the floor....but don't. Instead put them on stands, as high as they will go. Touching the ceiling is not too high. Keep the back of the cabinet as close to the wall or corner as possible - the speaker stand, or the cable connection will be the limiting factors. Provided the woofer is with 2ft of the wall, you will still get the boundary reinforcement. If you can have the woofer within 2ft of the wall AND 2ft of the ceiling, you will get (roughly) "the same" increased base you would have gotten with the cabinet on the floor.

Keeping the high frequency elements 1-2ft over the heads of the audience will help to provide a more even sound field in a crowded room. High frequency sound is most easily absorbed by bodies. So, keeping a clear line of sight from everyone in the room to the high frequency element will give the impression of "louder" sound, without actually raising the SPL.

Running a stereo signal to the tops will also allow an increased "depth of field" to the sound, and gives the impression of slightly higher volume. Provided the tops can be placed about 25ft apart, and the room is less than 50ft wide, stereo still offers some benefit. In all cases, narrower rooms make the stereo effect more pronounced and have more to gain from stereo.

You can still use the 10" tops as "fill" in the outside corners of the room. While separate EQ would be ideal, if you can not do that, but still need more sound, use what you have. Worse things have been done in the past.

If you can, replace the tophat in the cabinet with one that will allow the cabinet to tilt down 5-ish degrees. That will really help with the high frequency coverage when the cabinets are all the way up in the air. Depending on the specific speaker cabinet, changing the tophat will range from trivial to impossible. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=290-670

PA Management

The degree of control that is possible with modern digital PA managers is really impressive. For about $200-250 you can get EQ, compression, crossover, limiter, and so much more. I recommend getting something (I use & like the Behringer DCX2496, but the Driverack DRPA is also excellent) with a hard limiter, and some compression. This will allow you to fully protect your speakers, while running them to "peak output". This will degrade the sound somewhat (compression tends to do that)...but used sparingly, this will allow 3-ish dB of additional output from your system with no other changes. However, keep in mind that most "entry level" PA gear sounds best when run at "7" and not at "11". Ultimately, you may already be pushing the speakers past the point where they sound their best.

 

[ittigger]

With that said, you are still required to have legally obtained / purchased media - so there is still a requirement of money. In addition, if you're running a business (getting paid for performing) legally, you're likely to have other costs as well.

Again, it takes money to make money.