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[Tim Bulin]

I've been using a pair of Peavey SP2 BX cabs over Peavey Subcompact subs(1801 version) for a while now, want to move to something a bit lighter for playing smaller rooms, local taverns mostly 50-100 people, will be keeping the SP2's for larger rooms.

Anyway, I'm considering either Peavey SP5s(2004 or newer) or Carvin TR1502s, I can get either for about the same price.  Would like to power whatever I pick up AND the Subcompact 18s with a pair or QSC GX5 amps using the built in crossover, not married to that configuration.  Play a wide variety of music, oldies country, hip hop, even some polka(gotta keep my crowd happy).

Current set up:

Allen & Heath Zedi6fx
BBE 882 Sonic Max
Peavey PV23XO crossover
QSC GX7 to SP2 BX (stereo)
Behringer EP2500 (parallel mono) to Subcompact 18s

The plan is to set up 2 power racks one for the new tops and the SUbcompacts,
1 for the SP2s and 2 SP 118 BX subs(already have that end covered)

Sorry about the long post.

[Paul G. OBrien]

I'm gonna suggest you buy powered speakers. Think about that for a second, your whole PA system for the smaller events would consist of 2 speaker boxes and the mixer.. that's it.

[Tim Bulin]

I'm gonna suggest you buy powered speakers. Think about that for a second, your whole PA system for the smaller events would consist of 2 speaker boxes and the mixer.. that's it.

I've looked into that.  The main catch being, I plan on continuing to use the Subcompact 18s for smaller shows, and the GX series amps aren't exactly boat anchors.  Can get a pretty good deal on the speakers I mentioned, my main question is how they would compare to my SP2 bx speakers.

[Bob Leonard]

Tim,
Only two (2) things. Don't buy speakers made by a company going out of business (Carvin). And #2, get rid of the BBE sonic crapinizer. You can replace it with a decent (dbx) EQ and produce far better sound. You've put together a very low budget system, and there's nothing wrong with that as long as it does the job. Just remember that every little piece makes a difference.

[Don T. Williams]

You can mix active (self powered) speakers with amp/loudspeaker passive subs, so that isn't a limitation.  Mixer to power amp in with the power amp thru (or "Y" cables) providing signal to the active speakers.  I would seriously consider active speakers with a 10" or 12" LF section.  These usually sound much better it the vocal range.

[Thomas Le]

If you're insistent on using passive speakers, a club standard is a pair of Yamaha Club V series speakers (haha wordplay). The S115V's are very common and are relatively easy to find on craigslist but since you have a sub, look for the S112V or S112IV (IV used quarter inch jacks).

[David Allred]

The SP2 lists as 55 lbs.  SP5 (T,G,X,XL) all list as approx. 70 lbs.
The SP2 is about 4.4 cu ft.  The SP5 is about 5.5 cu ft.
I couldn't find an SP5 after a '03 copyright.

Am I missing something that you maybe left out?

[Tim Bulin]

The SP2 lists as 55 lbs.  SP5 (T,G,X,XL) all list as approx. 70 lbs.
The SP2 is about 4.4 cu ft.  The SP5 is about 5.5 cu ft.
I couldn't find an SP5 after a '03 copyright.

Am I missing something that you maybe left out?

SP5's with the silver grill(2004) are 55 pounds, MY SP2's(BX) are about 85 pounds, maybe the new v2 SP2's are lighter.  I've seen bx series sp5s that replaced the silver ones advertised.

As it was previously stated, I know it's a low budget system.  It's also way better than the equipment I started with in 2001.  Small rural area, limited schedule, and what I can conceivably charge(without traveling to bigger markets) have restricted my equipment budget(not to mention, 3 kids from 1 to 9 LOL).  My customers have been very pleased with it.  I buy most of my gear used and try to upgrade periodically. 

[Douglas R. Allen]

Sounds like your playing recorded music?  Regardless for smaller rooms/person count these really are not bad speakers. 

https://peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/665/116581

Small and light.  At least with purchasing them new you'll have a warranty and know their history.

Just something to think about.  ( I have a set of subcompact 18's and Sp2X tops I still drag out from time to time..)

Doug

[Rick Scofield]

Tim, years ago I sold off my SP2X 85 lb monsters (to me they always looked ridiculous on sticks), went to Yamaha Club SM12IV (found gently used) and there was very little discernible difference in sound quality (nobody in the crowd could tell for sure) but the significant difference in size and weight made things WAY easier.

Years passed and I moved the Yammies to monitor duty (good thing I bought the SM version) and upgraded my tops to JBL PRX612m actives.

These provided an upgrade in quality and they are actually lighter than the Club IVs. Saved weight too by not needing one of the power amps. Still used amp for passive subs.

Then I moved to IEMs and got rid of all the passive speakers and power amps, went to active subs and removed the last power amp from the trailer.

Zero regrets. You don't have to do anything that I did, just letting you know all of it can make music in pretty much any configuration. Just keep an open mind and try to future-proof as much as possible.

-Rick

[Tim Bulin]

You guys make some really good points.  As far as powered speakers go, IF I was still just running a karaoke show like I did when I got started, they would be perfect.  Now that I'm doing mostly DJ work, I'm finding that if I present a certain look, I get more business.  I could do 95% of my shows with a pair of DM112s and a single DM118, and it would sound really good.  Unfortunately, most of my customers want to see those 15s sitting on top of the subs...bigger footprint, more of a "whoa" factor I guess. 

Maybe I'm just paranoid about it, but, I lost a big show last summer to a guy with a truckload of SA and Rockville speakers(and it did not sound good).  .

I try to use at least decent equipment, I don't pirate any music, and try to keep everything on the level as possible.  Makes it tough to make anything at this sometimes.

[David Allred]

Unfortunately, most of my customers want to see those 15s sitting on top of the subs...bigger footprint, more of a "whoa" factor I guess. 

who is your market?  College frats?

[Paul G. OBrien]

I could do 95% of my shows with a pair of DM112s and a single DM118, and it would sound really good.

Then that is what you buy gear for. 

Unfortunately, most of my customers want to see those 15s sitting on top of the subs...bigger footprint, more of a "whoa" factor I guess.

No they don't, if you actually polled people most wouln't care and from those that do have an opinion there would be as many that say smaller or invisible speakers would be better.

Maybe I'm just paranoid about it, but, I lost a big show last summer to a guy with a truckload of SA and Rockville speakers(and it did not sound good).

Yes you are being paranoid of change, and guess what you will probably get that event back next summer.

[Tom Roche]

Then that is what you buy gear for. 
 No they don't, if you actually polled people most wouln't care and from those that do have an opinion there would be as many that say smaller or invisible speakers would be better.
 Yes you are being paranoid of change, and guess what you will probably get that event back next summer.

Examples have been posted here on the PSW forums over the years that certain people actually do listen with their eyes.  I've experienced the mindset from hiring authorities.  If it looks impressive, it must sound impressive.

[Tim Bulin]

The SP2 lists as 55 lbs.  SP5 (T,G,X,XL) all list as approx. 70 lbs.
The SP2 is about 4.4 cu ft.  The SP5 is about 5.5 cu ft.
I couldn't find an SP5 after a '03 copyright.

Am I missing something that you maybe left out?

Thanks for the heads up, just read the specs on the new SP2's, they are 30 pounds lighter than my 2014 BX's...think I'll try a pair of the new ones, I can tote the big ones around a little longer and get them for myself for Christmas...of course if I do I'll have to buy something nice for the wife.

[David Allred]

Thanks for the heads up, just read the specs on the new SP2's, they are 30 pounds lighter than my 2014 BX's...I'll have to buy something nice for the wife.

Mine or yours?

[Tim Bulin]

Tim,
Only two (2) things. Don't buy speakers made by a company going out of business (Carvin). And #2, get rid of the BBE sonic crapinizer. You can replace it with a decent (dbx) EQ and produce far better sound. You've put together a very low budget system, and there's nothing wrong with that as long as it does the job. Just remember that every little piece makes a difference.

Picked up a lightly used Rane ME 15s this week, you were right, does sound better than the BBE 882.

[Sam Costa]

Picked up a lightly used Rane ME 15s this week, you were right, does sound better than the BBE 882.

Tim, speaking from hands on experience with a multitude of Carvin cabs over the years, I have to say they are decent, not great, but decent. I never cared for the mid range frequencies of my old TRX153, TRX215, TRX12n and always had to play with my EQ'ing from 1k to 3.2k no matter where I was. It's very harsh.

I know you wanted to stay with passive system, but Look into EX ZLX12p for smaller venues, I have 8 of these that I use for different venues on with er FOH or wedges if I'm not utilizing my larger gear. Fairly priced, good sound and they get pretty loud without distortion.
my .2 cents.

[Tim Bulin]

Tim, speaking from hands on experience with a multitude of Carvin cabs over the years, I have to say they are decent, not great, but decent. I never cared for the mid range frequencies of my old TRX153, TRX215, TRX12n and always had to play with my EQ'ing from 1k to 3.2k no matter where I was. It's very harsh.

I know you wanted to stay with passive system, but Look into EX ZLX12p for smaller venues, I have 8 of these that I use for different venues on with er FOH or wedges if I'm not utilizing my larger gear. Fairly priced, good sound and they get pretty loud without distortion.
my .2 cents.

Thank you, that is why I started this thread in the first place 

Carvin isn't very common in my area and I was considering ordering a pair of TR1502's used from Guitar Center for $300, also had a pair of SP5's available locally for $400(they already sold though).

[Tim Bulin]

Thanks for the heads up, just read the specs on the new SP2's, they are 30 pounds lighter than my 2014 BX's...think I'll try a pair of the new ones, I can tote the big ones around a little longer and get them for myself for Christmas...of course if I do I'll have to buy something nice for the wife.

After finding out that the new SP2's are made in China, I've decided to run my current speakers for a while longer.  I will check out the Yamaha S112V's, maybe that's what Santa Claus will bring me this year...Replacing my EP2500 with a used PLX2402, thinking it will be a nice upgrade.  I'll keep the 2500 for a back up.

[ProSoundWeb Community]