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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => LAB Lounge => Topic started by: Richard Penrose on April 17, 2014, 02:59:33 PM

Title: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on April 17, 2014, 02:59:33 PM
Hi,

Has anyone had a chance to compare both of these speakers? What are your thoughts?

I would like to use the speaker as a small FOH pa for small acoustic gigs, a wedge monitor when I'm using my main pa and as a keyboard amp on occasions.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: jasonfinnigan on April 17, 2014, 03:11:12 PM
Hi,

Has anyone had a chance to compare both of these speakers? What are your thoughts?

Well I've never heard of Alto.

the Alto is 200 Watt continuous 125db SPL Peak
the EV is 250 watt contentious 132db SPL Peak.


You will get more volume out of the EV. The EV is also a wooden cabinet which I like better. I've never heard either though. I do like a lot of EVs stuff though. The Xw12A are great. It might help stating what you plan on using them for.

I did find a review here though http://forum.fractalaudio.com/amps-cabs/49889-alto-ts112a-vs-ev-elx112p.html
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Corey Scogin on April 17, 2014, 03:15:11 PM
Well I've never heard of Alto.

the Alto is 200 Watt continuous 125db SPL Peak
the EV is 250 watt contentious 132db SPL Peak.


You will get more volume out of the EV. The EV is also a wooden cabinet which I like better. I've never heard either though. I do like a lot of EVs stuff though. The Xw12A are great. It might help stating what you plan on using them for.

I did find a review here though http://forum.fractalaudio.com/amps-cabs/49889-alto-ts112a-vs-ev-elx112p.html

Watts do not matter.
Those SPL numbers don't mean anything either.  They were not obtained under the same conditions, using the same methods.
The ZLX is not a wooden cabinet.

*edit addition: That link compares the ELX, not the ZLX in question to the Alto.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: jasonfinnigan on April 17, 2014, 03:18:42 PM
Watts do not matter.
Those SPL numbers don't mean anything either.  They were not obtained under the same conditions, using the same methods.
The ZLX is not a wooden cabinet.

They sure did a good job making it look like wood in the pictures.

Yeah Watts don't matter. But SPL gives you at least some idea, granted they're peak and tend to be over estimated but it's still a reference point.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Paul G. OBrien on April 17, 2014, 04:02:12 PM
Has anyone had a chance to compare both of these speakers? What are your thoughts?

Have not heard the Altos but I own some of the EVs goin on a full year now and they sound quite good.. same as the ELX at lower SPLs, and they have been 100% reliable as well despite being driven quite hard on a few occasions.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Chuck Simon on April 17, 2014, 04:17:04 PM
Yeah Watts don't matter. But SPL gives you at least some idea, granted they're peak and tend to be over estimated but it's still a reference point.

If you are going to quote specs at least get them right.

From the Alto web sight:
800 Watts peak (670 W LF + 130 W HF), 400 Watts continuous (335 W LF + 65 W HF)

I have four of the Altos and they sound surprisingly good.  I have not used the ZLX's.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: jasonfinnigan on April 17, 2014, 04:35:40 PM
If you are going to quote specs at least get them right.

From the Alto web sight:
800 Watts peak (670 W LF + 130 W HF), 400 Watts continuous (335 W LF + 65 W HF)

I have four of the Altos and they sound surprisingly good.  I have not used the ZLX's.

Look at the specs of the passive versions (TS112 & ZLX12) . Those give you more realistic idea of what's in it. the Power version specs always just list widely over done specs of the power amp.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Chuck Simon on April 17, 2014, 04:40:08 PM
Look at the specs of the passive versions (TS112 & ZLX12) . Those give you more realistic idea of what's in it. the Power version specs always just list widely over done specs of the power amp.

You seem to know an awful lot about speakers you say you have never heard of, let alone used!
And by the way, the EV ZLXP is rated at 126 dB, not 132.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Alex Rigodanzo on April 17, 2014, 05:24:06 PM
I've been out of the loop for several years, but isn't Alto cheap "DJ" gear? Like below Behringer?  Gemini, Nady, Pyle Pro Audio, MTX, etc?  Or am I wrong on this one?

I would take bottom line JBL, EV or Peavey before top of the line of any of those.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Thomas Le on April 17, 2014, 05:32:29 PM
I've been out of the loop for several years, but isn't Alto cheap "DJ" gear? Like below Behringer?  Gemini, Nady, Pyle Pro Audio, MTX, etc?  Or am I wrong on this one?

I would take bottom line JBL, EV or Peavey before top of the line of any of those.

Some say Alto is a step up from Behringer. Alto is owned by parent company InMusic who also owns Numark, Akai, Alesis, etc.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Alex Rigodanzo on April 17, 2014, 05:48:25 PM
Some say Alto is a step up from Behringer. Alto is owned by parent company InMusic who also owns Numark, Akai, Alesis, etc.

I haven't heard either of the speakers in the op, but I have Peavey PR12's in my DJ rig.  I bought them strictly based on price (local shop gives great deals) and weight (bad back).  I was pleasantly surprise at how good they sound.  In very small venues or quiet gigs I used them alone.  In larger gigs, over single 15" Audiopile JBL clones in homebuilt boxes.  For what they are, weigh, and cost, I like them a lot.  The powered version is the PR12D.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on April 18, 2014, 03:00:24 AM
Thanks for the replies so far. From my past experience of Behringer speakers I would definitely say the Alto's are a step up. They are actually surprisingly good sounding speakers. However, the EV's only cost £50 more.

Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Bob Cap on April 18, 2014, 09:52:18 AM
Hi,

Has anyone had a chance to compare both of these speakers? What are your thoughts?

Yes I have. I have sold both and used both. They both do what they were designed to do. Produce sound.

The OP did not mention his intended application. Here are my thoughts.

Many of the DJ's in my area are concerned about 1 thing...cost. You know who wins that.

Each speaker standing on it's own sounds OK at moderate spls. Cranking them outdoors I find the Alto becomes mushy (tech term) before it starts farting (another tech term). The EV seems to stay clean until farting is reached...

Now in a real world DJ application you'll never get either of these boxes to that level unless you are trying to do a large techno or hip hop show. And these are not designed for that.

For a small sound gig or a small wedding either one will work just fine.

As far as longevity??? EV has been around longer that the Alto nameplate.

Find a good dealer in your area and listen to them for yourself. Buy which one sounds the best to you.

With todays technology anyone can make a decent speaker. Will they be around in a few years to service it when/if it craps out???

You know the saying...Buy once, cry once.

Bob Cap
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on April 18, 2014, 12:25:51 PM
I am looking to use the speaker for a range of applications. I would like to use the speaker as a small FOH pa for small acoustic gigs, a wedge monitor when I'm using my main pa and as a keyboard amp on occasions. My main pa is a pair of Yamaha DXR15's over a pair of EV ELX118p subs.
I already own the Alto TS112a and have found it to be surprisingly good. What I'm wondering is whether the EV ZLX 12P would be a step up? Originally the ZLX 12P cost around £399 when it first came out and the Alto TS112a then cost £209. Now the ZLX 12P costs £299 and the Alto TS112a costs £249. At the time I couldn't justify the £190 price difference but now that the difference is £50 I am curious to know how the EV sounds!
Unfortunately I live no where near a store that stocks either of these so can't hear these for myself at the moment. Also, I'm not in a position to buy a ZLX 12P to hear myself so am hoping to hear of various user experiences.

What I'm looking for is something that is clearer in the vocal range, a fraction louder and with greater bass extension. I'm wondering how the EV's would fare regarding this?
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Michael A. Yates on April 18, 2014, 12:28:57 PM

Each speaker standing on it's own sounds OK at moderate spls. Cranking them outdoors I find the Alto becomes mushy (tech term) before it starts farting (another tech term). The EV seems to stay clean until farting is reached...
Didn't know speakers farted...

Wish you would state your intended purpose for the speakers. The EVs are pretty good and will hold up good. It comes down to personal preference really. My preference would be the EVs but that's just me. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: John Sabine on April 18, 2014, 12:58:35 PM
I used to be an Alto Dealer but dropped them because of lack of replacement parts and service. After Alto was taken from Yorkville and sold to InMusic they went from having factory techs to using service centers and it was downhill from there. When I started having problems getting units fixed for customers I dropped them and haven't looked back.


Didn't know speakers farted...

Wish you would state your intended purpose for the speakers. The EVs are pretty good and will hold up good. It comes down to personal preference really. My preference would be the EVs but that's just me. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on April 18, 2014, 01:16:08 PM

Wish you would state your intended purpose for the speakers. The EVs are pretty good and will hold up good. It comes down to personal preference really. My preference would be the EVs but that's just me. 


I would like to use the speaker as a small FOH pa for small acoustic gigs, a wedge monitor when I'm using my main pa and as a keyboard amp on occasions.

I will also add this to my original post!
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: James A. Griffin on April 20, 2014, 07:27:03 PM
I am looking to use the speaker for a range of applications. I would like to use the speaker as a small FOH pa for small acoustic gigs, a wedge monitor when I'm using my main pa and as a keyboard amp on occasions.


I've found the EV's to be quite nice for acoustic gigs in a small space, both as mains and monitors.   When used with a full band, they don't quite keep up, IMHO.

I have found them to be great with spoken-word only gigs.    I had a church service outdoors in a small (40x20)  tent.   First week using PRX512 as mains.   The pastor wanted to walk around a lot, sometimes in front of the cabinets.   I had to tweak quite a bit during sound check to keep the ringing down.   Next week went to the ZLX 12p, everything else identical.  I used the "SPEECH" setting on the processor and there was no ringing at all..     They've been my go-to box ever since for talking heads only gigs with crowds up to 300.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Leo Martin on April 20, 2014, 10:15:07 PM
Hi,

Has anyone had a chance to compare both of these speakers? What are your thoughts?

I would like to use the speaker as a small FOH pa for small acoustic gigs, a wedge monitor when I'm using my main pa and as a keyboard amp on occasions.
I have heard both, I own alto's and love them. They don't get crazy loud but they will do for budget speakers. The EVs seem more harsh in the highs, but they might have a little more bass response than the altos.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on April 29, 2014, 02:55:58 PM
I have managed to pick up a secondhand Alto TS112a in practically new condition for £100 so I'm now sorted :)
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on June 03, 2014, 03:29:55 PM
I used both the Alto TS112a's for an acoustic gig with 4 vocals, piano and upright bass. The sound was surprisingly good. However, in an ideal world I am still tempted to get something even smaller. I noticed that the EV ZLX12p's have dropped in price at Thomann and now cost £264 each which is a very good deal. I've also been tempted with the RCF710a's but these cost around £400 each.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: James A. Griffin on June 03, 2014, 03:33:55 PM
I used both the Alto TS112a's.........  I am still tempted to get something even smaller. I noticed that the EV ZLX12p's have dropped in price

The EV is an inch shorter and weighs 1 pound less.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on June 03, 2014, 04:25:31 PM
The EV is an inch shorter and weighs 1 pound less.

Oh I thought I read somewhere the differences were more than this! I've obviously been mistaken.

Looks like only the RCF 710a really offers any worthwhile weight and size advantages.
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: Richard Penrose on June 04, 2014, 06:45:19 PM
I've spoken to a few dealers and users regarding the EV ZLX12p and RCF 710a and keep hearing pretty much the same responses. From the people I've spoken to, the EV ZLX12p and Alto TS112a are pretty much on a par audio quality wise with the EV perhaps offering a tiny bit more output and bass response. Some prefer the EV's and some prefer the Alto's! Also the EV ZLX12p's don't use EV drivers and have generic Chinese speakers??

With the RCF 710a's everyone without exception has said that it is a far superior speaker! It apparently has way more clarity and output and it's 10" driver at least matches the bass response of the TS112a if not outdo the Alto!

It doesn't seem worthwhile spending at least £250 extra on the EV ZLX12p's to what I paid for my TS112a's for marginal improvements if any!?

I now need to decide whether the RCF710a's are worth the extra £500 per pair for the 3kg per speaker I'll be saving!? Also I'm already getting lots of good comments on how good the Alto's sound which makes the decision quite harder!

My other option would be to get a couple of higher quality mics instead of changing speakers like the Sennheiser E945 which are the clearest sounding live dynamics I've heard along with the JZ HH1 and would further improve the sound I'm getting with the Altos AND my main Yamaha DXR15/EV ELX118p pa!?
Title: Re: Alto TS112a vs EV ZLX12p?
Post by: James A. Griffin on June 05, 2014, 12:02:52 PM
Oh I thought I read somewhere the differences were more than this! I've obviously been mistaken.

Do they have Google where you live?