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Title: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 09:15:21 AM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: TJ (Tom) Cornish on March 19, 2014, 09:45:55 AM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF
5. Presonus studiolive 18sAI

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo
What's a pretty large space?  If it's anything like I would describe as a large space, a single sub of any kind isn't going to be enough.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: john sanders on March 19, 2014, 10:35:21 AM
What's a pretty large space?  If it's anything like I would describe as a large space, a single sub of any kind isn't going to be enough.

I have experience with the QSC KW181's and have been pleased with their performance; typically however, I use two. I'd suggest you attempt to rent one of these with the agreement that your rental costs would be applied to the purchase price should you decide to go that route.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 11:55:19 AM
What's a pretty large space?  If it's anything like I would describe as a large space, a single sub of any kind isn't going to be enough.
The largest gig I know I run is for a dance in a church, probably a solid 1000 sq ft. Also, in the future I will buy more for bigger gigs.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 11:56:56 AM
I have experience with the QSC KW181's and have been pleased with their performance; typically however, I use two. I'd suggest you attempt to rent one of these with the agreement that your rental costs would be applied to the purchase price should you decide to go that route.
I am looking at the QSC heavily now, sounds like a solid unit that isn't too big but hits really hard. I can also get it cheaper than the York and PreSounus.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: TJ (Tom) Cornish on March 19, 2014, 12:01:50 PM
The largest gig I know I run is for a dance in a church, probably a solid 1000 sq ft. Also, in the future I will buy more for bigger gigs.
That's a room that's 20' x 25'.  Is that what you mean?
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 12:09:37 PM
That's a room that's 20' x 25'.  Is that what you mean?
No, I was just taking a guess and that sounded big. I don't have a picture, but I think I am going with the QSC KW181 which should suffice at least until I can buy another.

Thanks
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Doug Fowler on March 19, 2014, 12:11:29 PM
That's a room that's 20' x 25'.  Is that what you mean?

Ahem....  ;-)

40 * 25 = 1000

Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Corey Scogin on March 19, 2014, 12:18:41 PM
No, I was just taking a guess and that sounded big. I don't have a picture, but I think I am going with the QSC KW181 which should suffice at least until I can buy another.

Leo, I'd wait to hear more feedback from others who may have experience with each of those models.  From what I've read here on the forums, the PRX718-XLF has a lower reach than the QSC KW181.  For DJ work that will likely be important. 

No doubt the QSC and JBL are both quality products (and the Yorkville too), one may suit your needs better than the other.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Steve Oldridge on March 19, 2014, 12:18:56 PM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo
I have used ONE LS800P extensively at club/bar level gigs for a number of yrs.. it definitely puts out the bass... it can be a little boomy on the lower techno-stuff, but if you tighten it up.. it works fine.

I considered buying a 2nd (many times) but have not yet found a need for a 2nd other than outdoor gigs.
YMMV.

You might want to rent some of the above units BEFORE YOU BUY - to ensure you are making an educated decision. Specs don't tell all.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: TJ (Tom) Cornish on March 19, 2014, 12:33:04 PM
Ahem....  ;-)

40 * 25 = 1000
Tomāto, tomăto.  :)
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Franklin Benjamin on March 19, 2014, 02:52:07 PM
No, I was just taking a guess and that sounded big. I don't have a picture, but I think I am going with the QSC KW181 which should suffice at least until I can buy another.

Thanks

If size and weight are of no concern, get the yorkville.  The size of the room is one thing the other is the size of the dance floor. For a play back gig with a couple hundred attendees on the dance floor (I am guessing there are tables around the perimeter) 1 sub and 2 tops will cover the average event.  The playback gigs that I have done, I chose an EV ELX118P.  Anything over 200 people I walk with 2 of them.  They are far from being the best sub, they are a little boomy and don't quite give the low end extension I would like but for what I payed ($400 a pop) and the weight (70lbs), they work great. 

I have seen a single LS801P adequately handle a huge room roughly (60'X100').  But last I checked, it weighed 137lbs and has those tilt back handles that I hate so much.  (Personal Preference is if you're going to put wheels on a sub there should be four of them  >:(  .)  Big subs are nice but at the end of the night if you're the only one loading the van or truck and there's no ramp or lift gate every extra pound is going to matter.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Rob Gow on March 19, 2014, 02:58:35 PM
I have seen a single LS801P adequately handle a huge room roughly (60'X100').  But last I checked, it weighed 137lbs and has those tilt back handles that I hate so much.  (Personal Preference is if you're going to put wheels on a sub there should be four of them  >:(  .)  Big subs are nice but at the end of the night if you're the only one loading the van or truck and there's no ramp or lift gate every extra pound is going to matter.

True enough after a few years of lifting a pair of LS800p's onto a Dakota, I purchased a trailer with a ramp door, specifically so I could load them myself. I really like my LS800p's, they've never let me down. I'm a small one man operation and the ramp door is definitely a savior on my back, and morale. lol
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Jamin Lynch on March 19, 2014, 03:08:27 PM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo

Out of all the ones listed, I would go with the JBL PRX718XLF.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: John Rutirasiri on March 19, 2014, 03:13:28 PM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo

A powered JTR Orbit Shifter or Danley TH118 (both use SpeakerPower plate amps) would run circles around 2 or maybe even 4 of the boxes you mentioned, assuming you can deal with the slightly bigger size and heavier weight.  I routinely do 8000 sq ft ballrooms with just one powered Orbit Shifter.

-JR
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Rob Spence on March 19, 2014, 03:27:43 PM
The QSC KW181 has built in wheels which makes moving them easy. Also, the side handles are nicely balanced. I have a pair and want another. Get the covers to keep them nice.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Steve Garris on March 19, 2014, 06:20:43 PM
Out of all the ones listed, I would go with the JBL PRX718XLF.

I prefer the JBL's over the QSC's, but they're very close. The JBL is very light, I can bend down and pick it up myself.

The Yorkville is the loudest, and heaviest.

The above mentioned Danley's are in a different class, one that I would like to move in to. Double the price if I'm not mistaken.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 06:58:19 PM
If size and weight are of no concern, get the yorkville.  The size of the room is one thing the other is the size of the dance floor. For a play back gig with a couple hundred attendees on the dance floor (I am guessing there are tables around the perimeter) 1 sub and 2 tops will cover the average event.  The playback gigs that I have done, I chose an EV ELX118P.  Anything over 200 people I walk with 2 of them.  They are far from being the best sub, they are a little boomy and don't quite give the low end extension I would like but for what I payed ($400 a pop) and the weight (70lbs), they work great. 

I have seen a single LS801P adequately handle a huge room roughly (60'X100').  But last I checked, it weighed 137lbs and has those tilt back handles that I hate so much.  (Personal Preference is if you're going to put wheels on a sub there should be four of them  >:(  .)  Big subs are nice but at the end of the night if you're the only one loading the van or truck and there's no ramp or lift gate every extra pound is going to matter.

Size is a little bit of an issue just space in the truck. I did see that the Yorkville is the loudest for the price, but I am still not sold on 137lbs being worth the 3db improvement.

Also, I have looked into the ELX118P's and I don't know how you got them for $400 each(could only get them for $600) but I saw too many reviews saying that it is worth it to bite the bullet and buy nicer subs.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 07:05:43 PM
I prefer the JBL's over the QSC's, but they're very close. The JBL is very light, I can bend down and pick it up myself.

The Yorkville is the loudest, and heaviest.

The above mentioned Danley's are in a different class, one that I would like to move in to. Double the price if I'm not mistaken.

The Danley's are out of my price range for sure. As for the JBL vs QSC (which is looking like what it has come to) I wasn't sure how big of a difference the lower frequency on the JBL made. I like the internal crossover feature on the JBL but like the size of the QSC. It will most likely come to me listening to them both since they are readily available and seeing which one I like best.

Thanks for all the replies, tremendously helpful!!!
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 19, 2014, 07:11:58 PM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo

I have just added a poll to the top, if you could vote that would be great.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: John Penkala on March 19, 2014, 08:14:01 PM
I have used ONE LS800P extensively at club/bar level gigs for a number of yrs.. it definitely puts out the bass... it can be a little boomy on the lower techno-stuff, but if you tighten it up.. it works fine.

I considered buying a 2nd (many times) but have not yet found a need for a 2nd other than outdoor gigs.
YMMV.

You might want to rent some of the above units BEFORE YOU BUY - to ensure you are making an educated decision. Specs don't tell all.

+1,   

 I have four LS808's that I power with a Crest Pro9200 and have been very happy with their performance. I have also used the LS800P's and they are at least as good, if not better than my setup. IMO, they are head and shoulders above the KW181's. I have no experience with the JBL's.

-JP
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Tom Roche on March 19, 2014, 10:21:32 PM
It came down to the JBL and QSC for me, too.  I went with QSC because I think this sub sounds better, it's a smaller cab, comes with wheels, and I trust the QSC name (after putting countless hours mixing on a QSC HPR system that never disappointed).
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Franklin Benjamin on March 19, 2014, 10:33:35 PM

Also, I have looked into the ELX118P's and I don't know how you got them for $400 each(could only get them for $600) but I saw too many reviews saying that it is worth it to bite the bullet and buy nicer subs.

craigslist

And yes, there are definitely nicer subs.  I am actually considering either switching to the JBL or QSC but I have no rush.  My ego is trying to tell me to switch but my wallet is saying to tell my ego to STFU.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Renard Hurtado on March 20, 2014, 08:45:11 AM
Hi,

I have tried lots of powered subs under 41500.00 , nothing outruns the Yorkville LS801P, believe me nothing in that price range comes close.
I have learned it the hardway, renting out two JBl PRX618XLF to a DJ and, have him call me during the gig to bring two more because the other DJ is killing him with two L801P !  Try to find anyone on all the audio and DJ forums that doesn't agree that the LS801P is the loudest of them all.

Renard from Curacao
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: David Morison on March 20, 2014, 09:07:37 AM
I have tried lots of powered subs under 41500.00 , nothing outruns the Yorkville LS801P, believe me nothing in that price range comes close.
Renard from Curacao

Does Curacao use ¥ as its currency? 45100 of most other currencies will get you a lot more than the speakers being discussed here  ;)

David.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Nate Armstrong on March 20, 2014, 09:21:59 AM
kw181 comes with a 6 yr warranty.  We have k10's, kw122's,kw153's and kw181's and are happy with all of them.

This may sound crazy, but how about matching your subs to your tops..
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 20, 2014, 09:37:12 AM
kw181 comes with a 6 yr warranty.  We have k10's, kw122's,kw153's and kw181's and are happy with all of them.

This may sound crazy, but how about matching your subs to your tops..
I have heard about the warranty offered by QSC and it is a good selling point. If I wanted to match my top cabs I would be buying alto ts118s, which from what I've seen don't get loud at all.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Renard Hurtado on March 20, 2014, 09:41:45 AM
Ha ha ha I ment $ 1500.00. My next choice is the new RCF Sub8004, this is a very good sounding single 18"!

Regards,


Renard from Curacao
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Leo Martin on March 20, 2014, 07:27:04 PM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo

Ok, I think I have come to a decision to look for the best price based on how I have ranked them. I still struggled with the Yorkville's weight, but if the price is right I will find a way to move them!

Thanks again for the comments and votes on the poll.

1.QSC KW181
2. Yorkville LS801P
3. JBL PRX 718 XLF
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Paul G. OBrien on March 20, 2014, 11:20:50 PM
The Yorkie is Da Bomb of single subs but it is absolutely not a 1 man lift. I voted JBL.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Scott Harris on March 21, 2014, 05:00:39 PM
I have heard the ls801p's in various locations from varied sound companies and they seem like one note wonders to me.  I've never seen a freq chart but they just seem like 80hz boom machines.  Very loud yes, but not natural sounding.  Of the listed options I prefer 2 per side of the KW or PRX, but that's just me.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Spenser Hamilton on March 21, 2014, 07:19:07 PM

I have heard the ls801p's in various locations from varied sound companies and they seem like one note wonders to me.  I've never seen a freq chart but they just seem like 80hz boom machines.  Very loud yes, but not natural sounding.  Of the listed options I prefer 2 per side of the KW or PRX, but that's just me.

Absolutely agree , I demo'd the Yorkville next to the SRX718 and would take the JBL hands down just based on sound quakity.

If I needed the extra volume, the 728 is actually easier to lug around than the Yorkville IMO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Mike Sullivan on March 21, 2014, 08:52:25 PM
I can't speak for all of them, but I own 4 KW181's, which I use under 2-4 KW153's for live shows and the occasional DJ rental.  While they are great subs, the more and more I listen to them, there just seems something off about them...they seem too underpowered, or too much processing.  Even with 2 subs a side under a single KW153, there just isn't that much "punch" or "rumble" to them IMHO. 
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Reggie Kendrick on March 24, 2014, 04:12:17 PM
Size is a little bit of an issue just space in the truck. I did see that the Yorkville is the loudest for the price, but I am still not sold on 137lbs being worth the 3db improvement...
It sounds more like 6dB+.  I did a side-by-side comparison with a QSC HPR181i and it wasn't even close in terms of loudness; the Yorkie rules anywhere near its price point.  In terms of sound quality and tonality of the bass notes, the QSC and JBL definitely sound better.
Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Richard Turner on March 25, 2014, 02:00:37 AM
Hi,
I am struggling to pick a powered subwoofer for DJ gigs. I am currently looking at a few models, if anyone has any experience with any of them and could share your experience, it would be appreciated.

1. Yorkville LS801P
2. QSC KW181
3. 2X Yamaha DXS15
4. JBL PRX718 XLF

I use Alto TS115As for top cabs. I am looking for a sub that can play heavy dance music and I want it to be loud enough that it could handle a pretty large space with only one.

Thanks,
Leo

Its really an apples and raisins comaprison.

the yorkville bx hasn't really changed much since they came out with the SW800, early 1990's, 1993 I think? only major changes have been slant cut and addition of casters and the move to B&C drivers from RCF, the powered box's amp signal processed matched to a 4 ohm woofer just moves air very efficiently, its loud and its big and its heavy, a pair of them is as good as 3 possibly 4 of the KW series from QSC but things get a lot more fun with 6 or 8 or more clustered but I think thats beyond what you are going to use But again you need some truck space and again its a 20 year old design that works very well and I would call it a true sub woofer $1500 per street price you will not find anything better at that price point but yourkville never really made a full range to match it so you'll likely end up looking at another series or brand to mate to them. The parasource boxes are nice but still at the upper end of the price bracket they fit in.

Title: Re: Too many Subwoofers!
Post by: Renard Hurtado on March 25, 2014, 10:33:51 AM
Its really an apples and raisins comaprison.

the yorkville bx hasn't really changed much since they came out with the SW800, early 1990's, 1993 I think? only major changes have been slant cut and addition of casters and the move to B&C drivers from RCF, the powered box's amp signal processed matched to a 4 ohm woofer just moves air very efficiently, its loud and its big and its heavy, a pair of them is as good as 3 possibly 4 of the KW series from QSC but things get a lot more fun with 6 or 8 or more clustered but I think thats beyond what you are going to use But again you need some truck space and again its a 20 year old design that works very well and I would call it a true sub woofer $1500 per street price you will not find anything better at that price point but yourkville never really made a full range to match it so you'll likely end up looking at another series or brand to mate to them. The parasource boxes are nice but still at the upper end of the price bracket they fit in.

Hi Turner,

Have you had a chance to hear the dual 15" parasource sub? I have read they also have a single 18' out (coming), how do these compare to the LS801P /?
Renard from Curacao