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[Tim Weaver]

I think you answered your own question.

I'm in this camp too. If it works and makes money, why change?

The only thing I might suggest is to consolidate into one brand maybe just for the folks who shop with their eyes. As a growth plan you could slowly buy in to some 3-way powered mains and 4 single 18 subs or 2 dual 18's.

I think the Yamaha stuff is very capable for this market. I would probably just get a selection of the DSR/DXR/DBR/DXS or whatever they have.

[Corey Scogin]

That’s disappointing to hear! Yamaha really hyped up the larger compression driver and I was hoping there would be some noticeable improvements, especially as Yamaha increased the price by £200 each when they were launched 

That's funny. The new compression driver is on the smaller side too relative to some slightly more expensive competitors. That doesn't mean it doesn't sound good. It's about system performance, not the details of a particular component. Though sometimes larger compression drivers can have an advantage, it doesn't mean larger is always better.

If you're interested in larger compression drivers and corresponding lower crossover points, putting more on the horn, RCF is one of the few that design boxes geared that direction. But they'll be more expensive and may not have the features you're looking for (high-pass, other adjustable DSP).

I think the Yamaha stuff is very capable for this market. I would probably just get a selection of the DSR/DXR/DBR/DXS or whatever they have.

I agree with Tim. Yamaha gear typically has a very good price/performance ratio. If you're at the DXR line or better, you're in a pretty good spot.

[Richard Penrose]

The reason why I’m keen to change is because of the weight! I injured my back and shoulder a few years ago and would like to cut the weight down. Also, at quite a few of the venues I work at, it is not possible to wheel equipment due to the terrain and steps. One of the venues has 120 steps down a cliff so not one for big subs!!!

Ideally I would love a system that can at least match the audio quality, output and depth of bass of my system where the subs weigh the same or less than the DXR15’s and very lightweight at under 15kg! I have heard the KV2 EX6 / EX1.2 system and this sounds wonderful. However, this still doesn’t solve the issue as the sub is still fairly heavy at 32kg and doesn’t have castors. It also costs around £7000 which way out of my budget!
I’ve also heard a pair of Nexo PS10’s over a single LS500 sub and this put out a huge sound for such a small system and was possibly matching or even exceeding my system. This makes me very interested in a secondhand PS10 / LS400 system! However, as I mentioned I’m not keen on a passive system because of having to carry an extra amp and system controller. Some gigs I use just a pair of DXR15’s which is way less to carry than a pair of PS10’s, pair of LS400’s, amp and controller!
The closest I’ve come across that I can actually afford is the FBT VN2000 but I’m not sure if this could even get close to my current system? I’ve spoken to a few people who use them for running full bands through them and say they perform great and completely exceeded their expectations for such a small system. I may see if I can arrange to hear this system next to mine at some point.

I have considered consolidating to one brand but the Yamaha 18” subs weigh almost 10kg more before adding castors! Also, I prefer the sound of Yamaha tops compared to QSC’s (apart from the KW153 which weighs almost 40kg!)

I’m not planning on growing but going more compact and lightweight without downgrading performance.

[Richard Penrose]

That's funny. The new compression driver is on the smaller side too relative to some slightly more expensive competitors. That doesn't mean it doesn't sound good. It's about system performance, not the details of a particular component. Though sometimes larger compression drivers can have an advantage, it doesn't mean larger is always better.

If you're interested in larger compression drivers and corresponding lower crossover points, putting more on the horn, RCF is one of the few that design boxes geared that direction. But they'll be more expensive and may not have the features you're looking for (high-pass, other adjustable DSP).

I agree with Tim. Yamaha gear typically has a very good price/performance ratio. If you're at the DXR line or better, you're in a pretty good spot.

Thanks yes I’ve heard the RCF 735a mk4 and it is definitely a good speakers but I’m not sure I could call it better than the DXR15? They both have strengths and weaknesses.

Did you notice if the larger compression driver helped the sound stay cleaner when driven at high spl’s?

[Corey Scogin]

Did you notice if the larger compression driver helped the sound stay cleaner when driven at high spl’s?

I have not compared the mk1 and the mk2 when driven hard, only at moderate levels. Sorry.

[Tim Weaver]

Having dofferent subs vs tops isn't as much of a concern in your market really. Lots of people mix and match tops and subs exactly for the reason you state. That and the Yamaha's are the kings of the MI powered top and the JBL SRX 818/828 are the same for powered subs right now.

It's more about having enough of the same brand/style of speaker for two mains and 4-6 monitors is a bigger deal when trying to sell the system to a client. Could be 2 DXS mains and 6 DBR monitors. At least they look the same and are all from Yamaha.



Also havong just bought 4 DXR Mk1's I can tell you there is nothing lacking in the HF department. They are great. I wouldn't worry about buying the Mk2 version thinking you are getting something "More".

[Richard Penrose]

I have not compared the mk1 and the mk2 when driven hard, only at moderate levels. Sorry.

Thanks. I’m wondering if this is where the new larger driver makes a difference? Anyway, the original mk1 stays surprisingly clean when driven at really high spl’s! The DXR15’s are a lot of speaker for the money.

[Richard Penrose]

Having dofferent subs vs tops isn't as much of a concern in your market really. Lots of people mix and match tops and subs exactly for the reason you state. That and the Yamaha's are the kings of the MI powered top and the JBL SRX 818/828 are the same for powered subs right now.

It's more about having enough of the same brand/style of speaker for two mains and 4-6 monitors is a bigger deal when trying to sell the system to a client. Could be 2 DXS mains and 6 DBR monitors. At least they look the same and are all from Yamaha.



Also havong just bought 4 DXR Mk1's I can tell you there is nothing lacking in the HF department. They are great. I wouldn't worry about buying the Mk2 version thinking you are getting something "More".

I don’t think I’ve ever had a client mention or even notice that the subs and tops are different brands. Aesthetically the DXR and KW181 grills are so similar that the look like they match apart from the badge.
I did consider the JBL SRX818sp’s when I bought the KW181’s but I know a few companies in the UK had reliability issues with these. The KW181’s have an excellent reputation for reliability and that swayed my decision in the end. Also, I’ve never felt like they lack power and I never use the Deep setting on the back! I find the KW181’s actually sound pretty musical instead of a one note thump or boomy like some subs I’ve heard!

I’ve heard the Yamaha DXS18xlf noticeably out performs the KW 181’s and would possibly integrate with the DXR’s a little better but the extra size and weight is a deal breaker for me. This is a shame as I would expect the combination of the DXS18 xlf sound and dsp integration to improve the overall sound of my main system.


One feature that I had completely missed with the Yamaha range is their cases for these speakers! These look much better than the cheap cases I’m using at the moment!! Also, you can use the speakers with the cases on due to the front face being unzippable with a water resistant mesh underneath. I recently did an event where there was a bit of very light rain and it was a bit of a nightmare. I had to cover the speakers with plastic bags during setup and at one point the event was nearly cancelled. Having these cases would have made a big difference and would have been extremely useful on other past gigs!

[Tim Weaver]

I don’t think I’ve ever had a client mention or even notice that the subs and tops are different brands. Aesthetically the DXR and KW181 grills are so similar that the look like they match apart from the badge.
I did consider the JBL SRX818sp’s when I bought the KW181’s but I know a few companies in the UK had reliability issues with these. The KW181’s have an excellent reputation for reliability and that swayed my decision in the end. Also, I’ve never felt like they lack power and I never use the Deep setting on the back! I find the KW181’s actually sound pretty musical instead of a one note thump or boomy like some subs I’ve heard!

I’ve heard the Yamaha DXS18xlf noticeably out performs the KW 181’s and would possibly integrate with the DXR’s a little better but the extra size and weight is a deal breaker for me. This is a shame as I would expect the combination of the DXS18 xlf sound and dsp integration to improve the overall sound of my main system.

For sure. I wouldn't trade the QSC's for the JBL's. It's a sideways move at best.

[Richard Penrose]

Yep I’m definitely not considering changing to the SRX818 subs. For the size of events I’m doing (up to 400 ish) the KW181’s are doing a great job.

I have a feeling I’m not going to find anything as good but lighter at around £3000. I think my budget would need to a least double for a smaller lightweight active system that can at least match the performance of what I already have.
The Yamaha DXR’s have really hit the sweet spot for price vs performance and offer a lot of speaker for your money! Also, the QSC KW181’s offer a lot of performance in a fairly small and reasonably lightweight 18” speaker! I haven’t found anything around £2000 (what I paid) for the pair that outperforms these that don’t weigh more. The next 15” active speaker that I would consider as a potential upgrade without weighing more is the RCF HDM45 but these cost close to three times the price of what I originally paid for my DXR15’s!! Maybe if an exceptional ex demo deal came up I would consider these but I definitely can’t justify the price difference when my current system is earning money and I consistently get compliments on the sound.

I guess I was hoping something would have been realeased during the past 10 years that could offer closer to what I’m looking for but it looks like the DXR15’s and KW181’s are still pretty much at the top for their price, performance and weight!?

[ProSoundWeb Community]