In my continuing search for a small lightweight 2 speaker (stereo) 'onstage keyboard spot monitoring' setup, here are two more interesting possibilities I recently discovered:

Carvin PM5 Spot Monitor:
http://www.carvin.com/cgi-bin/Isearch.exe?CFG=2&P2=PM5-B&P1=MON

In addition to acting as on stage personal reference monitors, they might also be sufficient enough to act as the sole sound source for small venues. They only weigh 5 lbs each, yet its power capacity is 125 Watts per speaker (5" woofer) to provide plenty of volume. These are passive speakers though and require a separate power amp such as the Carvin DCM150 (9 lbs) to drive them: http://www.carvin.com/cgi-bin/Isearch.exe?CFG=2&P2=DCM150&P1=PWA

Weight of total Carvin package (amp & 2 speakers)is ONLY 20 lbs. Carvin offers the speaker/amp as a combo package: http://www.carvin.com/cgi-bin/Isearch.exe?CFG=2&P2=P5-150-2&P1=SYS3


A lighter weight (16 lb total package) but considerably less powerful (20 watts/speaker) option would be to get a pair of Yamaha MS202II's. The MS202II's are self powered, and includes two 4" woofers per speaker: http://yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA /Content...G%253DY,00.html

Interested in getting feedback, comments, and recommendations regarding these two personal on stage stereo monitoring PA options. Also, how do they compare (soundwise) to the Galaxy Audio PA options: http://www.galaxyaudio.com/galaxy/galaxyPRODUCTS.html#COMPACT%20PA%20SYSTEMS

I had also considered the JBL G2 10" Eons, but that setup (24 lbs/speaker: 48 lb total) is quite a bit heavier & larger than the other above options, and probably more than needed for stereo spot monitoring.

Though the Tyros (TRS-MS01) Speakers (satellites & subwoofer) is working ok, I'm still looking for another stereo monitoring option: one that doesn't require a subwoofer, and one which will provide more sound volume output than the Tyros (TRS-MS01) offers. Feedback, comments, and experience with the above appreciated.

Scott


[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 03-12-2003).]

Scott,

All those little monitors have very little bottom end Bass..
just put one of your EVsx100 on the floor [wedge angle up] next to you....and one on a pole on the other side.
Why carry all that extra stuff?

I have to agree with Donny on this one--those small systems sound great if you're playing in a very small room and you're just playing background music, but bottom end is something they all seem to lack.

Good Luck,

Gary

Donny: I've actually set up my EV's as you've suggested, but it still doesn't provide the direct close up & personal stereo monitoring advantages that built in speakers (PSR2000/PSR9000) or spot monitor type speakers provide.

The Carvin PM5's claim to be a cut above other spot monitors, and to produce an impressive bottom end for it's 5-1/4" woofer size, which btw is BIGGER than the 'built into the kb speakers' such as the PSR9000 & PSR2000, and delivers a lot MORE power (50 watts per speaker) as well. The total weight of the Carvin PM5 and amp package is about the SAME as the Tyros speakers + subwoofer, yet should produce a lot more volume output and better overall sound. I'm still hoping someone with first hand experience with the Carvin PM5 or the Yamaha MS202II's will step forward to provide feedback. Otherwise, I may just try them out myself on a risk free purchase trial. - Scott

I totally concur with what you're saying. I primarily want stereo spot monitors to act as a direct in my face stage monitor, letting the Main PA speakers (EV SxA100's) provide (fill in) the low end (bass). I would rely on the spot monitors alone, for only the smallest rooms & background music. Both the Carvin & Yamaha MS202II options are also ultra lightweight, easy to transport, and quick to setup, providing everythng I've grown to appeciate about built into the keyboard speakers + MORE. - Scott

Hello.............This post brings up this question:
When using another speaker system with the PSR2000 do you still use the built in ones, or do you turn them down?

Scott... I own a pair of Carvin PM5's and can vouch for Carvin's claims. I also own a JBL G2 10 which is a good main speaker for a small or even medium venue, but IMO, a pair would be over-kill for what you're looking for.

As long as you have realistic expectations of what you'll hear from a 5" speaker (bottom end), I'd bet you'll be happy with the PM5's. They're light weight, clear, crisp, and loud. Give them a no risk try. Carvin is easy to deal with. Good luck.

Glenn

Rattley,

I always use the 2000 speakers as an in your face monitor, which I find better than packing another piece of equipment around, mainly a 30-pound monitor. I always keep the volume low enough so I can hear what's coming from the main speakers, but loud enough to clearly monitor what I'm playing. The lack of built-in speakers is probably the only thing that currently prevents me from buying a Tyros. Everything, other than the lack of speakers, that I've heard on three forums is quite positive.

Cheers,

Gary

Gary: Owning both the PSR2000 & Tyros, I echo your sentiments.

Glenn: Thanks for your response. I of course don't expect the 5 lb PM5's (with 5.25" woofers) to even come close to sounding as good as a pair of EV SxA100's or JBL G2 10" Eons, but I hope they'll sound good 'by themselves' for very small venue situations (small rooms of under 30 people) performing & singing acoustic jazz & pop. What do you think?

Glenn, since you're a Ketron XD9 owner, how do you compare the sound coming from the PM5's vs going thru the XD9's internal speakers? Do the PM5's produce substantially better sound or?

Also, what brand/model power amp (and # of watts output @8 ohms per channel) are you using to drive your PM5's? How well do the PM5's handle vocals?

Once again, thanks again for your valuable input.

- Scott

Scott, maybe you should wait until you get the Motion Sound KP100S. I just spoke with their technical support, and the man, Joan (I think), told me that the KP100S makes a great monitor when it is set up 3 feet behind the musician and propped up two feet. He told me that the system spreads the sound around 180 degrees and sounds fantastic. I asked him about the bass response, and he told me that the speakers are rated to go as low as 50htz. He told me that two 8" speakers have the same surface area and thus the same depth as one 12" speaker.

But when I asked him about this replacing my JBL Eon10 G2, he cautioned me that the JBL speaker is very efficient and high quality, and that the two 8" speakers might and might not be able to get the same depth and volume. He told me that if I needed more punch I could replace the speakers that come with the amp, but that the amp was more than adequate for small clubs.

I am using a keyboard with built-in speakers, so I don't need the KP-100S as a monitor.

I'm going to get a subwoofer for the KP-100S, so if I'm playing for a larger room I can always have enough bass.

Good luck