OK
So I tried out the Fishman SoloAmp today, as well as the RCF ART710A and 712A. The RCFs sound very good. The 10 inch has amazing bass for a 10 inch speaker. It has very clear and crisp highs. Over all, I’m very impressed with the art710's sound. It’s also very light at just 25 pounds. The only drawback I found was that is doesn't have any side handles, only one handle on top. That's not so terrible since its only 25 pounds, but a side handle would be good.

The RCF 12 inch ART712A Has bigger and more powerful base than the 10 inch, of course, gut only a little. However, the 12 inch sounded a little more muddy and muffled. I don't know how much it weighs, but I lifted it and it seemed pretty light.

The Fishman SoloAmp has a good sound, but when you turn it up, the sound quality really goes down. I was amazed at the base coming from those small speakers - truly magic! But... the base is uneven. Weighs 25 pounds and seems easy to carry, since it is thin and long. I tried walking around the room to hear sound dispersion. It was fairly even, but it was a pretty small room.

Over all, I think that I would get the 10 inch RCF ART710A. Did anyone compare it to the ART310A?


[This message has been edited by Jick Duck (edited 10-15-2009).]

Dont forget the stands you'll have to carry also.

Jick Duck,

Glad you had the opportunity to try them in person, however, I wish you would have used them in a large room. In the smaller settings the system is not too bad, but the sound quality tends to deteriorate significantly in the larger venues.

Good Luck, and thanks for the update.

Gary

Gary good points this is where the Bose C & L systems excel.

Well, it looks like this Sunday will be my last gig with the L1, B1's. I was holding off selling the big system until I felt comfortable about using 2 compacts with probably a Thumper for larger and outdoor venues. I have a buyer that wanted the L1 and 2 B1's today, he had the cash and wanted to pick up the equipment for use this weekend. But, I have a gig Sunday in a 500+ seat room - 350 expected to attend. I didn't think the 1 compact could fill the room, and I want to get some more info on the Thumper. I'm looking to replace the L1, 2B1's with 2 compacts and a Thumper or something on that order. Gary, Don, Donny et al, do you think that's a comparable exchange? Love the big Bose, but these old bones are talking to me ... the compact(s) make life easier.
Ciao,
Jerry

Jerry,

I'm fairly confident that with a pair of compacts, audiences to 350 would not be a problem. If you added a Thumper, or a powered sub of any kind, in all likelihood you would have more bottom end than you need and loads of headroom.

Good Luck,

Gary

Why does the NUMBER of people have any significance..?

40 young people need a louder volume than 200 senior citizens. If you aren't more specific, it's a basically meaningless stat.

I think the statement is very significant, Gary is trying to say that an audience of 350PP requires a certain size room especially if it's a dinner & dance with tables, dance floor, etc..& that two BC units & possibly a powered sub would be more then enough to handle it. No need to blast them out.....audiences are sick of getting blown out every time they go to an affair. my rule of thumb has always been if YOU the player cannot hear the hum of the audience YOUR TOO LOUD!

But playing background cocktail music and light dancing to 200 ppl is utterly different to playing upfront dance, show and disco music to 200 ppl. The number doesn't matter a damn. The VOLUME does. The age and needs of the audience does. The type of music you play does. The venue does.

But the number of people is immaterial.

There you go again taking out the Crystal Ball.....how would you know by Gary's statement what type of music or venue he plays? Correct volume at ANY venue is of hugh importance young or old.