So were talking full range PA speakers.
What are you going to put through them?
Vocals & backing tracks or full band?
If you are looking for a fuller sound with more bass, you may want to consider a system with seperate sub bass bins.
If you are a small outfit then your typical 'speakers on sticks' may be what to look for, and they are easy to transport around.
If you are part of a bigger band, then you may need something more 'stack like', but with these you are going to need a van to move them.
Your list highlights:
JBL (Junk but loud?) - I assume your thinking the Eon's here. Quite like them, althought the one I saw Thursday at a gig could have done with a new driver, a third of it was missing.
Electrovoice - recently had some demos of this stuff, great sound, highly efficient, but you have to pay for it, not cheap. Dynacord are a part of EV now too, if you have chance, check out the 'D-lite 2000' system - a 'powercube' with a 15" sub also powers the mid / top cabs, in fact it can power upto 4 mid / top speakers, and 2 additional bass cabs.
Mackie - I've been working with a band that has two sets of the MR450's plus the subs. Sound great, but these use RCF drivers, the new systems don't and as a result do sound quite as good appaerently.
DB - I've heard of them, but I've not herad any of their systems, so carn't really comment on them.
RCF - Had an RCF rig once, was stolen. Was a nice rig, plus they are a speaker supplier so they should know a thin or too.
DAS - I heard a DAS around 4/5 years ago. Looked like your typically Peavey set-up, but sounded so much better.
Others to consider:
HK audio - I've heard a LUCAS 2000, very nice, but I was told that HK have had some problems with them (high failure rate). Saying that, this Saturday I was working with a band (on lights) that had were using their new Projector system, seemed to be handling the task nicely. The DEACON system has simular power but less throw, but can be run with just the mid / top's in full range (great for a small venue where you may only need to have vocals), or you can run with mid / tops plus a set of bass bins, or run the whole lot mid / tops with all 4 bass bins.
Martin Audio - The band I normally work for has a 30 year old Martin system, and it's still doing the bussness (does need a overhall). Built to last! The 'Blackline' systems are good, but again pricey, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Nexo - If you have to ask, you carn't afford it. Small speakers, massive sound.
As you've probably found out, you are spoit for choice, and we've only mentioned a few brands. There's plenty of 'Happy shopper' systems out there too (back to you get what you pay for).
I suggest you get to demo, or better let as a shop isn't always the best envioment to crank things up in, try out a system before parting cash.
I was receintly looking at buying a rig (downsizing the old Martin), I was thinking HK, but the EV / Dynacord demo impressed me.
Powered speakers are great, no amp racks / crossovers to worry about, just plug in and go. Great, until something goes wrong as you carn't just borrow an amp to get you thorough for example. That was some thing I liked about the D-lite set-up, as the mid / tops, and add on bass bins are passive, if the 'powercube' goes, you can still run iwth what you've got if you can get hold of an amp or two.
As said to downsize the Martin rig I was looking to go HK's DEACON or Projector, nither system is cheap.
Dynacord do a system that would suit my needs, the Xa. The catch it's £9000, ouch!
Failing that, you go passive, and just have conventinal amplifiers and crossovers / system controllers.
As I didn't get home till 2.30 am I think I'll leave it there, I hope some of it helped.
(Dear Santa, I've been very good this year, and I would like.........)
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The Sonic Energy Authority - a sound investment
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The Sonic Energy Authority - a sound investment
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