Hello

So, after buying the PSR2000 my thoughts are now moving to amplification. I want to get about the best sound I can with my new axe. I have an older Peavey KB-300 which sounds ok and weighs a ton. The previous discussion on Barbetta speakers weighing only 36.5 lbs got me thinking. So, I decided to hit three stores one day and see what things sounded like. I wondered if I really needed a 15" and a horn to sound good or if current technology has changed enough where smaller and lighter will work. I was right. Wharfedale 10" (or possibly 12") with horn wins!!! Its the new EVP-S series. They only weigh about 32 lbs and are very reasonably priced, about $150 apiece, AND sounded the best of the PA speakers to boot!!!!

This is a suprise for me who comes from the old school of thought to look for names like Fender, Peavey etc. Not so anymore to my ears.

Here is my rating line-up:

1.Wharfedale (see above reasons)
2.Roland KC500 (great sound but too bulky)
3.Yamaha (I thought these had great sound until I heard the Wharfedales)
4.Mackie (pretty good sound but price and weight not to my liking)
5.Community (Seemed ok but no name recognition for me)
6.Peavey (last place. worst sound. sounded jumbled)

All of these were tried at flat settings. I tried the 10", 12" and 15" were applies on the ones I was most interested in.

So, this is a suprise to me. How about y'all? No Wharfedale head available right now but is on the way.

This brings up my next question: What size head do I need? I play mostly small and medium sized rooms but occasionally play quit large rooms or halls. The largest I have played in is the Navy Museum here in Pensacola, Florida. This place is hugggge!! I used my Peavey KB300 here (about 150 watts I think) had the master on about 7 or 8 and the seperate channels on about 1 1/2. The comment I heard most that night was I was too loud. So, with that in mind, any ideas? What brand and model etc.?

Also, a question regarding mono vs stereo. Someone on the forum just recently mentioned that stereo sounded more realistic. I kind of like the stereo idea for my ears (I think) and also I plan to record live into a tape deck. I tend to play better live and unreheased. If I get something good I want to make some CD's on my Sound Forge or Cool Edit at 24/96 through my Mia sound card. However price is now an issue, but if it sounds great I probably would get stereo or at least have that option. BUT, a knowledgeable salesperson pointed out he would never recommend a stereo PA head because people in the audience would not hear the same signal and would be missing some of the sound depending on location. If this is true and it seems like it would be, can I still record in stereo on a mono PA head?

Thanx again for your input.

Scott Langholff