Zuki points out something we rarely talk about here... sound quality versus volume. Every piece of gear has an optimal area. And the differences in volume (and clientèle and location) are often drastic between us. To the point that no recommendation can ever be a sure bet until you have seen and heard the gear at the volumes and locations that you tend to play at. Or, to be more accurate, at the LOUDEST volume and location you are ever likely to play at!

This is where the rubber meets the road..! If your gear can't handle your loudest jobs, what do you do? Hire another PA? Buy another PA? Or buy what handles the loudest, and use it 100% of the time, even if it is a bit heavier (or a LOT heavier )?

That's the decision we all have to make (except the home players!).

Me, I tend to gear up for the loudest. At least, with that, if I get real band gigs, my gear can handle it. If I geared up for OMB NH and cocktail levels, I could never put a band through it (or cover a large noisy club), and would have to buy a SECOND PA. Waste of money, IMO. If all I did was NH OMB, I'd probably be right there with a stereo Compact rig. But until then, I've got to account for the high end of the volume needs first...