Lets be realistic guys and gals, ALL sound systems have limitations, no question about it. However, Diki is dead wrong about the DJs, at least in the places I've traveled recently. The vast majority of the DJs, and KJs, which seem to be displacing DJs lately, have switched to Bose L1s with a single sub, and I personally know of three DJs that have switched to a pair of compacts and got rid of their monster speakers and poles. These guys play some huge venues, Martins West, Martins East, Overlea Hall, locations that hold several hundred people in a single room. They play more weddings than any group I know of, and they often perform for the younger crowds.

Some of the largest cathedrals in Baltimore's metropolitan area have the new Bose systems installed, systems that consist of 4 towers on the wall, and 2 subs beneath the stage. Several theaters and churches in Washington, DC have the same Bose system and rave about the coverage and sound quality.

When I was in North Carolina, during my voyage to the Florida Keys, I encountered two bands using a single Bose L1 Mod II system and the Bose mixer. They were performing in large yacht clubs and sounded fantastic.

At the Fernandina Beach Yacht Club I saw a pair of compacts sitting on the stage while I enjoyed a fantastic lunch of fresh mahi-mahi. Here in Marathon Key, Florida's Dockside restaurant there was a keyboard player working with a 5-piece band that was using a single compact and a G-70. The following night at the same location there was a KJ using an L1 with a single sub. Dockside isn't a large venue, probably measuring about 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. However, it typifies most of the venues where most of us that play the nite-club circuit usually perform. None of us are playing Carnagie Hall, Ravens Stadium, Grand Ol Opre, etc..., and bringing our own sound systems.

Nationally, there are a huge number of veteran performers that have switched to Bose L1, L1 Mod II and L1 Compacts. I personally know performers in a dozen states that are full-time entertainers, individuals that have been in the business for decades, who have switched from conventional sound systems to Bose vertical array systems. I made the switch from Barbetta Sona 32-SC 450-watt RMS powered speakers after hearing Uncle Dave's Bose L1 at a Philadelphia restaurant. Both the sound and coverage were incredible. The Barbettas sounded very good, and DNJ was using them at his Thursday Night Dance back then. The Bose L1, however, sounded much, much better.

As noted by myself, DonM and several other entertainers, there are a lot of sound system manufacturers that are trying to copy Bose with vertical array systems. Some have come pretty close, but I think it will be sometime before they produce a system with the Bose sound quality and incredible coverage aspects.

Over the years, there have been members of this and other forums that thought if you had a sound system that produced "ear bleed" volumes, that it was a requirement to pack a dance-floor. I've never agreed with that concept. I always contended that the best way to capture the attention of your audience was to provide them with the highest quality sound of music they wanted to hear, and dance to. Many years ago, DNJ said to me "If they can't dance to it - don't play it." I have adhered to that policy ever since, and I sincerely believe it has made me quite successful.

I sincerely believe that in the ensuing years you will see more and more groups/bands/OMBs/etc... using vertical array systems. Conventional sound systems will likely become a thing of the past within a decade, or less - even at the largest, outdoor concerts. Now, I could be dead wrong - but I don't think so.

Merry Christmas everyone,

Gary