Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these "Hot Spot" type monitors:

Galaxy Hot Spot PA5X140 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HotSpotPA/

Yamaha MS 202II http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-MS202II-i64531.music?source=froogle

Roland CM30 Cube http://www.zzounds.com/item--ROLCM30

I've heard the Galaxy, it sounds bad, like low grade AM radio. I've also heard the Roland Cube, sounds pretty good. Haven't had the chance to hear the Yamaha.

To the best of my knowledge, these are the only ones of this type. Anyone know how the Yamaha and Roland might compare sound-wise?

Glenn

The Galaxy Hot Spots do sound awful if you try to put full-range audio through them, but they are extremely powerful and functional if you use them solely for vocal monitors. For those times when a vocalist wants true in-your-face power, you can plug a mic into this and then into the FOH board and stick the Hot Spot on a mic stand right next to the singer. Good for deaf divas.

The Yamahas MS-202II's are near-field studio monitors and sound very good for full range audio. They aren't very powerful but they sound great and are a bit pricey if memory serves correct.

I have no experience with the Rolands...

You're right...the Galaxy is only good for vocal monitoring, but it does a good job for that. I use it and a non-powered Galaxy for our trio, with two singers.

In a pinch, I have used a Roland cube 30 guitar amp, which I think has the same specs as the monitor, but with one channel and built in effects. Not really very loud.

Often, I use a Peavy Minx with active eq. It has good range. I use a kick-back kind of stand. Mostly, I use this outside, since it's old, and if it gets damaged, is no big deal. Suprisingly, I like this better than the Galaxy and the Roland...better bass response and durable as a tank.

Russ

Thx Jim, good to see you back on the forum.

Glenn