Have any of you had the opportunity to try out the Motion Sound Keypro KP-200S Keyboard Amp?
The rep for Motion Sound brought one into my store this morning and asked me to keep it and try it out for a few days and see how I like it.
I'm very impressed with it's power, sound, stereo imaging and the fact that it is made in the USA. It has a retail price of $1145.00 and a MAP price of $1030.00. It has 2 100watt RMS amps inside. There are 2 10" eminence beta 250-watt 8 ohm speakers speakers and 2 80 watt 3.5X3.5 Ferro cooled dynamic 8 ohm horns.
This amp can really produce high sound pressure levels without any distortion and with great bass if needed.
There are 2 stereo channels, each with treble, mid and bass controls and a knob called "expand" which controls the amount of the stereo spread between the speakers.
If you put the amp directly behind you, because of the design where each speaker is slightly angled away from the center, you hear perfect stereo and for those who don't want to loose any of the sound quality which is often lost when using a mono amp, you will be amazed at the stereo imaging this amp puts out.
It's not the lightest amp at 55lbs, but it is built like a tank.
There are XLR stereo outputs, an Aux Slave Output left and right which can be sent to additonal SL-200S slave amps for more power and speakers. There is a XLR MIC input on the back which goes to the second channel.
There are no effects in this amp but the sound is amazing.
I would be interested to know if any of you have tried or purchased this model.
I sell alot of low cost Behringer keyboard amps, Yamaha stagepas 300's and other powered monitors but I've not heard anything this good lately.
Now I've been spoiled with something really good I'll probably have to start stocking these, so I'd really like to know any opinions out there.
Thanks,



------------------
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

How does it sound with the Tyros and PSRs, George...they would greatly benefit from the stereo imaging.

55 lbs is a bit more than I would want, but some people don't mind that weight if the sound is impressive enough.

Ian

How does it compare to the KBR-3D combo for sound quality, George?

I know these are expensive, and weigh a ton, but my Pro-3T has been a great boon in getting a good recorded Leslie sound, and the 145 clone is pretty good too (heard a decent organist use one), but I've always hankered after a combo amp that did straight AND Leslie at the same time...

Wow! I didn't know it's been around since 2003!
I'm looking at the January 2008 price sheet and I see all the models.
There is a KP-100S which retails at $749 and sells for $674 MAP, a KP-80 which is about $50 less than the 80 but seems to be mono, not stereo and a KP-500SN which is 250 Watts per channel and MAPs at $1300.00.
My review is in total agreement with the older reviews linked to here.
Ian, I'm playing the PSRS900 and the PSRS700oriental through the Motion Sound and they sound great!
Thanks for the quick responses


------------------
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

The KBR-3D adds the Rotating Horn Channel and is more expensive. Looking at the pictures, the KBR-3D has all the controls on the front and it seems larger than the KP-200S which has all of it's controls on the top towards the back.


------------------
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

So, no direct experience comparing the two?

I just wondered, after the glowing review, whether the rest of the line matched up...

Anyone else?

Scott Yee and I owned the KP-100S, and while it had adequate bass response, it didn't have enough power.

I think the Motion Sound products are quite heavy. They should move from wood to injection molding of plastic to get the weight down.

In the meantime, I would rather deal with two 10" powered speakers.

The Motion Sound = 55 lbs for 200 watts for just over $1000.

My two FBTs cost a $100 or so more, and weigh 56 lbs together and give me 500 watts of power.

Two JBL Eon10s or Two Mackie SRM350s would deliver a lot more for the money and weight.

You can buy two Eon15s for about that price.

The whole idea of having two speakers in one chassis is for convenience and perhaps saving time setting up. But the convenience factor is gone if your having to heave tremendous weight.

I feel bad about dissing an American company. I'm sure that there is a niche for the KP-200S, but I don't know exactly what it is. I suppose that since it is called a "keyboard" amp, that there will be keyboardists who will gravitate towards it.

Beakybird

If I remember Scott Yee had to spend more money & switch speakers for better ones the minute he bought it for the lack of bass on the KP100s?
I used mine that I got from Hal for a few gigs and had to sell it ...I wasn't impressed at all with the sound.
Kind of expensive for what you get a big disappointment. ;(

George,

I own a KP-100, and I have tried the KP-200. IMO neither are worth the money, wholesale or retail. The quality was marginal at best, the speakers are garbage and easily blown, and if you open the case you will quickly discover there isn't $100 in total component parts inside. The only reason I keep the KP-100 is that it fits in the van with the other equipment and can be used in a pinch as a backup. It does not come remotely close to the sound quality of the Logitech Z-5500 system. Dan01 was selling them when he worked for Piano Man in Catonsville, Maryland, I hooked my PSR-3000 up to the system, and to me, it sounded just awful. At the time I was still using a pair of Barbetta Sona 32CS powered speakers, which were far superior in every respect.

Just my opinion,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

Yeah, I changed the speakers too. Even though performing is what I do for a living, it is also a hobby, so I didn't mind changing the speakers.

I was able to recoup the money because after I purchased it, Eminence discontinued the only speaker that could be swapped for the original. So I had a rare souped up version of the KP-100S. It wasn't too souped up though. The amp would distort at relatively low volumes. At soft volumes, it did sound real nice though.

Beakybird

I've always loved Motion Sound ...But the price point is not competitive. I'd rather have 2 powered speakers...

Is it me ? or it weird that after you spend your hard earned money at those ridiculous prices on a NEW KB amp....Then you have to immediately have to "CHANGE THE SPEAKERS" spending more money because they sound bad?

I have never heard any of the Logitech speaker systems, but this makes me want to listen to some somewhere. I respect Gary's opinions, so these must be decent. IMO I just can't imagine using such a setup, probably more for the wiring headaches than the amp or speakers. Oh well, what do I know?

The new Keyboard magazine has a full page ad with Joey DeFrancesco praising the Motion Sound KP200s. Gee Joey, no more Leslies and no moore B3's??? Somebody must have made him deals he couldn't refuse.

I guess it can be considered a bad investment. I had the Motion Sound amp for about 7-8 months. I tried to like it, but I was having too many shows where they were asking me to turn it up, and I couldn't.

Beakybird

I have the Motion Sound Keypro KP-200S Keyboard Amp. I bought it new from Dan 01 a couple of years ago and I am and have been super pleased with it. It is ideal to carry in the motorhome and has lostsa oomph for the street dances I get started in the RV parks. No complaints at all. They are easy to dial in and good stereo separation. I don't think it was overpriced for what Dan charged me for it
Besides it is lighter and easier to carry then either one of my Peavy KB 100's.
Bebop

I used HankB's Motionsound amp a couple of years ago. It was awful. I couldn't get it back to him quickly enough. He unloaded it asap.
Cassp, try the Logitechs. They sound great.
DonM

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/224&cl=us,en

Cassp,

A significant number of OMB entertainers are currently using the Z-5500 system in niteclub and restaurant settings. Some, including myself, swapped out the Center speaker only to improve the mid range sound level and quality.

In my case, I used an old Radio Shack speaker that sold for under $30. However, even without swapping the center speaker out, the sound quality is superb. Keep in mind this is a 550-watt RMS system that was orriginally designed for gamers. The peak power is 1,100-watts, the sub packs lots of punch at 188-watts RMS. The five satellites combined punch out 317-watts RMS.

If you decide to purchase the Logitech Z-5500 system, I suggest buying it from a retailer that has a liberal return policy. Most of the big box stores offer up to 15 days without a restocking fee as long as the merchandise is returned in the orriginal cartons and still in new condition.

Good Luck,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

Thanks for the link, Donny. Has anyone thought of mounting these speakers on a single pole, ala Bose PAS? I'm wondering if that would give the stereo separation many seek and yet provide an easy setup.

I have never had good results with a 10" speaker of any sort. Maybe as a sub for a smaller system as the Z5500 it would be OK, but my 2 CM30's with an EV Sb1120a sub give me more than I need for a small setup and my Mackie system for larger groups is primo.

Sorry I kind of hijacked this from the original MS KP200s topic. I don't think 55 lbs. is too much for a decent amp, especially if it is stereo and sounds good. Unfortunately, the MS KP series doesn't seem to sound as good as many would like. Umph...

If you're gonna go thru all the trouble to go stereo and want a one-piece winner, why not go back to the Roland Stereo Chorus series. There are two amps in the series that would seem to do everything that's been mentioned. Also consider the Roland AC-90.

Mea culpa, I think my prejudice boils down to two words - packaging and design. I'm sure if the Z5500 was a neat 2 or 3-piece tolex-covered package sold in music stores, I would be more apt to try it and use it.

And again, let's remind ourselves we're talking about smaller venues, not overcrowded banquet rooms with hundreds of people. I don't think I can buy into it, but I see the value others may find in it.

cass ... you got mail ....
t.

I believe Gary Diamond was working on a Logitech Z5500 system mounted on a pole like the Bose PAS. I believe he simplified the connections to make setup and teardown a breeze. Any news on this Gary?

Tom

Friends,
Tony just sent me plans for a revolutionary new speaker/amplification system. We're going into business together and will announce our new product at the summer NAMM.

Oh, it isn't April 1st? ...just kidding.

Actually, T sent me some pics and info of his Z5500 setup. Very nice.

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/016782.html


Here is a picture of Gary's Custom Z5500 setup

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 04-23-2008).]

Cassp,

Check out the link DNJ posted above and you'll see how my Z-5500 is set up.

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

I give all of you who use the Logitech setups a lot of credit. The specs and your praises certainly speak well for the system. But, as I've confessed, the appearance and design are not my cup of tea. Unfortunately, I am truly prejudiced when it comes to this topic. Good luck to you all.

In all of my playing life I have only owned one amp that completely knocked my socks off - an Ampeg B-18N back in the late 60's and early 70's - and I used it with a Farfisa Combo Compact with pedals. And of course, I really liked my Leslie 145 too.

Though I was originally enthusiastic about the KP100S, after about a year using it for the small gigs, I ended up selling mine because of its lack of power for it's heavy weight. I concur with Beakybird's suggestion of switching from wood to injection molding of plastic to get the weight down. For the smallest gigs, I continue to use a pair of Bose 161's with Yamaha subwoofer and find it adequate.

I purchased the Z5500's a long while back but returned them because it severely lacked mid-range output & presence so critcally required for vocals. In addition lack of a place to mount the satellites speakers + thin wiring made it awkward to setup & position optimally.

Gar, your new innovative Z5500 setup approach with added 'mid range speaker' atop the sub with satellites mounted on each side seems now to be the one piece SOLUTION for the small-medium rooms. I'm really anxious to hear more about this setup.

1) What brand/model mid ranger speaker are you utilizing?
2)What is the total weight of this setup and how long does it take to setup & breakdown? 3) How large of room (and number of people) do you think this can handle?

Thanks.

Scott



------------------
Scott Yee Entertainment

Scott
Nice to see you back. Your website is looking good to....some very nice updates and demos.
Eddie

I'm sure if the Logitech's had the word Bose written on the side, and cost ten times as much, you would all have a MUCH higher opinion of it...

Cassp, is that Ampeg the flip-top? If it is, I love them. got one I just refurbed. Also, have a 145 and a 147RV. They're two of my all-time favorites. Sadly, let my Farfisa go 10 years ago. The C-1 has a pretty good simulation.

R.

Scott good to have you back on SZ again. You were truly missed. Hope you stay awhile & join in the discussions. Whats new in your musical West Cost world lately?

Scott,

Unfortunately, the speaker is no longer produced by Radio Shack, but most similar speakers will work just fine. It's a pair of 5-inch, 8-ohm speakers housed in a lightweight wooden cabinet. Setup time for the sound system alone is less than three minutes. I'm in the process of modifying the plug in the back to a flat 9-pin connector, which will cut the setup time to less than a minute for the sound system.

Good to see you posting again,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

Scott, welcome back. Stick around and join in the reindeer games.

Russ, yes it was the flip top Portaflex. Yeah, it was a great amp, wish I had one now. Way back, I had a chance to buy a Vox Westminster bass with two 18" cabs. I passed on it because I was downsizing - should have bought it. I think that would have been one helluva sound, even with only one cab.

It has nothing to do with it saying Bose or Logitech.

I own the Z-5500, and I wouldn't think of taking it out on a gig unless my main speakers failed.

Look at the speakers. They're made of thin plastic. There are five of them. They got a lot of thin wires sticking out of them.

Whether it said Bose or Rolls Royce, the Z-5500 looks like a home audio system. It doesn't portray professionalism like a powered speakers do.

Also, from my experience, home audio systems do not produce the same volume per watts that a professional powered speaker delivers. My Eon10s were a lot louder than my Logitechs. I can turn up my Logitechs all the way in our small den, and it sounds loud, but not overpowering. If turned up two Eon10s all the way in my den, it would be uncomfortably loud.

Beakybird

Scott
Come on back and join the fun. You have been missed by me too.
Bernie

Yes, it is very nice to see Scott post on the forum. He is a good, albeit long distance, friend.

Beakybird

USE WHAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS, whether it be based on looks, size, color etc. ....but...
A number of folks have resolved the wire issue by converting to 1/4" plugs and wrapping the wires in a 'harness'.

Do the latest Bose speaker systems look less professional than big box speakers just because they are small ?!?!?

I thought speakers were judged on their sound, NOT their looks - except perhaps if you are playing in rock clubs, where I guess the SIZE of the speakers matter to the audience ...

I don't know about volume per watts, and no doubt some other speakers are louder, but I know I wouldn't turn up my 5500s all the way in my house for fear of shattering a window, not to mention the eardrums of the dogs across the street ...

I also know that I am very often complimented on the sound, and I use the 5500s almost exclusively ...

BUT ... that's why they make vanilla, chocolate, and all the rest ...

t.

PS ... Scott Yee ... good to have you back ....
t.

I agree with everything Tony just posted. Watts are watts--it's not rocket science. And, during the past decade sound systems have changed dramatically. Speaker cabinets are quite a bit lighter, made from composite materials instead of heavy particle board, the speakers are much smaller, but have significantly more travel, and the sound quality has improved by an incredible margin. Size is no longer a factor, and anyone that has owned those old monster speakers and switched to smaller, lighter speakers knows this is a fact. Clarity has really improved over the past decade, and sound dispersion is beyond anyone's wildest dreams when compared to just five years ago.

As for appearance--it's a non-issue. No one has ever said to me "Wow! Those monster speakers really look good and sound great." And that was when I was playing with speakers that required a forklift to get them into the venue.

For those that think those tiny speakers cannot push enough air--think again. THEY ARE THE FUTURE OF SOUND SYSTEMS. Keep in mind that 24 3-inch, long-throw speakers probably move considerably more air than two 15-inch standard-throw speakers. And, the new, space-age materials that today's speaker cones are made of punch out far more sound than paper cones of just five years ago. Welcome to the new world of sound systems.

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

I sold my Z5500 system to a friend who bought them for his son's Play Station game console. I just couldn't get into them sound wise. The lack of Mid-range & Boomy Bass was the deal breaker for me. I am now looking at FBT & Yorkville powered speakers

[This message has been edited by John DiLeo (edited 04-23-2008).]

I suppose that swapping the middle speaker and changing the cables would make the Z-5500 much more gig-worthy.

In the senior circuit that I am doing, sound quality matters much more than appearance. I am sure that the appearance of the Z-5500 would not be an obstacle to a musical career.

For myself, I prefer the ruggedness, simplicity, and yes, looks of two powered speakers.

Beakybird

John ... What kind of gigs/jobs do you play?
thnx,
t.

Tony do you still have & gig/job with the Kn6500?



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 04-23-2008).]

Thanks for the welcome back guys, but I've not actually been away. Though I've been kept busy both wood shedding and gigging, I still do find time to peak in here a couple times a week. Tyros2 continues to satisfy my needs and keeps my audience (and me) happy. Though I still bring along the MusicPad Pro, I rarely ever fire it up on the gig these days as I've now nearly all my songs 'in my head' or have lyrics/chords automatically pop up on the T2's LCD screen allowing me to quickly call any song (100's) stored in my registration bank file collection. I've also expanded my repetoire and target audiences to not only include seniors but the 35-45 age group too, featuring more 80's and 90's and 2K songs as well. Still utilizing my EV SxA100 PA system for medium large venues and the Bose 161's with Yamaha sub for small rooms, but still plan eventually to upgrade (but perhaps too lazy, or simply tight, to write the check) to get the most impressive natural & smooth sounding sounding(at least to my ears) PA speakers: EV360's

In addition to my regular gig schedule, I've got a special corporate sponsored fund raising event coming up in May which I'm really looking forward to: Best Of Walnut Creek at Boundry Oaks

Scott

The older we get, the lower the average volume level, the cheaper or weirder the sound system can be.

Try to put out a club level sound pressure with any of these toy systems, and you are going to get a whole new appreciation of THD (if you even know what that is)...

Clean is clean. Flat is flat. Most speakers can achieve this. But ONLY up to a certain sound pressure level. Then componentry, cabinet design, amp design, crossover design and a host of other factors can screw up what starts out as a great sound.

Most of the 'PA wars" that go on here go on between people that can have VASTLY different volume requirements and expectations, and lead to a lot of bitter nonsense. Be aware that, even if a toy system (or, to be more kind, a 'home theater' system) sounds good to you, crank it to the point where YOU think it will blow out the windows, and it's overall tone balance and distortion characteristics will have changed dramatically. To you, maybe it's just noise, but to someone who NEEDS that pressure level, it HAS to be MUSIC....

I have a friend that once played in a four piece country band. At the beginning of his performances he would come up to the mic and at the top of his lungs would yell "Lets git this party goin'. We ain't good--but danmed we're loud!" Most of the poor or marginal players I've come across over the years were in the same category. Those that could not read an audience if their lives were at stake would slowly but surely crank up the volume to rediculously high levels in hopes of garnering some type of crowd response. Same was true with DJ's that couldn't put anyone on the dancefloor because they were playing Hip Hop to an audience of 50 to 70 year olds--crank up the volume until it drove everyone out of the venue.

Diki, have you ever tried the Logitech Z-5500 system? You'll find that even at Boost 11, which is the highest volume setting, the system does not distort. But, it will blow out the windows. I wouldn't classify the Logitech systems as toys, either. But, this is getting silly. I'm not going to convince you that small speakers are here to stay and that sound systems are changing--you'll have to discover this on your own.

Good Luck,

Gary

Hi Tony,

I dont play out as of yet. But I am diligently working on my chops, reading all the tips here, auditioning sound gear & hopefully I can start slowly to start fulfilling my dream of playing for people in due time. Tony do you play out at this time also?

Gar, other than simply the diameter (5 inch) and ohm rating, I would expect its "cross over frequency" would affect the resulting sound quality too, so please:

suggest a specific 'make-model' mid range speaker alternative to the discontinued Radio Shack one you're using?

Does your mid speaker cab simply sit atop the sub, or is it secured in some way (via removeable industrial strength velcro?) to it? Also curious what the strap(?) hanging down over the subwoofer speaker for?

At $200, your Z5500 setup surely seems like one terrific 'bang for the buck' solution especially for casual house party settings & short perf time situations where quick setup/breakdown is essential. I admit it isn't a pro looking setup, but if it really delivers decent sound, that's what matters most for these kind of venues. Gar, thanks again for sharing your innovative ideas with us and keep us posted when you got the 9 pin connector setup. - Scott

Scott....

I use this company many times for speaker replacements, etc, etc, ...
http://www.partsexpress.com/speakers.cfm

They have a very knowledgeable support team also for advice also. Check it out.

Scott,

Unfortunately, I don't have all the specs on the Radio Shack speaker, however, you may want to check with the technicians at http://www.simplyspeakers.com and they may be able to render some assistance. Also, Pose replaced his mid speaker as well and says it made a world of difference. Might want to give him a call or drop him an Email.

As for the Pro-Look--I don't think it's an issue. Most audience members do not look at your speaker setup, and if they did the vast majority wouldn't have a clue. The setup is quite clean, no clutter, no stands to contend with and the mini-tower is held firmly in place with a patch of Industrial Strength Velcro.

Good Luck,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

How about these babies!!

$250,000
1700lbs each!!!
http://tinyurl.com/4vzhph

Jerry

As i've said, I give all of you Logi people lots of credit. You do your best to make your setups look GOOD. Pro? I can't say so, but IMHO attaching those plastic enclosures to a board isn't my idea of 'pro. Cudos for the wiring improvements and everything else, but IF I were to use this Z setup I would want to put the Zspeakers in a cabinet similar to Gary's middle channel cab. Three of those, left-center-right could be stacked or paneled and LOOK more commercially pro. Audiences may not make an issue of a good looking setup, but...

I'm sorry if I offend any of you good people here. That's not what I'm about. If you like the Logitech system, use it and enjoy it. It's just not my cup of tea.

John, Yes, I do ...
Diki ... granted, I don't play "clubs" anymore ... but the 5500s serve me very well for CC dance halls with 150 people + ...

As for the 'pro' look of speakers. does the Bose PAS qualify as a "pro" looking spkr system ???

Donny ... not a kn6500 ... I have the kn6000. and yes still using it very well ...

t.

The Motion Sound review from one of the trade magazines:

PRO’S: Wide, clear sound, compact size. Subwoofer out makes it possible to build a scaleable system.
CON’S: Only two pairs of inputs. No tilt-back feature. No effects loop.
BOTTOM LINE: An excellent choice for small venues.

When we reviewed the KP-100S’s big brother (KP-200, Feb. ‘03), we praised its big, beefy sound and deceptively wide stereo imaging. I’m pleased to say those two attributes are found in the little guy as well. As you’d expect, the 100-watt KP- 100S won’t get quite as loud as its 200-watt sibling, nor will it provide quite as large a stereo field, but it delivers impressively on both counts.

Active EQ can boost or cut each frequency band, and though the panel is labeled with values from 1—10, the number 5 is replaced by the letter N indicating “nominal” or no boost or cut. The EQ points are well chosen and musical. It was easy to clear up muddy Rhodes and Wurly sounds, and equally easy to fatten up thin-sounding imitation analog synth sounds. But not at the same time, as the KP-100S’s EQ is global. Big bottom spoken here: The amp is roughly the size of a Fender Princeton, and sounds completely at home pumping out fat synth basses, concussive kick drums, you name it. Well done. If you need even mo’ bottom, there’s a jack out back that passes all signal below 100Hz to any powered subwoofer (like Motion Sound’s SW-IS at $949).

The stereo expander sounds to me like it’s been slightly enhanced since the KP-200, but perhaps the effect is simply more noticeable because the 100’s cabinet is smaller — the stereo width defies the dimensions of the box even more. As before, this effect is best used sparingly and works its magic only with stereo inputs. At extreme settings, a slight hollowness makes itself known.. Mono sounds stay resolutely mono no matter what you do.

The mic input (dynamic mics only — no phantom power) offers the singing pianist or duo the opportunity to forgo the P.A. on small gigs. There’s enough gain to give a saxophone a little help (Saxes are pretty dang loud anyway) and more than enough to get a vocal out over a digital piano. The mic input has a dedicated volume control, something the 200 lacked. An effects loop would make that solo or duo act sound even better, but no such luck.

The left and right XLR outs make the 100S useful as a two-keyboard mixer/stage monitor, but I want a tilt-back feature too. With the amp on the floor, you’d need ears below your knees to hear any high end. A stand socket would be even better, but.— the story is the same as with the KP-200: The internal baffle board that separates the two speakers is exactly where you’d want the socket.

The KP- 1 OOS continues Motion Sound’s unbroken streak of creating solid, great-sounding keyboard amps that offer something you can’t get on competing models. Try one out for yourself, with my hearty recommendation.

KEN HUGHES

Scott,

I’ve been using EV’s for many years now. I currently own the S-100’s, S-200’s (long-throw) with sub-woofers, SX-300’s, and the SC-80-BP speakers for “side-fill.”

They are excellent sounding speakers, but I’m finding although they have good crystal-clear coverage, they don’t give me any depth of sound. I only use them for smaller rooms.

Lately I’ve been listening to the Mackie 450’s. Although they sound a bit muddy next to EV’s I admire the power they (the Mackie’s) put out for dancing. I have to set up two S-200’s and two S-300’s to match what Mackie puts out in just two speakers.

One thing that DID help a lot was my amp head. I went into the music store to buy a new QSC high-power rack mount amp and was all set to plop my money down when I saw an aberration sitting on the shelf. A DYNACORD POWERMATE 1000 MIXER/AMPLIFIER. I tried it and was blown away by what it did for those EV’s…woke them right up. And the amp is rated at only 500 W.

The amp weighs quite a bit (appx 50 lbs.) but I won’t go out the door without it now. I’m eventually going to listen to the 450’s Version 2 that just came out and consider buying those if they’ve managed to clear out that muddiness.

Lucky

Lucky, I concur with your keen comparison analogy here. I too owned the Mackie 450's but had to return them more because of their awkward size & balance & slick surface, making them difficult to easily transport. In fact my first gig with them required me draggging them up 2 flights of stairs leaving me a aching backs for two weeks.

My venues are primarily acoustic in nature and usually more geared to listening than dance oriented so perhaps that's the reason I prefer the EV's for their clarity of sound vs hyped omph needed for dance club venues.

Great to hear your discovery that the DYNACORD POWERMATE 1000 MIXER/AMPLIFIER has brought added omph and life to your EV's giving you the best of both worlds now. Congratulations.


Scott

One thing to always try out in a store, when you comparison shop for speakers is their efficiency. Rather than have to buy a monster power amp to drive a set of low efficiency speakers, just set up a test CD into a powered mixer, and start plugging in different speakers without touching ANYTHING.

You'd be amazed at how much difference in volume different speakers, even ones from the same manufacturer, put out given the same power IN...

All other things being equal, efficient speakers will save you a fortune in high power amps, and these are usually the heaviest thing to lug around...