Motion Sound, Barbetta 31C

My friend, Hank The Lurker, received the Motion Sound amp from BeakyBird. I went to his house and listened to it, using Hank's PSR3000. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound. The bottom was very good and the tone was well-balanced thoughout the sound range. Remember the Beakster had replaced the original factory woofer with a better one.
It was markedly better than running the keyboard into a mono amp.
My opinion is that it would be very good for small jobs, using just the 3000 and the amp.
Hank also got a Barbetta Sona 31C, and we were both astounded at the quality and power of it. I believe the 32C probably has a longer "throw", particularly with the high end, but it would be hard to fault the 31 on sound quality.
To be fair, we just heard both systems in a small room, but I think we could have broken the windows with the Barbetta if we wanted, and the Motion Sound had enough power to damage eardrums also.
DonM

Don,

How would you compare the Motion Sound to the Logitech?

Tom

Been using this same Motion Sound KP100S setup (with replaced bass speaker) for all my smaller gigs (for well over a year) and continue to be very happy with the results. I prefer the portable Motion Sound system over the Logitech (or other 3 piece satellites (2) + sub woofer configuration speakers such as the Tyros MS01 or Yamaha YAMaha YST50's) because the KP100S's sound is projected directly into the audience. In addition, the KP100S is built rugged & setup quick, as there are no thin wires to get tangled up or broken. For a unit which will survive frequent daily gig transport/setup, I recommend the KP100S. - Scott

Lets not forget the $100.00 [z2200] vs $500.00+ [kp100] Cost ratio between the two units also

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-23-2004).]

Donny, I agree that the 'initial' cost out lay of 3 piece (2 satellite +1 subwoofer) system is substantially cheaper than the Motion Sound KP100S, but over the long haul, I think the KP100S a better deal ($ value), especially if you do a lot of small gigs regularly.

With 3 piece (2+1 subwoofer) systems, I've found it a continous hassle to have to deal with untangling their 1/8" ultra thin gauge wires which have a tendency to break & short out so easily, especially with repeated daily setup & breakdown. For occasional gigging the 2+1 setup is fine, but if you need a 'one piece' stereo lightweight portable PA unit for small venues (less than 50 people) which affords 'quick setup' & which can withstand the rigors of daily gig transport/setup, then imho, the Motion Sound KP100S remains the best $ value. - Scott

Ditto to what Scott said - I use my KP-100s extensively now, and I have not changed out the speakers: my amp is completely stock. I play a couple of small restaraunts that are very picky about sound volume and the KP-100s has impressed them so much (and me) that I decided not to switch out the bass speakers. Also, the KP-100s is comfortable to carry and I didn't want to add to the weight, and it fits in my car trunk perfectly. It's a great-looking stage accessory too.

I don't know anything about the Logitech speaker system other than what has been posted here, but again I would side with Scott on the KP-100s being a more professional unit with cartage and stage use in mind.

The Motion Sound is superior to the Logitech. The Logitech's very powerful bass hides a weaker midrange. With the Logitechs my vocals distorted at lower levels than with the Motion Sound. The Logitech gives you incredible bang for the buck, however.

If you only do a few smaller venues, then the Logitech is a good choice.

I'm so happy that Hank is happy with the amp I sold him.

Beakybird

Hank has a house? Come on Hank quit lurking and join the group.

I think the Logitechs sound better at low to medium volume. More "guts" to the bass. I would take either system to most small to medium jobs. Fortunately for us, there are lots of good options.
I still like my Peavey Escort a lot, but I like to hear the Barbettas so much it may be sacrificed.
Hank The Lurker is a little under the weather, but even as we speak, I know he will soon emerge from his closet to join the fun. Like me, he had severe Synthzone withdrawal when the forum went down.
When I told my wife the forum was back up, she said "Thank God, now you can stop staring at the empty screen."
DonM www.donmasonmusic.com

Scott at $54.00 each "after rebate" at Amazon I could buy 12 Logitech z2200 systems! The z2200 wires can be replaced with heavier gauge easily if needed. Also with the correct carrying bag its effortless & actually a pleasure to use this 3 piece unit.

Buying a NEW Motion Amp for around $650.00 http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--MOTKP100S

...and then when it arrives have to spend another $100.00 to replace the speakers because they don't sound good or give off "enough bass" as you did really bothers me...
Obviously Motion Sound thought their speakers were aduquate right or why did they use them?
For these few very small IN & OUT gigs the z2200's are more then enough.......all else which is 85% get the Big Guns my Barbetta Sona 32c www.barbetta.com

Jam On

DNJ: Good point. The Logitech does give you a lot of bang for the buck. There are more wires, however.

One can get a Motion Sound for a lot less than $650 (less than $500 I think) from Dan O'Neil at keyboardcity.net.

The replacement woofers that Scott and I put in our KP-100Ss are no longer available. I don't think the Eminence Beta woofers (that are available) have the same bass response.

It's true, Motion Sound, should have started off with a better woofer.

I do think that the Motion Sound is very weak on volume output for a 100 watt amp. I played a 100 watt Yorkville amp several times, and it is way way louder. My 100 watt Yamaha MSR100 speakers are way way louder.

On the other hand, I found that with vocals, the Logitechs started to distort at slightly lower volume levels than the KP100S.

If Motion Sound put a true 100 watt amplifier in their amp, and put in quality speakers to begin with, the Logitech wouldn't even be in its ballpark - but they didn't.

Beakybird