I've been looking for a new sound system for a while now, and I've done as much Café/internet/music store research as I can, but truth be told I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to these kinds of things. Also, most music stores and online stores don't cater to magicians much, obviously. I've narrowed my choice down to two different systems. I was considering a fender passport 250/500, but I rented a 250 and found that it was not as easy to pack around as I would have liked. It isn't unmanageable, but definitely awkward. I also found that although the sound filled the room nicely, it was a tiny bit "grating"... if that makes sense? I was told that it was because the passports only have 8" speakers, but I don't really understand how that works. Anyhow, back on track.

I plan on using the system mostly in school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and outside, if possible. I also plan on trying to listen to each set of speakers before I make a final decision, but I'm not sure how much you can tell by listening to them in the store without jacking them up, and like I said, I'm pretty clueless so I'm not sure that I would even notice the differences anyhow. In other words, I'm hoping some of you very knowledgable folks might have some experience with either of these systems and might be able to provide some added insight or maybe something to help me make a decision on which one to buy.

The first system is the JBL E-System 15. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/J......3SOSWXXA
From what I've heard and read this system sounds great. Also for technically incompetent people like myself, the 15" speakers means that you don't really have to fiddle with the EQ to "tailor" the sound to the room much. The speakers themselves are 46 lbs each, and I found that although I would be able to carry two at a time, it would be quite heavy over any kind of distance. But the question is, would this system be overkill for a typical magician's applications?

The second system is one that uses Behringer B212A's. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/B......u=630287
I had a chance to look at these speakers at a local music store. They are very compact and pretty easy to pack around at only 36 lbs a piece. I found a lot of reviews that spoke very highly of these speakers, especially at the price ($570 for the above system compared to $1750 for the JBL system)

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Unless you really need the ability to reproduce deep bass sounds from your music, I don't think you really need 15" speakers like the JBL Eon G2 15. As you've seen, they are quite heavy.

I haven't had the opportunity to use Behringer's speakers so I can't comment a lot on them but Behringer is known for lower cost equipment. Their mixers are a real bargain but get mixed reviews. Some people love them. Some people think they're unreliable.

I have two suggestions for sound equipment to look at. First, if you decide you don't need 15" speakers, I love my JBL Eon G2 10 speakers. They're the baby brothers of the 15" Eons and they are amazing for their size and light weight. Although they only have a 10" woofer, they reproduce bass amazingly well. They blow Passport systems away. If I remember correctly, they weigh in at very comfortable 23lbs.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/J......u=600403

If you still want to go with 12" powered speakers or 15" powered speakers, I suggest you check into Carvin. I had a pair of Carvin 15" powered speakers for a few years and they were fantastic for the money. (I had an older version of their powered speakers. The new ones are much lighter. The weight was why I sold the older ones.) They're made in the USA and Carvin's customer service is top notch.

Here's a link to their 12" speakers: https://www.carvin20.com/products/single.php?product=LM12A

Here's a link to their 15" speakers:
https://www.carvin20.com/products/single.php?product=LM15A

I was tempted to sell my JBL Eon G2 10 speakers and move to the Carvin LM12A speakers. (I just sold the 15" Carvins two weeks ago.) The 12" speakers seem to be the perfect compromise between size, power and music reproduction.

The JBL 10" speakers sound fantastic and are incredibly lightweight but I've done some outdoor festivals and a giant ballroom (26,000 square feet) and they just didn't fill the room quite enough. The 15" speakers were bought for those extreme circumstances but their weight made me avoid using them reqularly.

The 12" Carvins seem to be perfect for me but I just haven't found anyone who was serious about buying my JBLs so I haven't made any real moves yet.

The 10" Eons will definitely handle a good size gym and most ballroom/banquet facilities so, unless you really need the extra power and room filling capability, they might do the job for you. Of course, they cost more than the 12" Carvin speakers do!

Michael

By the way, the prices on Carvin's site are higher than in their catalog. (You can download the catalog on their site.) Also, they have free shipping on the speakers which is good because of their weight. (There is a $7.50 handling fee.)

Gee thanks Michael, more systems for me to consider...kidding, of course
I did actually look briefly at the JBL 10", but I had assumed that 12" Behringer speakers would sound a little richer, fuller, and just in general a little bit nicer. I figured that the JBL's would be higher quality and would last longer, but I was planning on taking care of whatever I got so I thought I'd go with whichever sounded better, but maybe that wouldn't be the Behringer speakers?

I went to the Carvin site, and it appears that they do not have any retailers in Canada... I'll check into some online reviews, but my preference would definitely be to try to listen to them first.

Thanks for your help!

Generally speaking, a 12" speaker should sound richer and fuller but it really depends on the speaker design and quality of components. I would recommend testing out the JBL 10" if you can because they are remarkable sounding for their size. I was doing a sound check with the JBL's in a hotel banquet room when a waiter asked the following question: "Do you have subs up there?" When I said no, he responded in a surprising tone with this: "You mean those little monitors are pumping out that much bass!"

I said yes and told him that's why I bought them. It turns out he was a musician working as a waiter in the off-season. He was really impressed.

That said, if I were starting over, I would likely go with the Carvin 12" or 15" speakers. A great price and I know how nice the sound was out of the older PM15A speakers I used to own.

I just talked to Sean at Carvin (ext. 114) and he said they do ship to Canada and they do offer the same 10 day return policy on the speakers. Just to give you an idea, I had him price a pair Carvin LM12A speakers with shipping and the total was $830.92 US.

If you want to check them out, give them a call and ask for Sean. He said it's better to talk to him directly than to order from the website.

Also, you should check their forum: http://www.carvinbbs.com/ Here's a thread where a musician said the LM15A's blew away the JBL Eon G2 15 speakers: http://www.carvinbbs.com/viewtopic.php?t=3791

Michael

P.S. I have no connection to Carvin other than really liking their stuff!

Hey, thanks! I've checked a few other reviews, and although there are not a lot of them, people seem to really stand by their Carvins, and I haven't seen any complaints yet. I'll definitely have to take a closer look. Thanks again!

If this helps, I use the following sets:

Peavy Guitar Amp - small shows up to 40 people. (AC/DC power)

Fender Passport 250 - School assemblies when I don't have a lot of time to set up. I can entertain a group of about 900 kids with this.

Crate Audio PX700 Powered mixer for my big shows when I have time to set up.

I use top of the line wireless microphones (Audio-Technicia UHF wireless set with Countryman E6 headset) DJ quality CD player, etc.

I like the Fender because it is one trip for the speakers and amp. The sound is good for most people's ears - I mean, I don't perform in a sound room. Malls, libraries and schools are naturally noisy and effect the sound quality anyhow.

I have 2 Cerwin Vega 12" 2 way main cabs. And if I need more bass far a bigger room. I have 2 18" Cerwin Vega Subs. That is a really good all around system. I am getting a couple smaller mains. For small shows that still need sound.

Hope this helps...

Trey

Hi!

I'm using a peavey escort 150w in my shows and it can be use even your audience is 300 person in a close door venue, I also have the be Behringer B212A, I can say that this is quite bulky if you're show would be a roll on and roll off show. this also has a lot of set up things to do, because of the mixer, cables, speakers and stand. in my shows, I always use my peavey escort.

I've got the JBL Eon system for my solo gigs and it really does the trick. I've been doing shows for a while now and this keeps things nice and simple. It does have a nice rich sound that will fill most rooms.

This is a powered speaker with two inputs. One for tunes (MD/CD) and the other for your mic. I was so impressed with it's sound the first time I heard it, I bought one the following week.

Steve

Biff:

I use a Bose L1 Model II system and it and I highly recommend it. This system will definitely meet your needs although it may be more than you're willing to spend.

http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIE......USICIANS

Doug

Biff:

I should have added that what appeals to me about this system is not only it's power but also it's portability. I am set-up and doing a sound check within ten minutes and that includes plugging in a wireless headset mic and an Mp3Tech.

Doug

I use the fender pd-150 in all of my school shows (gyms, lunchrooms, etc) and it is plenty powerful to reach even 500 students easily. And it's not very heavy. I also used the peavey escort mentioned above and while it sounds great, it is mighty heavy and bulky.

If you have any specific questions about my experience with either system - pm me.

Chad

To simplify setup/takedown and transport, I went with an Anchor "Explorer-Pro" amp/mixer. It has a built-in 16-channel wireless mic, too! Everything in one unit. Combine that with a Virtual Soundman "iCue2", and you're all set in about 5 minutes with one unit. For larger events and venues, it's my Peavey MP-4 with my 2 Peavey 112 speakers and the iCue2. That'll cover anything, and you can even combine the 2 units for MORE coverage. That way, you can use the Anchor as a monitor or center speaker, and the 2 Peaveys for the larger side speakers.

Steve

I also have the Fender Passport PD-250. The "PD" system sounds better than the older, "P" systems. Fender now has a new Passport series. The speakers are either Celestion or designed by Celestion, or something like that I think. I wonder how they compare with the "PD", Bose designed speakers?

I have a large system with EV speakers and a 24 channel mixer. It's powered by Crown power amps. I rarely use this unless I have a large outdoor music gig. I have a medium system alos, but I sold it several years back. I found the Fender works well in small-to-larger venues, so it's really about all I ever use anymore.

Regan

When I have lots of time to set up and I am performing in a large room I use the Fender PD150. For smaller rooms with not a lot of set up time, I use two Mackie SRM 150 speakers.

For both systems I use an Audio-Technicia UHF wireless headset.

I would also like to mention that use a MP3-Tech to control all my music cues.

Cheers,

Robert.