Cheap PA speakers?

[kenrhodes]

I'm looking to build or buy something to host a reception outdoors. There will be 200 people attending and I will need to do the reception announcements and some background music. These from radio shack get great reviews but I am skeptical.http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...howFullReviews

I am curious if there are any diy designs that are cheep that could handle up to 300w rms and cover a crowd of that size. I have been looking at the Volt series, econowaves and the blastoramas cabrini MTM. would any of these work? Any others?

Maybe someone knows of a off the shelf product that could fit the bill or if anyone has any experience with the radio shack speakers.

Thanks for the help.

[Sydney]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

Budget?

get great reviews -but I am skeptical

To be expected - to meet that price point...
Nothing that resembles tech specification.
It's their site so of course reviews will be glowing.

[kenrhodes]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

$200 would be ideal but I might be able to go up to $300 if I need to.

[Sydney]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

$200 would be ideal but I might be able to go up to $300 if I need to.

I'd take a long look at the used market.

reception outdoors. There will be 200 people attending and I will need to do the reception announcements and some background music.

As a point of reference: this is a restaurant/B&B run by some friends who host functions of a similar nature and crowd size,

Musicians and small bands play under the tent ( far L ).
They have used a pair of JBL monitors ( model# unknown, but utilized the "Baby Cheek" tweeters ) for many of these functions and background music.
If you look around you can likely find a better grade speaker or a demo/refurb. from a high end dealer.
Don't waste money on a cheap speaker, even a 300 dollar build would be better than those RS.

[kenrhodes]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

I figured used would be the best way but I have had a hard time finding any thing less then $200 and it is older then I am and thankfully I'm holding up better.
I also went to guitar center to look at there stuff and I do like the idea of some of their powered monitors but the salesmen left me before he answered my questions or demoed anything. Couldn't believe he wouldn't even turn the stuff on... told me throw out my amps everything is going powered....worst experience at a store ever.

[Sydney]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

Yeah often deals pop up when you are NOT looking for them.
Not surprised by the GC experience - probably a guy working on sales commission with little or actual background knowledge or experience.

[Melby Audio]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

On a tight budget, I have heard these, and they sound pretty decent:

http://www.parts-express.com/peavey-pr-10-10-2-way-molded-enclosure-pa-speaker-system--248-830

Peavey stuff tends to be solid on a budget. I have seen JBL monitors used in that price range too. Keep an eye on Craigslist.

Edit: Forgot to say, don't buy RS PA junk!!!!

[Brian Steele]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

told me throw out my amps everything is going powered...

Well, one of the big advantages of "going powered" is that supposedly the amplifier and the speakers its driving are properly matched (particularly if there's DSP involved to get a bit more out of those speakers)...

Me, I'm still inclined to the "separates" model, particularly as it's likely a lot easier to replace one of those separates if it gets damaged.

Is your budget just for speakers, or is amplification included?

[zhillsguy]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

What about these? For an extra $50......

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/msg/4441972801.html

[Brian Steele]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

What about these? For an extra $50......

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/msg/4441972801.html

That looks like a pretty decent price if you're getting two of them and they are in good working condition. Bear in mind that each cab is pretty heavy though.

[Sydney]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

Well, one of the big advantages of "going powered" is that supposedly the amplifier and the speakers its driving are properly matched ...

Jorma Kaukonen features artists in a series of concerts recorded at the his Fur Peace Ranch. Located in Pomeroy (Southeast Ohio). His 200 seat concert hall uses a pair of Mackie powered cabs and Mackie powered subs.
They sound just fine - but they are NOT the cheapest cabs available.

[Brian Steele]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

I have been looking at the Volt series, econowaves and the blastoramas cabrini MTM. would any of these work? Any others?

I've used my Blastoramas to provide "background music" at a few hashes (we usually get between 150~350) people at each hash). Of course, the question here is what volume do you consider to be "background music" level . I haven't tried making announcements over them though, and you WILL definitely need to use a separate woofer unit with them, because on their own they are only good down to about 100 Hz or so. Having said that you could build a pair and build two THs using the PA310 driver and still be below $300 in expenditure (excluding the wood)). Going with an off-the-shelf PA speaker from the used market will likely be a lot easier and quicker, and easier to return if it does not fit the bill .

[Brian Steele]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

Jorma Kaukonen features artists in a series of concerts recorded at the his Fur Peace Ranch. Located in Pomeroy (Southeast Ohio). His 200 seat concert hall uses a pair of Mackie powered cabs and Mackie powered subs.
They sound just fine - but they are NOT the cheapest cabs available.

My cousin also used Mackie powered units in his club, so I can attest to their ability to fill a space. I believe that they've stopped functioning however.

[Sydney]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

Here's a pic of the venue pre show

Unfortunately, couldn't really examine the system details.
The shows are video and audio recorded - WOUB distributes his audio program.

https://woub.org/listen/furpeaceranch

The stage is used as part of the on-site camp for music lessons with featured artists.

https://www.furpeaceranch.com/

[kenrhodes]

Re: Cheap PA speakers?

I called on a few used systems and sent out some e-mails still no luck the search continues...