Help us choose a sub

ashbory · #1 03-04-2011, 05:29 PM

My classic rock cover band has been gigging with a Yorkville powered sub, but now we want to buy our
own sub or subs. We are not what I consider a loud band, and the bars we play are small, around 50 people.

The unit we rent is the LS720P, 700 watt with 15" speaker. It fills out the low end, but doesn't kick you in the chest or
shake the walls or anything like that.
http://www.yorkville.com/products.as...9&cat=2&id=369

It works ok for us, but for the price ($1000) we want to look at
some other options.

So our wish list in short is this:
- as good sound quality as the Yorkville, but more output wouldn't hurt
- can be moved by one person if necessary (maybe two units?)
- under $1000

We only use one channel of our power amp for our main speakers, so one is available for sub(s):

8 Ohms 750 Watts per channel
4 Ohms 1200 Watts per channel

The main speakers are Yorkville E358 (12" plus horn), 60-16,000Hz +/- 3dB
http://www.yorkville.com/products.as...1&cat=31&id=11

Any suggestions?

cableguy · #2 03-04-2011, 05:40 PM

If you are handy with tools you can build your own using plans from BFM or fEarful. Go to speakerhardware.com and look at the options. I built a 12/6 bass cab that thumps and weighs 40lbs. I'm going to add a 12/sub cab for future. I can use it under my bass cab or for PA. Check out the fEarful threads and you can find the plans. A sub with
2X15 would weigh under 100lbs and destroy small clubs with enough power.

walker rosewood · #3 03-04-2011, 08:14 PM

If you're willing to spend $1000, then I'd say buy the same yorkville model. If you've been using it and have been happy with it then I think anything cheaper would be not fulfilling.

If you're looking for something better that also cost $1000...IME Yorkville is top quality stuff and decent price points. Maybe somebody else will suggest something but I don't think you'll get more value for your money.

MuzikMan · #4 03-05-2011, 06:21 AM

I don't think you'll do any better for the money unless you are willing to DIY.

Zooberwerx · #5 03-05-2011, 07:46 AM

Again, another vote for Yorkville. i have two of the el-cheapo Performance Series folded horn 18's powered by either a dedicated QSC RMX 1450 or 2450...think I have $600-700 in the rig. Won't kick you in the chest but it will fill out a large venue with no problem. I stuck removable casters on the enclosures but I can pick one up without bustin' a nut.

As always, buy used and locally if possible.

Riis

ashbory · #6 03-05-2011, 08:33 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I like the idea of home-built, it sounds like fun too, but right now we just don't have the time.

I have no problem with sticking with Yorkville, but since we have an amp channel available, I figure we can save some cash if I go with a passive model. The LS608 looks like the closest match as far as power handling and weight.
http://www.long-mcquade.com/products..._Subwoofer.htm

Anyone have experience with this model, or can suggest something similar from another manufacturer?

Zooberwerx · #7 03-05-2011, 09:05 AM

Looks just like mine but with a higher power rating. It's a shame you don't live down here: local CL has an LS 700 P powered subwoofer with 2 X 10 for $700.

JOOC, what power amp are you using? If it's pushing 750 per side @ 8 ohm, that's one hefty mutha!

Riis

steveksux · #8 03-05-2011, 10:07 AM

If you've got an extra channel of power amp available, you can probably do better with a passive sub for the same money. So I'd agree, definitely go that way.

Randy

mixalot · #9 03-05-2011, 10:15 AM

http://www.carvinguitars.com/trxn/

ashbory · #10 03-05-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixalot

http://www.carvinguitars.com/trxn/

Well the carvin 18" sub looks nice, only 61lbs and $399. Has anybody tried one?

Shipping to Canada is $236

, plus add what ever $random amount for customs fees and taxes to get it across the border.

walker rosewood · #11 03-06-2011, 01:52 AM

Carvin is one of those companies like Behringer-- regarded by most as complete junk, but a few people swear by them. FWIW I've never seen any professional audio company that uses anything Carvin.

Zooberwerx · #12 03-06-2011, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

Carvin is one of those companies like Behringer-- regarded by most as complete junk, but a few people swear by them. FWIW I've never seen any professional audio company that uses anything Carvin.

The price point does make them an attractive alternative for bands on a budget and, quite frankly, some of their pro audio gear sounds pretty durn good. The 1503 speaker enclosure (15", mid, horn) can be had for $259. I'm using a pair for mains and the aforementioned Yorkie 18"s as subs. I would like to upgrade in the future but the enclosures will suffice for now.

On a lighter note...as we're banging stuff around loading / unloading the trailer, I'm constantly muttering to myself "man, I'm glad I didn't spend a lot of money on this stuff!".

Riis

GregShadoan · #13 03-06-2011, 11:18 AM

Another idea would be, to buy a good used yorkville sub locally, then use it as a model and build 2 - 4 of them as time allows, then sell the Yorky. That way you have a need filled now, (sub in hand useable) and a project for the near future, plus a model to reverse engineer. If you already have yorky's and it sounds good, stick with it.
Building 2 -4 in a batch would be easier then building one here, one there etc.. Subs are the most likely to succeed DIY project.

Rip Topaz · #14 03-06-2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixalot

http://www.carvinguitars.com/trxn/

^This. I have the Carvin powered sub and it sounds great. If you have an amp channel available, I'd go with the passive version though. There are times where it seems as though my powered sub just isn't quite loud enough. I think their passive version gets louder, from what I've heard. Still sound great though, very punchy and clear.

walterw · #15 03-06-2011, 08:37 PM

yeah, if you've got 1200w at 4Ω of amp just sitting idle, then passive subs make sense.

the 608s are not bad (i use 4 of them at my 50-75 people club cover band gigs), but for example, 2 yorkville 808 boxes will kill 4 608s!

if i had it to do over, i'd look at reflex boxes (speaker is right flat on the front of the box, with a vent underneath) rather than the "sort-of-horn" thing the 608s are doing. you'll get more bottom out of the reflex boxes at this size and price point.

Munjibunga · #16 03-07-2011, 12:46 AM

I'd take a look at the JBL PRX618S or the PRX618S-XLF. If you buy it from Northern Sound and Light, even the XLF model (1,000 watts) will fall very close to your price point. If you want to check their price you have to call them on the telephone. Their website will show MAP.

ashbory · #17 03-08-2011, 10:12 AM

So to summarize what has been suggested so far:

- Yorkville LS808 passive sub, heavier than I would prefer (116lbs), but might be willing to deal with it if it has more oomph than two 86 pound LS608s. It has wheels. Might be able to check them out locally.

- Carvin, TRx118N, nice weight (61lbs!) and price, but shipping to the great white north is a little over the top.

- JBL PRX618S or the PRX618S-XLF. I looked these up and they are both powered. Is there an equivalent passive version?

Munjibunga · #18 03-10-2011, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbory

So to summarize what has been suggested so far:

- Yorkville LS808 passive sub, heavier than I would prefer (116lbs), but might be willing to deal with it if it has more oomph than two 86 pound LS608s. It has wheels. Might be able to check them out locally.

- Carvin, TRx118N, nice weight (61lbs!) and price, but shipping to the great white north is a little over the top.

- JBL PRX618S or the PRX618S-XLF. I looked these up and they are both powered. Is there an equivalent passive version?

Yes, the passive version is the MRX 518S. At NSL, you could get two of them for a little more than your stated budget. Or you could go with the MRX 528S, which has two 18s in it. NSL will be much cheaper than everyone else, and one of the 528s will be well under your budget.

Ben Clarke · #19 03-10-2011, 02:16 AM

Rent a Yorkville UCS1 from L&M and run it off that amp channel. The 720 is one of my favorite subs for bar-band duty as it always gave me enough without being a bear to pack or haul. The 608 never excited me - the 808 is ok but the powered versions of that box are superior IME.

The UCS1 can give you the richness that the 720 does, but is a good bit cleaner and a lot louder. Stay out of amp clipping and 750 watts into one will get it done in many venues. You'd be able to do pretty much anything you want with it EQ-wise in front of 50-100 people.

modulusman · #20 03-10-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

^This. I have the Carvin powered sub and it sounds great. If you have an amp channel available, I'd go with the passive version though. There are times where it seems as though my powered sub just isn't quite loud enough. I think their passive version gets louder, from what I've heard. Still sound great though, very punchy and clear.

The sub in the link you quoted is not available in a powered version.