Beginner Question for PA System - 4 Ohm amp/8 ohm speakers

[Joe Ty]

I've never been happy running a Hi-Z signal straight into a console for instruments.. but that's me.
FWIW - one should NOT be going Hi-Z from a DI into any console, unless you have no other choice.
It should always be Low-Z (XLR).
That's what DI's are designed for! Hi-Z (1/4") to low-Z (XLR)

Good point. Until I started looking at mixers I didn't know what that funny looking output was for on my Sansamp.

 

[musicman7722]

Me thinks we digital users hijacked the OP thread.

 

[Joe Ty]

Me thinks we digital users hijacked the OP thread.

Nah, a hijack would mean it was diverted for other purposes. In this case you guys are pushing me the OP in the direction of a digital board. I spent a lot of time "window shopping" last night online at my usual suppliers. I really like the Mackie DL1608. I think you guys made great points and a digital board will push my kids to utilize all the cool technology available now. I also am decided on powered cabinets. I would probably just buy the main cabs for now, but what do you guys think of this array:

2 - Peavey PV115D 400W 15" Powered Speakers
2 - Peavey PV118 400W 18" Passive Subwoofers
1 - Peavey PV15PM 200W 15" Powered Monitor

The specs seem to indicate the Speakers can deliver 400W to another passive speaker while still maintaining 400W internally to it's own speaker. Does that make sense that I can get 800W RMS in total out of the internal Class D amp?

 

[RustyAxe]

Looking at buying a PA system, mainly for home use but would rather buy something decent up front and not have to worry about upgrading down the road.

If you're trying to save money, buy used. The current trend toward passive mixers and powered speakers means there's lots of mixers/amps/speakers on the used market (which eliminates any daisy-chaining issues entirely). In your shoes, having nothing yet, I'd go that route. With so many going digital, analog mixers can be had on the used market quite inexpensively. Personally, I like my analog mixer just fine, though.

 

[s0c9]

The specs seem to indicate the Speakers can deliver 400W to another passive speaker while still maintaining 400W internally to it's own speaker. Does that make sense that I can get 800W RMS in total out of the internal Class D amp?

According to the specs, yes, but I'd take that with a grain of salt. 400w "program" varies depending on how it's measured and whom the vendor is. If you DO that, make sure you use a SPEAKER cable (not a guitar cable) as they have different impedance specs.

 

[RustyAxe]

If you DO that, make sure you use a SPEAKER cable (not a guitar cable) as they have different impedance specs.

The advice is good, but the reasoning incomplete. Speaker and instrument cable are different structurally, not just electrically. Pics and more here ... Invalid Link Removed