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Carvin LS Series Mains and Monitors

agreatheight

agreatheight

Dec 23, 2005
4,269
33
55
Portland Area, ME
#1
Hey all,

Interested in picking up some new monitors and thought I'd get your opinions on Carvin. I have been using Yamaha Club series stuff forever, and have no complaints at all, but I love the Carvin US built direct-to-customers business model, so I may start switching over... monitors first. Anyone have any experience? Especially with the LS1502M monitors?

Thanks in advance!
Eric
 
#2
I have the 1202's, a pair of them. I'm using them as my bass monitor at the moment, powered by the RX1200L. They sound great. I'm sure the 15"s will take a lot more bass than the 12"s but I don't have any problems getting them loud enough and they don't fart out easily. I'm planning eventually on getting another pair, no complaints at all.
 
#3
the TRx3903 are also worth a look.
The advantage is they are not a point source, so the sound pressure is spread out directly from the column, which "can" give better control of feedback. You may not need as many of these to get the same monitor coverage as regular point source type speakers. YMMV
You can use the same subs as the mains.
 
#4
I have a pair of LS 1503's (older model w/ decent drivers). I believe it's the largest cabinet offered by Carvin that fits on a stick. I have no complaints. They sound good and were a great value on the secondhand market. My guitarist bought two molded Carvin cabs (PM 12's maybe?) for monitors.

Riis
 
#6
i have a new LS1503 (newer than Riis :) and while it may not be as good as the older version, it is quite good for the money. Lots of thump. I use it to run eDrums through or as a PA cab and have run guitar and bass via a POD HD500 modeler through it. I like it. It weighs about 54LB I think and has side handles. Not too bad to move around.
I added some more batting into the interior and have considered upgrading the speakers but haven't felt the need to jump on that just yet.
 
#9
In my old band we were using Carvin PM15A active mains. No issues whatsoever. Plenty of power for what we needed and very clear sounding.

I would not hesitate to buy Carvin. But I am biased; Carvin is my preferred bass, amp, and cab.

I am currently looking at power amps for a new PA system I'm putting together and Carvin ranks real high on my list. They've always treated me very well whenever I had a question or needed stuff.
 
#12
#13
Rip Topaz said:
I have the 1801 (powered version). It sounds great but sometimes one isn't enough.
Click to expand...

Thanks - yeah, I may get a pair. I'm getting by with a single Behringer B1500D powered 15 now, so even one 18 should be better. The B1500D weighs 97 lbs - I have a bad back and no way I can lift it, have to dolly it everywhere. The LS1801 passive is supposed to be 63 lbs. I have several Class D power amps I can power it(them) with.
 

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