Mackie SRM450V2 - any better choices?

[TimmyP]

FBT Maxx series speakers.

 

[AJBaker]

Mackies are OK, and for many still the go to speaker, but from what I've experienced this year, the QSC K12 are in a completely different league! I once used them for a full band, and everything, even bass, sounded great.

 

[chrisp2u]

I'll also chime in and back the QSC choice. The k12's are quite impressive for the their size. I have a pair of KW153's and they are monsters in every way. QSC does it right.

With that said, my keyboard player recently picked up a JBL 515xt to use as a monitor. I've never been much of a JBL fan , but I have to say, that thing is pretty insane in volume with great clarity and astonishing bass for it's size and being a molded cabinet. Though not as much wattage (still no chump at 625w) as the QSC k12, @ $100 less, I'd have no problem recommending these as an alternative... and the 515xt has a 15" driver as opposed to a 12 to pump out a bit more low end. Just make sure you get the newer "XT" model and not the original 515 model.

Either of these choices are in a different league compared to the Mackie's IMHO.
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c

 

[fokof]

RCF

IME the best active boxes out there.


And there are plenty of choices depending of your budget
300 series, 700 series (top of line) and newer 400 series wich are 700 type of design but lower cost.

 

[Versatek6]

Another option, which Ive also used, is the JBL Eons. You might be able to get a set of the older ones used. The 15" JBL Eon G2s are pretty good as mains, have good thump, and also I think sound clearer than the mackies. These will be a cheaper option and allow you to get a mixer...... or a good set of monitors. The new JBL 515XL's are pretty great also.
...
I wont comment on the other speakers as I dont have experience with them.

We were limited to either the 15" JBL Eon G2s or the Mackie SRM450v2.

The JBL were warmer/darker than the Mackies to our ears. We decided it was better to be able to tame a brighter speaker than not have the brightness if it was needed.

We also run a JBL JRX 118SP self-powered sub with these that nicely fills out the bottom end.

 

[DONZI97]

+1 on the RCF's, I bout the 312's a few much ago, and they rock.

 

[allexcosta]

Most speakers in Mackie's price range are better. The Mackies were fine when they were made by RCF in Italy years ago...