Party rig?

[willl]

Hello every audioholics out there!

A group of friend and myself like to make a few house parties from times to times and we are currently looking forward to upgrade our current gear. I do know that the biggest audiance of this website are Home-Theater perfectionists and audiophiles but we lack experience and this is why we need your help.

My friend would rather go with a much more "event-like" setup. Pre-Amps Loudspeaker and a subwoofer. The thing I do not really like about this option is that, I believe, the sound quality might be at risk and I am really picky when it comes to sound quality. I love rich bass and crisp highs. The beyerdynamics T51 are my day to day headphones and I can't find something bad about them (except for that freakin dumb wire that tangles everywhere and is comparable to a 10$ pair of earbuds...). For myself, I would prefer more like an audiophile-level sound setup but yet again, it is going to be a party setup so it needs to be able to get pushed a bit far (in house).

We are currently using an old pair of kenwoods speakers with the kenwood amp that my dad's friend used to have back then. To show you how much work we're giving to our current amp, it shut down once (probably because of some thermal threshold limiter). It started right back on when we used it the next day.

We know so little in sound equipment that we do not know where to look first. We are looking forward to upgrade our current gear and then upgrade again if necessary. We do not own a subwoofer currently. I was really intertested in the SVS SB-1000 or SB-2000 but I do not know if this sub's purpose is for home theaters only and if it will resist our Big Electronic dance music kicks and drop...

I'm looking for inputs right now because I am really lost. Should I buy a subwoofer first? If yes, is the svss a great choice? Should I upgrade the amp first? Can the pre-amps option be as good as home theater setups when it comes to sound quality?

Thanks alot!

Will

 

[TheWarrior]

Hi!

My suggestion would be to drop home audio all together. The electronics and speakers are not designed for the rigors of transport and regular set up and break down.

The benefit to you is that great deals, and much more rugged equipment can be had in the pro audio spectrum. There's a gazillion options out there, and with the holidays upon us, sales to be found. One example: http://carvinaudio.com/collections/s600/products/s600b

I suggest the above, or similar design, because it keeps your electronics needs minimal. You need a source; a cd player, mp3 player, whatever, and thats it! If you're outdoors, this one is battery powered, for when outlets are too far to reach. But hopefully you get the idea that pro-audio solutions such as this will make your life, and set up/break down MUCH easier!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I agree. Portable PA is what you need. Able to play very loud for long time - able to take the abuse you're currently causing to your Dad's old stuff.
This is another option you should consider:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1025687-REG/behringer_europort_ppa500bt_500w_6ch_portable_pa.html
you could add PA Sub like this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1019174-REG/behringer_b1200d_pro_500_watt_12_active.html


You won't take your Dad's old Camry to Offroad trip and you shouldn't use these vintage (and probably not very good) audio for LOUD EDM parties

 

[markw]

I agree with putting home products out of the equation. That you haven't damaged anything yet is a blessing.

I've had experience with amplified speakers and they can be a godsend for situations like yours. Here's some examples:

http://www.sweetwater.com/c134--Active_Powered_PA_Speakers?adpos=1s1&creative=88122300841&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g&gclid=CLKN2f3dmMkCFdQ2gQodUTQLVQ

Personally, I think this would be a good bet: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EON615Bun

One or two of these with a source and perhaps a mixer should simplify your life.

 

[willl]

Thank you very much for the quick, deep answers you guys have given. This is exactly the type of guidelines I was looking for.

The only fear I have is the sound quality. Will it be as good as I'm used to hear with the current 20 years old sound system? I have a pretty bad experience with PA Speakers, I remember that one DJ that had EON speakers that sounded el cheapo...

 

[markw]

Will it be as good as I'm used to hear with the current 20 years old sound system?

Probably not, but the one I recommended ain't too bad.

Keep in mind that the requirements for home and pro sound are different. One is designed for good sound at moderate volumes in a relatively small space. When you get into pro sound, clarity, volume, and ruggedness become the main issue. What works well at home will be stressed beyond belief when used in larger venues due to both the volume and space requirements.

 

[TheWarrior]

Thank you very much for the quick, deep answers you guys have given. This is exactly the type of guidelines I was looking for.

The only fear I have is the sound quality. Will it be as good as I'm used to hear with the current 20 years old sound system? I have a pretty bad experience with PA Speakers, I remember that one DJ that had EON speakers that sounded el cheapo...

The risks are the same, just as in home audio. There's dozens of great products, mixed in with too many mediocre, combined with some that shouldn't even be on the market. But thats true of anything, car shopping. ie.

That being said, I'd be willing to bet Carvin PA systems will allow you to hear a few things you've been missing with your battle weary set up!