Best Sound System for Parties?

[BadgerAVS]

I was wondering what the best set up would be for speakers solely used for parties. They would be on and playing for 4-6 hours in a giant A-frame attic. Being too loud isn't much of an issue as we are living on Mifflin Street in Madison, WI at the University so our neighbors are also college students who love to party. My major concern is blowing the speakers and the system getting too hot.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Steve81]

If you want loud and durable, I'd be thinking about something along the lines of these:
JBL :: Product

 

[shadyJ]

If you want loud and durable, I'd be thinking about something along the lines of these:
JBL :: Product

Agreed. Also similar large venue pro audio speakers from Mackie, Yamaha, QSC, Behringer. Older Klipsch speakers would be great for that as well.

 

[jp_over]

Ultra durable (I've seen this brand and model survive 2 combat deployments to Afghanistan though we might not quite put them through the abuse seen at dorm parties!) and will bleed your ears. At moderate levels, superb sound reproduction and easy to operate:

Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 Portable PA System
Amazon.com: Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 Portable PA System: Musical Instruments

Depending on funds, you can step up or down a level in the STAGEPAS line.

 

[its phillip]

JTR speakers are worth considering if you want to spend some more money

 

[BadgerAVS]

Is it safe to say that PA speakers are the most feasible route to go? Keeping in mind smaller speakers can get stolen easily.

 

[BMXTRIX]

These professional PA speakers with matching amplifiers are a really good choice as it IS what some of the pros are using in clubs and for concerts. I've used (I think) QSC speakers and they are stupid loud in one of my client's homes. But, they aren't inexpensive, or light weight. Two people have a hard time lifting and moving them, and they are four feet tall and wide. The ones I sold I did not include subwoofers with, but they have them available as well.

The rub is the price... But, they will last for an extremely long time and can handle plenty of volume.

 

[BadgerAVS]

What PA speakers are you referring to? I don't see a link or anything haha.

 

[shadyJ]

It sounds like he is talking about the QSC K series or KW series. They are fairly highly regarded PA loudspeakers.

 

[ski2xblack]

Can you glue and screw? Pi Four diy kit for $400.

Since PA speakers are being suggested, also consider cinema speakers (JBL, QSC, Klipsch, etc.). Not cheap, but neither are the better PA speakers, and you never know what you can dig up on the used market.

 

[BadgerAVS]

Alright, thanks for all the help fellas! I'll update with prospective systems I find.

 

[shadyJ]

PA speakers can be had for cheap on the used market. Especially certain brands like Peavey, CW, Behringer. Pi would be great if you have the tools to assemble the kit. That would be my first choice.

 

[jp_over]

I'd beg to differ that PA speakers have to be very expensive or cost more than consumer equipment - one would be hard pressed to find a brand new preamp + cables + amp + speakers pushing 250 watts RMS (stereo) for less than $700 (current price on Amazon) such as the Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 offers.

All you need to add is a mini-stereo to RCA or TS cable (about $4.88) and a laptop or IPOD/MP3 player or similar source and you're in business.
Amazon.com: Hosa Cable CMR206 Stereo 1/8 Inch to Dual RCA Adapter Cable - 6 Foot: Musical Instruments


This is why I use and request this system at many of the places I serve.

To get the same type of power / output, even if you go with the extremely value-priced Emotiva XPA-2, the amp alone will run you $800 + you still need cables, speakers, a pre-amp and source. Not to mention the Yamaha is made to be moved around, comes with it's own mixer / preamp, and can even handle a small band if that's your venue.

 

[3db]

Cervin Vega's spring to mind. A good party speaker if sound accuracy isn't required.

 

[BadgerAVS]

Cervin Vega's spring to mind. A good party speaker if sound accuracy isn't required.

I was going to bring that up, at our parties it really is non-essential that it sound clear and accurate as the majority of people are just grinding to the bass and are too drunk to truly appreciate any sense of sound quality.