Powered Speakers: Anybody tried 'em?

John Russell · Post by **John Russell** » 5 Apr 2002 1:25 pm

A keyboard player friend just mentioned today that he was getting a JBL EON 16 G2 powered speaker for his piano/synth rig and promised to let me come over and check it out for steel guitar. There are several models on the market by mfgrs like JBL, EV, etc. I think Peavey has a version.

Has anyone tried using any of these for steel? Seems pretty convenient, hook up your favorite pre-amp, processor combo and you're on. These come in 12" and 15" versions powered by modern SS amps in the 300-350 watt range. One that seems particularly appealing is the EV SXA100, it's a 2-way speaker with 350W to the (12") woofer and 80W to the HF driver. Very compact, it's made of some modern thermo-plastic with rounded corners, very portable. Of course it's not the time-honored open back cab we're all used to but several players, myself included, have moved away from that config to great results.

--John

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 5 Apr 2002 2:44 pm

I suppose it might be an good alternative if you're using a processor. On the other hand, if someone were using it as an extension speaker, I'd rather just use a another small amp. That way, you have total control of the sound, and you can vary the tone, reverb, etc., at the remote location without affecting the sound of your main amp.

John Russell · Post by **John Russell** » 5 Apr 2002 4:11 pm

I was thinking about as a new approach to the rack setup. You could have a small 2-rack space box with your pre-amp and processor (no heavy power amp), then a compact speaker with the power amp enclosed within. The JBL EON15 weighs 47 lbs. including its 250W amp.

I've grown fond of the convenience of having my controls set up right next to my guitar and the speaker set behind me or at an angle so you don't have to get up to adjust your amp or FX settings--something I'm frequently doing. Also I love not having to manuever the standard large combo amp. With this setup you have two very portable boxes to contend with.
--JR

gary darr · Post by **gary darr** » 6 Apr 2002 11:21 am

somewhere along the line I read a review on powered speakers,according to this person the JBL's had a tendency to overheat and kick a internal breaker off. The individual had actually had borrowed a set of Peavy powered speakers and A/B them with the JBL's.The Music store allowed them to do this not thinking the "Peavy's" had a chance,much to everyones amazment the Peaveys had better sound than the JBL's and allso would go a lot louder before breaking up. If I can remember or find this post I'll give you the link later...good luck

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Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 12 Apr 2002 2:38 pm

The PEavey PX 300 is awesome. Powered amplifier. Just plug in and play. Does a huge job with electric piano. Works great as a stereo or second speaker.
Simple inexpensive, quiet enough to record with, and loud enough to blow out a zippo.

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