T48 vs other misc subs

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

so there are some specs available.

Perhaps, but when an SPL chart is not prominently displayed there's generally a reason why.

[jeffbabcock]

OK, update. I finally have a bunch of LA400's at the shop now. I have not had the chance yet to do a direct 1 to 1 comparison, however so far based on using each in clusters of 4 on gigs, I would make the following observations: (take these with a grain of salt, only a few gigs to compare so far, and in different rooms etc so lots of variability)

In favor of the T48
1) T48 has slightly better LF extension (as expected)
2) it is considerably lighter and easier to move around
3) they pack better in my trailer

In favor of the LA400
1) Seems to have a bit more output
2) Seems a bit tighter/punchier, more controlled
3) The EAW logo on the boxes has helped to avoid the "what boxes are those?" conversation.

Subs have been driven with a QSC PL380 (yes I know it's way overkill) and VSX26 DSP.

I would say that both subs sound VERY good, especially with the big PL380 behind them. Both sound clean and very loud, and I would say neither one is really a winner over the other at this point. Based on my personal thoughts, so far I think I *slightly* prefer the LA400, but only very slightly. YMMV, this is a totally subjective thing and I know for certain some people would see it the other way around. You basically can get great results with either sub.

Keep in mind of course the cost of a replacement driver for the LA400 alone is more that the total build cost of a T48!

Sorry, that's not much of a review yet... more to come....

Jeff

[Sydney]

*slightly* prefer the LA400, but only very slightly.

What, more specifically, tilts in your favor of the LA400?

[David Robinson]

Keep in mind of course the cost of a replacement driver for the LA400 alone is more that the total build cost of a T48!

Jeff

I think that's the deciding factor in my weekend gigging riderless world!

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

In favor of the LA400
1) Seems to have a bit more output
2) Seems a bit tighter/punchier, more controlled

Based on the advertised 8 foot path length and the box dimensions along with your observations I'd say the LA400 has higher sensitivity with less extension than the T48. A 30" wide T39 would have that same characteristic, with about the same volume box, but a more pack friendly footprint and transport friendly dimensions.

[jeffbabcock]

Interesting Bill...... so are you saying that the T39 may sound a little bit "tighter" than the T48? Not that I am by any means dissatisfied with the T48, but I think if the T39 is a little more controlled I would prefer a larger number of those over a smaller number of T48's. And they would certainly be much easier to manage than LA400's which are quite heavy and a deep box.

BTW, I just installed T48's this past weekend as part of a church install. The tops were Versarray VR112's, the T48's were corner loaded. What a great sounding rig.... The Versarray boxes are quite inefficient but the ribbon drivers in those really sound fantastic. The T48's were thunderous, way overkill for the room. Corner loading makes such a wonderful difference.