BillFitzmaurice.info

I'm building an entire PA system from scratch, ie I have no components at this point. I am planning too build two Jack 12s with Deltalite 2512s. I'd like this system to be portable and used for DJing or playing recorded music outdoors (nothing too big, mostly for my cabin).

I've read a lot on these forums and I haven't found a consensus for a good 2x Jack 12 setup. I don't need the amp/electronics to do anything other than power these two speakers; no immediate plans for expansion. I plan to run these speakers in stereo - am I correct that they are 8-ohm each, so the specs for amps I should be looking at is 2-channel 8-ohm? I've seen Bill say that anything over 250W RMS per Jack would be overkill.

I'm on a tight budget so anywhere I can save costs is good - the amp is definitely a place to start. I've been looking at getting a new Crown XLS 1000 ($285 on speakerhardware.com) - is this a suitable amp/would it have headroom? If not, what other models should I be looking at, and where for best price? (besides ebay/craigslist which is obvious) Am I safe buying a used amp? I'm in Canada if that matters, but I will probably just get something shipped to the border and go pick it up to save costs.

Also, what else am I going to need for a complete setup? The input will either be iPod or DJ decks. Seems like I'll at least need an EQ. Doesn't need to be fancy, so what's the minimum I need besides the amp? DJ decks usually contain EQ/preamp, but what if I've just got an iPod? I'm a skilled electrical engineer, so I can build small EQ/preamp systems myself if someone knows a good DIY, if it will save money. I used to have access to a PA system in the past in which we just used two cabs and a Yorkville power amp as the entire system, with iPod input - no EQ or preamp. Wasn't ideal but was definitely cost effective.

Get an amp as cheap as you can, used is fine with a reputable seller on e-bay or craiglist.
In fact if you're more than handy with electronics, which I imagine you are being an electrical engineer, you may get a "not working" unit that "could" be easily repairable for peanuts.
Not commercially viable to repair is quite different from repair for yourself as you know.
If going that way I would look at craigslist. You could inspect, pop the lid and see what you're up for possibly.
I reckon build a preamp with bass, mid and treble control, after all, that is the simplest of EQ. There's even pre made kits out there for that.
Your DJ deck could go to line in on your preamp.
And if you go the ipod way, don't use earphones out, get line level using a docking adapter...

After reading some more it looks like a Crown XTI 1000 or 1002 would be most suitable for my setup...good sized amp, built in EQ to flatten the Jack 12 response, and possible to use a DJ deck or iPod as input. Harder to find for cheap/used it seems since they are newer...gonna keep looking I guess but am now leaning towards an XTI for its simplicity.

100w a side will clear your sinuses. I don't know how seriously you are dj'n but a home reciever could be ok for fun..

Gregory East wrote:I don't know how seriously you are dj'n but a home reciever could be ok for fun..

There are some people who wouldn't recommend a home receiver for DJ use because it's not designed with constant high volume abuse in mind like pro amplifiers are, and the home receivers might not be as physically durable. However, I use a HT receiver for my "side fills" in my ghetto blaster garage DJ setup, and I use a Bash 300 for the dual TT. Have to be very careful not to drop anything.
It works fine for small events IME. Keep in mind my Bash has a huge fan in it and I place the Bash on top of the HT receiver and the Bash fan sucks out hot air from the HT receiver with vents in the bottom of the Bash amp case and top of the HT receiver.

I was silently waiting for more responses as I've just built a combo rack for my QSC GX5, dbx 231 eq, and Soundcraft MFXi8. At 26#, the amp is the heaviest thing there, so I'm thinking of downsizing. Seems the Crown XLS 1000-2500 series comes in at 8-10 lbs (which is all I've looked at for now).

As it stands, and I posted a review, the GX5 doesn't even raise its heartrate much less break a sweat for my needs. Of course, the cheapest way is to keep what I have (and keep the resident amp headroom, even if it's overkill), but I'm getting older and I can always sell off one of my two GX5's.

For the OP, my 7 channel eq on my Soundcraft Gigrac 1000 is ok for the Jacks, but the 31 channel just cannot be touched (got it used for a bill), unless you go dsp of course.

Any more amp recommendations?

Aaron

I own 3 of the XLS series 1000, 1500, 2500. They have all been good amps. The 1000 or 1500 would probably do you just fine if the GX5 has been enough. And yes, they are really light.