Lightweight DJ Speakers?

Question

My father has been doing DJ work for sometime and recently has had problems with his back. I'd like to replace his current speakers and amp with a lighter weight amp and lighter weight speakers so he doesn't have to give up something he enjoys. Any suggestions?

Unfortunately, a better cart isn't an option as you still have to lift the speakers and put them on stands, lift them in and out of the vehicle, etc. Not looking for super high quality... just good quality and light.

He is currently using non-powered speakers and an amplifier.

Answer 1

I have a few setup suggestions but not really knowing how many watts of power your father uses, means I will have to confine my answer to an assumption. Assuming you father usually entertains for an indoor crowd of 50-300 these are my suggestions:

For portability and weight issues, I highly recommend a Fender Passport PD-250 with the optional Passport Travel Pack. The entire system when fully packed, weighs in at 55 lbs while each speaker enclosure weighs an easy 15 lbs each. The main unit is a fully contained amped mic mixer with lot's of fun features like reverb, EQ, VIP (automatically lowers volume of the music when someone talks on the mic) and feedback rejection system. It's got 250 watts of stereo power. The speakers for the PD-150 (not P-150) and PD-250 (not P-250) are co-designed by Bose but the top-of-the-line PD-500 has speakers co-designed by Celestion. So although these units may seem better suited for PA use, the sound quality is professional level. The optional Passport Travel pack allows users to wheel in (not carry) the the 55lb PA system. Here's a link for more info: http://www.fender.com/passport/pdfs/Fender-PD250-1sheet.pdf

However if your father prefers a regular amp and speaker setup. I would recommend either a Crown XLS-202 (23lbs) or QSC PLX1804 (13lbs), QSC PL218A (21lbs) for the amps. I also suggest getting SKB cases for their light weight as opposed to regular flight cases.

Non powered speakers are lighter than the powered ones. Those with plastic looking enclosures are the lightest. For better sounding ones, go with a JBL Eon1500, Mackie C300Z, Mackie C200, Electro Voice SX100+, Electro Voice SX300E, Peavey PR12 or PR15. If price is an issue you can also get a Gemini DJ GX-300, GX-400, Behringer B212, Behringer B215. All above mentioned speakers are less than 50lbs. The Mackie C200 weighs only 23lbs each.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Lightweight Speakers

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Lightweight DJ Speakers?
My father has been doing DJ work for sometime and recently has had problems with his back. I'd like to replace his current speakers and amp with a lighter weight amp and lighter weight speakers so he doesn't have to give up something he enjoys. Any suggestions?

Answer 4

You didn't mention if he was currently using powered speakers or had a separate amplifier, but I think the overall lightest approach is to use several smaller powered speakers. Some of the mid size ones are less than 30 lbs each and since you can carry and set up one at a time it would spread out the work.

I think that Peavey is probably the best - look at their new small cabinet powered speakers like the PR10PN - not cheap, but 2 or 4 of these on stands (no amp needed) would be small and light depending on the size of the crowd.

Answer 5

You won't get a good amp for $150, new. If you must get those speakers, get a Behringer or better brand amp. I would look into getting the version of those speakers with the amplifier built in, quite frankly. I priced both from Musicians friend, and the price less cabling is the same, and cabling for active speakers will be cheaper.

Answer 6

That is counter-intuitive to good sound. A better solution would be to invest in a better cart or carrying system.

Speakers need to be made of dense material to sound good.