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Using PA Speakers In A Home "Audiophile" Application!

Hi guys,

I am a bit inspired to explore/trial usage of a pair of PA speakers at home after i attended a live event recently. 

I looked at some Yamaha PA models and zoomed in on one that isn't too huge/heavy, relatively easy to move around perhaps. 

Are there any audiophiles here who had relative satisfaction trying such speakers at home? I am also thinking that this may not be a great idea, but, just curious at the moment.

 

deep_333

Showing 3 responses by toddalin

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
168 posts
 

The crossovers used in PA speakers are typically designed more for power handling than that nth degree of que ne se quoi for ultra high fidelity. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be adapted for home use with quite good results. This is just CD played on an Oppo95 through a Yamaha RX-Z9 RECEIVER in "Pure Direct" mode through two speakers (JBL 2241H, 18", JBL 2251J, 9-1/2", Heil AMT) easily filling a 5,000 cu ft volume with no sub or eq of any type being used.

 

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
168 posts
 

While the Merman’s use some "PA" components, they are quite unlike any other speakers I’ve heard in their presentation, soundstage, and imaging. And don’t even get me started on dynamic impact! It is uncanny and anyone is welcome to come by and hear it for themselves if you get down to Orange County, CA.

And, I have and have heard plenty. I currently have JBL L200/300s, JBL L112s, tri-amped, one-off, Altec Big Red Supers, Chartwell LS3/5As, and others. None can hold a candle to the impact, detail, and 3D imaging of the Mermans.

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
168 posts
 

simonmoon:

If you are ever in Southern California, you need to come to my house and hear what PA components set in the right cabinets can do for imaging and soundstage, clarity, and precision of instrument and vocal placement.

Some of the "PA" components are/were of extremely high quality and placed in the right cabinets, driven by the right electronics, can do just as well as the high priced spread of today.

For example, take the 18" and 9.5" JBLs I used in the Mermans. You really think some Parts Express woofer is the same quality? You really need to step up your game to come close, and I’ve had people say that my speakers can "out-image" systems costing 6 figures. I do use a modified Great Heil AMT over 2.5kHz.

https://jblpro.com/en-US/site_elements/2241h-data-sheet

https://www.hifido.co.jp/sold/21-33777-25059-00.html?KW=&G=&P1=&P2=&A=10&N=&Y=&CT=0&M=0&LNG=E&OD=0&O=2050&L=50&SD1=0&SD2=0&SD3=0

Remember that back in the ’60s, 70s, and 80s, JBL would use many of the same components in their PA systems as they did in their studio monitors used in mix-down of so much of the music that we still love.

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