So I got my powered tops and subs

[dmcclure]

Well I reconsidered what gear I was going to purchase and some may remember my sub-woofer thread recently. I originally was going to go with B52 Powered 18 Sub and well somethings changed. I was considered Alto Truesonic Powered Tops and the B52 sub and my budget was only gonna be about $1500 or Less. We I secured some financing and I went with the Mackie SRM450V2 tops and the Mackie 1801HD Powered Sub-Woofer. I got them Monday and I'm pleased for now with my choice. I know many would ask why I didn't go with the QSC K12 and QSC Sub.

I may get those eventually and this mackie system would be a great backup. Anyways , I can't believe how well the Mackie HD Sub sounds and the Tops are great also. I'm just a start up company and I had to consider a realistic budget. So that is why I didn't go with the QSC's for now. I had to front the money but my starting setup with pay for itself in 3-4 months with my current one gig. So I think it was a wise choice.

[Conanski]

That's a petty capable system, hopefully you won't have any of the issues some have experienced with Mackie gear as of late, I also have a selection of Mackie Powered speakers and so far they have worked flawlessly. Good luck.

[NickyB]

I'm surprised you didn't consider the EV ELX-12P or EV ELX-15P tops with ELX-18P sub .... price wise it should've been really close maybe even less and sound wise, IMHO much better. I had a complete set of older V1 Mackie 450's and 1501 subs (two each) and only kept them a month before switching back over to EV powereds.

[DJSTEVEZ]

I went with the Mackie SRM450V2 tops and the Mackie 1801HD Powered Sub-Woofer.

I've heard decent things about the 450 v2's...but there's been a rash of Mackie sub problems reported on this forum. I don't believe though it was with the model you purchased. I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer or anything, but you may want to put an action plan together in advance should your sub have any issues. Line up a rental source for a replacement, identify your nearest authorized Mackie repairs shops, and find out in advance what their stock is like wrt to replacement parts for your particular model. Again there have been some horror stories posted here over the last 18 months. I wish you the best. -Z-

[Universal Sounds Ent]

I had the same exact scenario..I used to own a pair of powered Mackie 450's and a pair of powered Mackie 1501 subs and was completely disappointed with their performance. The tops would shut off when they'd overheat and it was embarrassing having to fan the amplifier just to make it turn back on. LOL!

I did some research and invested in a pair of Electro Voice ELX-12P and a pair of Electro Voice ELX-18P subs and that's been the best purchase I've made within the past 2 years! For the price point, they're the best bang for your buck and they're really impressive as far as sound quality and output. I was able to get the entire system, brand new, for $2K!

I'm surprised you didn't consider the EV ELX-12P or EV ELX-15P tops with ELX-18P sub .... price wise it should've been really close maybe even less and sound wise, IMHO much better. I had a complete set of older V1 Mackie 450's and 1501 subs (two each) and only kept them a month before switching back over to EV powereds.

[dmcclure]

The EV tops would have been the same price as the mackie's and the sub would have been a little cheaper. I got 18 months 0% interest on the Mackie's so that was a slight factor in my decision and also that I have been using the SRM 450 V1 for the past 3 years and not one issue for me. That is not my equipment though. If I feel it isn't enough I can always go with the EV or QSC cause I think having the Mackie as a backup wouldn't be a bad thing either. I did notice the EV sub was lighter than the Mackie sub..something I have to consider in my older age...lol

While the financing maybe a moot point it got me into a setup. I plan on having them paid off in 3-6 months..shooting for 3 months.

I done several outdoor weddings this year and the SRM450 V1 has never shut down on me from heat and I'm talking 110+ degree temps. So hopefully these V2 are just as durable.

[Conanski]

The 450V2 seems to have an overheat problem that the V1 didn't have.. hard to believe since not much changed that I'm aware of but it is what it is. Now I have not heard the same about the Mackie subs and the two SRM1801s of mine have been driven for all they're worth at highschool gigs for hours on end with narry a hickup. I have heard of shutdown problems with the ELX112/115 boxes as well when they're driven hard in what could also be high heat situations, so I don't know that they are significantly better. I have never hear about this with QSC or JBL boxes so maybe that little extra cash outlay really is buying you some added durability.

[dmcclure]

Well I hopefully won't be disappointed cause I have have always had awesome results using Mackie over the years. The 450V1 I use get hot enough I could cook my breakfast at last call and it would be done at 3am when I stop music... They have never ever shutdown though , so I dunno. Maybe some people are just pushing them too hard. Maybe a bad batch ? Who knows..

[Conanski]

I just read a thread on PSW about a guy having problems with his JBL PRX thermalling and dying, 3 out of 4 boxes are having issues after only 10hrs use. That's not confidence inspiring.

[Ausumm]

As long as YOU are happy with the sound and the price...
that is all that matters.
If you find yourself regretting your purchase later...
you can always try something different.
If I was 100% satisfied with ALL of my DJ purchases...it would be really boring.