Class-D Speakers.

[jackwabbit 0]

 

Class-D is not a name I had heard of before, nor had anyone else we asked, that was before asking about speakers on this forum. Chris Pointon & DJ Dickie recommended the Class-D speaker package, comprising of a pair of JAC15’s a pair of CD15’s complete with speaker poles.

 

For those who didn’t see my earlier post, my son had decided to get some new speakers at the start of this year. These were to replace his ageing & abused old ones; he was looking for something with good sound quality but with more power, whilst being hopefully smaller & lighter than his old ones, so we decided on the JAC12’s with CD15’s.

 

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif Full marks to DJ Dickie from Next Generation Technologies for getting them out to us within a couple of days; even after a few problems with PayPal. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif

 

Ok so what are they like?

 

The JAC12 is an 8 ohm Passive 2-way speaker system with a 12' woofer along with a 1.15” horn with a power rating of 300 watts RMS continuous, 800 watts peak.

These are all wrapped up in a high density moulded polypropylene cabinet making them light weight (only 16Kg). They also come with built-in stand mount and inserts to accommodate a wide range of accessories to allow suspension or use as a floor monitor.

These are about 9Kg (each) lighter than his old speakers; while being a lot punchier & a lot crisper than his old ones (up until now we thought his old ones were good) but these are a lot better & even without the bass bins they sound really good.

 

The CD15’s are 15” bass reflex bins covered in black carpet rated at 350 watts RMS at 8 ohm; & with the built in passive crossover they really enhance the sound of the tops. (Not that they need it!)

 

So is there anything we could fault them on?

 

As with most things there are always things that could be improved, the JAC12’s were supplied with screws that were too short to hold the feet on, & these feet are about ½ inch too short to allow the speakers to be stacked even though the specification on class-d’s web site say they can. The CD15’s are heavier & larger than our old speakers, this wasn’t what we really wanted but its probably why they sound so much better.(It would have been nice if class-d had divulged this information on their web site, weights & dimensions are completely missing)

 

So what is our over all impression?

Very good quality sound & volume, they even came with a some extras (4 speakon plugs & 4 jack plugs) Despite the couple of little niggles they are well worth their money, http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif in fact my son is so impressed with the JAC12’s he is thinking about getting another pair for backup or larger venues.

 

[DJ Dicky 0]

Hi and thanks for the good feedback.

 

The issue of the weights is already underway. My website us currently undergoing an update which will include adding the weight and dimensions for all the speakers.

 

I will look into the issue of the feet and screws as my own JAC's (which are from a pervious build) stack ok and had the right screws. I will open up a new box and have a look. If I can I will send you out some new feet and screws.

 

Dicky

 

[Jim.Live 0]

Tempted to buy a pair of these, been hearing lots of good stuff about them !?

[stevie 0]

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/042.gif

 

Dicky i still want some but cash is tight at the moment its cost us £1200 to have 4 house purchases fall through http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wallbash.gif

[DJ Dicky 0]

No problem Stevie when ever you are ready give me a shout.

 

The prices have gone up a bit this year but I will do something on that for you.

 

Dicky

[stevie 0]

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/042.gif Thanks Dicky i will be in touch as soon as i can free up some cash http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/goodjob.gif

[bluejools 0]

Dicky

 

just had a look at the website.... any advances on weights making it onto the listings...... ?

 

 

Jools

[Jimbo55 0]

Bought a pair of JAC12 for my small system. Said they would arrive this friday. But they have just turned up today (thurs) http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/cool.gif .

 

Out of the box look like typical plastic moulded speaker cabs.

 

Connected them up to my Behringer EP2500 for a trial (450w @8ohms x 2)

Cabs are rated 300w Rms and 800 peak.

 

Gently does it... Now 62 Pussycat Dolls (only because it was in the tray)

 

Mixer Eq flat Odb output.

 

Bring it up slowly ok Good solid reproduction bass a bit low, slightly to much on the highs.

 

Tweak the eq

 

I AM IMPRESSED http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif . They have a good Punchy bass good mid range clarity.

 

ok now to have a play

 

Sandstorm, bellisima, born slippy, shooting star. In a small room 20' x 20' Excellent.

 

Karaoke will have to wait untill this fri night.

 

but so far....They will now go on my Well Chuffed with the purchase list. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/toot.gif

 

Jimbo

[DJ Dicky 0]

Jimbo you should have come to me. I can always work something on the class-d price for forum members.

 

Dicky

[Jimbo55 0]

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/hide.gif

 

Sorry I was not thinking I ordered direct from Class D

 

Looking to buy more though if the JAC 12s Perform well tonight.

 

A pair of JAC15's and another Pair of 12's

 

Jimbo

[Jimbo55 0]

Ok First time out last night. JAC12's

 

I will try to be as objective as possible.

 

Venue Pub 80+ people 55th birthday party. Sit down meal to begin with. Start 20:00 finish 00:50

 

Due to the nature of the lay out it was neccessary to run a 10m cable to the left speaker. Although the Right speaker was only 1m away I chose to connect via a 10m cable to avoid any phase/delay issues (however slight).

 

Background music 60's 70's Tracks my choice. Playlist was continued as backing/filling between Karaoke singers during the evening.

 

Kit. Vocopro 7000 mixer. Gemini UHF radio Mics x 2 Shure SM58 + Behringer back ups. Numark Dimension 3 amp 300w @8 ohms x2. Numark CDN-25+g twin.

 

Flat eq to begin with. Max Mixer output 0db

 

At low levels there was not enough bass tweaked the eq. Noticed that amp had to be 'pushed' slightly harder than my Cerwin Vega's.

 

Fair bass, good high's clear and sparkling, mid slightly blurry. My Cerwins have 8" mids so I am not surpised. Volume just above Back gound conversation level

 

Karoke began. Hello Niel Diamond first track. Forgot I had pushed the bass eq so first singer had to much bass on the backing for first few bars http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/blush.gif.

 

Very clear very musical, Vocal reproduction excellent, bass response is great Shook the floor when playing 70's disco http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/cool.gif. I was told they would run better when driven. Good so far. Wont replace the Cerwins but lighter and sound far better than you would expect for their size. (and £560 cheaper too) I will have to run them with the subs to see what they sound like for dance/RnB/disco

 

Typical Karoake Party evening followed.

 

Last Hour. The dreaded shout/scream in groups of 4 plus. Four mics running for the last hour. Mixer Output Peaking 20db (hands on mic faders). Amp peaking max output. Amp still blowing cold air, love the amp great value for money.

 

The speakers .. forgot about them hrs ago part of the kit now http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif seem better at feed back rejection only one squeak during the evening.

 

4 people thanked me for the evening and three enquires. Proof of the pudding?

 

Jimbo

[ian . 0]

QUOTE (jackwabbit @ Jan 8 2006, 07:27 PM)

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif Full marks to DJ Dickie from Next Generation even after a few problems with PayPal. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif

Is this the same site as advertises on ebay?

DJ Dickie - whats the forum discount for a package?

[ChrisPointon 0]

QUOTE

Is this the same site as advertises on ebay?

 

Send Richard an email or pm with your requirements, he May be able to do you a better price than on Ebay http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

[ian . 0]

Cheers Chris - done and done! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

I fancy going for a set of these at the moment as they've had some good reviews on here.

Now I just need to get rid of my old ones on ebay.... (where's me camera?) http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

 

Ian.

[Karl 0]

Hya fellas many thanks for the review on these cabs.

As it stands I am in the process of building my own mobile disco and am doing some extensive research on what speakers to buy.

Due to very good reviews I was dead set on a pair of Mackie SRM 450s basically as for now I will have to work out of my estate car so the smaller size of plastic cabs being ideal.

 

I will be honest in saying that I have heard allot of good reports on the Class-D cabs but with obvious scepticism's due to the low price of them so sort of having a slight raised eyebrow to how good they actually are as its not only a case of how good they sound but for how long are they gonna sound good that's just as important.

 

I am interested though in the Jack15 cabs as they appear to have what I am looking for (decent power and at 8ohms).

My first choice in regards to price would be the Peavey UL15s but due to the size I am leaning towards the plastic alternatives.

I have worked for a while with the UL15s with my mates setup and love the sound they produce, thumping bass and very clear top end especially when playing such as children.

Obviously I am expecting difference in sound as one is quality ply construction and the other being plastic so bound to be some difference.

 

In an ideal situation I would like to hear first but unfortunately I live in Cornwall so possibly a bit far to travel for a demo?

 

From the description of the Jack15s they sound ideal, 500wrms continuous at 8ohms, cast alloy woofer and not the cheep pressed tin ones, compression drivers etc. etc. they sound what am looking for as the ratings are almost on par with the Peavey UL15s.

 

I suppose with this post I am looking for some reassurances from DJs that actually use them week in week out and from Class-D themselves that I am making the right choice???????????????

Obviously as I am building from scratch I have to know that what I am buying is the right choice as I have no budget for errors in purchases and that what I purchase is gonna do what its intended for at a decent level.

I am trying to buy the best equipment I can currently afford and in my own mind am happy with, after all whats the point in spending a fortune on CD HD and mixers equipment which I have if the sound system is crap (defeats the whole object).

If I did choose to buy the Jack15s I would also be after a couple of decent amps, one for the Jack15s and one for a pair of 15" subs to match the Jack15s possibly from class-d also, what kind of deal would I get??

 

Regards

Karl :flirt:

[danger mouse 0]

thoman do a good amp power/price ratio by the name of t.amp.

[Revelationroadshow 0]

There seems to be a lot of class D discussions taking place on various forums at the moment.

 

I'm in the Mackie camp.

 

The key here is listening to them yourself. Don't take much notice of the advice and the thoughts, sound is a highly subjective thing. For me, I grew up as a home hi-fi fan, so clarity and tight detailed bass is a must for me. The Mackies do this very well - and I would certainly challenge anyone who belives the SRM450 lacks bass!

 

We had a pair of the cheaper Class D's at the last Eastern DJ Meet. For the money, I guess they represent good value, but for me, on par with the Skytecs of this world. Lacked the absolute detail I love in my Mackies.

 

But please have a listen if you can - one man's bass is another mans tummy ache!

[Karl 0]

Hya Revelationroadshow I think we are reading from the same text book.

I know what you mean about the sound has to be just right from both top and bottom and if not quite right it will irritate you all night long.

Out of interest how long have you had the Mackies and do they sound as good as when you bought them?

This is one of my biggest concerns.

[Bolan-Boogie 0]

thoman do a good amp power/price ratio by the name of t.amp.

 

 

The T Amp Range are excellent !

[Karl 0]

Yeh just been looking at the THE T.AMP D3400 at http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tamp_d3400.htm?partner_id=43724

 

http://images4.thomann.de/pics/prod/112300.jpg

It may be just shy of £500 but when you consider is 2x 1700watt/4ohm, 2x 1000watt/8ohm, 2x 3350watt/2ohm. XLR inputs, Speakon outputs. Dimensions: 19" x 1U. Depth 50cm. Weight: 9.5Kg

 

That's an amazing price

[danger mouse 0]

see, or buy 2 with a bit less power which combined gives you more power and prob a bit less in money. yes you have to carry 2 but if one did brake, youve got a spare with you,

[Karl 0]

It depends on what your running them with, for instance if for a couple of pairs of bass with decent rms power then the output on this would be ideal and hardly breaking a sweat.

Edited March 23, 2008 by Karl

[Revelationroadshow 0]

Hya Revelationroadshow I think we are reading from the same text book.

I know what you mean about the sound has to be just right from both top and bottom and if not quite right it will irritate you all night long.

Out of interest how long have you had the Mackies and do they sound as good as when you bought them?

This is one of my biggest concerns.

 

Good to hear someone is ont he same page as me!

 

To give you the history, I ran Martin Mach M-Flex passive cabs with the older style TX subs before buying the Mackies and the sound quality on the M-Flex was outstanding, so they were a hard act to follow. Bought the SRM450's back in November, so haven't had them all that long and really haven't gigged them in anger yet - season starts on 5th April, but in the short period I've had them I certainly wouldn't change them.

 

For me, they have ooooodles of bass (I think the key to Mackies is understanding that they are quite top heavy and so you do need to tame down the trebble, but the bass is certainly not lacking, just a little overwhelmed by the trebble. Once you get that sorted, not worries). I still have my passive subs and Behringer EP2500 and the plan was to run these alongside the Mackies when needed. Have to say I haven't found ANY need yet!

 

IMHO they get close enough to that "hi-fi" sound I grew up loving, they can take on the funky house stuff with the best of them and I think they look great too!

 

But the biggest advantage is not having to take an amp and a pair of subs into the venue! My back is very pleased!

[Bolan-Boogie 0]

see, or buy 2 with a bit less power which combined gives you more power and prob a bit less in money. yes you have to carry 2 but if one did brake, youve got a spare with you,

 

 

Sound advice

 

It depends on what your running them with, for instance if for a couple of pairs of bass with decent rms power then the output on this would be ideal and hardly breaking a sweat.

 

 

Would still go with the 2 amps option, breaking sweat or not amps still & do go wrong, so you would have a back up.

 

Running with no back up amp is suicidal !

[danger mouse 0]

i think most on here have had a amp go down or not start up on us in our time , most things you can work around but when that little fault light comes on its like that feeling you get when you get your finger or head stuck in something, :fear: