I'm thinking of replacing my front set. I currently use an EV Gladiator set ( 2* sub + 2* top). I usually play venues up to 200 people, but sometimes I have to perform for a larger crowd and/or outside. I was thinking in the line of a JBL VRX-set or a double JBL SRX-set. Preferably a scalable set with more power than my current set and less weight to carry around. Last week I did a gig outside with some other artists. The PA consisted of 4 Nexo-tops, two EV X-array subs and....two QSC K-subs to support the EV subs and the QSC K12 tops serving as floor monitors. The owner of the set was pleasantly surprised with the QSC K-series. He said the active set sounds great, is light-weight and most of all: has a reasonable price-tag.

I did't have a chance to audition the QSC-set since it was part of the rest of the PA. Unfortunatly the distribution of QSC-equipment is very poor in Europe, so it is very hard for me to try their products. I am interested primarily in their line of active speakers. The K-series or perhaps the new KW-series.

Any-one have any experience with these small powerhouses?

I have installed 8 higher end QSC amps in one club during an overhaul and used their powered speakers for a month while sorting out the mess. This was a club bought by a company I provide training services in 'hospitality', and they couldn't figure out why the sound system didn't work. I met the DJ they got with the club purchase and after 10 minutes asked him to leave and called the head office and informed them he was an addict, and that the drugs had fried his brain to the point he was having weird arm flailing every 20 seconds or so. The existing speakers had bass only, the fuses (an automobile lamp) were all gone on the horns, and some amps only ran on 1 channel.

I thought the QSC powered speakers were great, but the only thing wrong with the existing ones turned out to be wiring/amp and fuse issues. 3 years later, running every day, the QSC amps are still running, and the older speakers are still working. The downside was cable issues, speakon connectors, they ensure that anyone who trips over your cable pulls down a powered speaker, meaning be careful where and how you place things. In the past someone pulling a standard mono cable just unplugged it if you routed the cable properly.

Setting the speakers to 2 o'clock and sliding the mixer lets you get a decent mix, but a power mixer amp combo is safer on the table due to weight than the other, and I had some issues with that.

I used to use Powered speakers in a large lodge room, but dumped everything when I went with the Bose L1 Model II. This gives me much better sound from a back corner setup and the use of 3 wireless mics along with my 'organs' has meant much less wiring, much faster setup and takedown and in my opinion, superior sound dispersal and quality.

I think in the end if you use 2 powered speakers you are paying for two amps vrs unpowered speakers with one amp. On the other hand you lose one amp you still have sound.