Looking to buy a PA (Mackie vs. JBL)

[JonathanRay]

Should I buy...

two JBL JRX118S subs and two JBL JRX115 speakers (total: $1400)
or should I dish out the extra $600 and buy
two Mackie S218s subs and two Mackie S215 speakers (total: $2000)

I'm looking for a system to gig with my band.

Thanks!

 

[JonathanRay]

Does anyone have any experience with these systems or any suggestions?

 

[Matt123]

I have 2 peavey SP 5's and they are fantastic for the price point. Get a sub if you need to like the SP 218 to match. The black widow subs are the best you will find in a premade cabinet.

 

[petermiller]

the mackie vs the JRX is not quite an apples for apples comparison. It would be more like the Mackie VS the JBL Mpro 4 series. In that case I would definately go with The JBL MP418s and The MP412. This being said however they are being discontinued so there will be a replacement due out shortly to take the place of the 400 series. The MAkie would be better than the JRX. The mackie speakers sound good, but you will have parts issues down the road, and there is an availibility issue with parts for those. I would however reccomend 12" two ways instead of 15" two way speakers as the vocal inteligibility will be much better seeing as you are supporting them with a SUB.
+ the JBL are going to be easier to maintain + the cabs are more efficient.

 

[dementedchord]

right on pete

good evaluation imo... but then i use the mp 410 for my live keyboard rig... with 15" sub