Karaoke Forums

Hi,
Thanks you in advance for any recommendation/comments regarding my questions.  I am setting up a home karaoke system for a large room (800 sf+).  Music will primarily be easy listening, jazz ...  not a  lot of bass so I probably won't need a sub ritght now until my friends and I expand our music choices.  I am leaning toward the following:

MIXER -  Mackie DFX
POWER AMP - undecided between Mackie M1400i and Yamaha P5000.  Both are about the same price I think.  Mackie pushes 300W/ch into 8ohms while the Yamaha 500W/ch.  Does the extra 200W make a big difference?  Which amp would you recommend?
SPEAKERS - any recommendations?  Should I match the brand to the brand of the power amp?
MIC - any recommendation on a condenser mic?  Does the DFX board provide phantom power to the mic?

Thank you again for your help!

That size room I would use:

Crown xls 602a 370 watts per channel $400 Crown are built like tanks.
Or a Qsc Rmx1850hd $500

JBL M-Pro 215 $430 each

Mics Sennheiser e835 $100 each.

It depends on how much money you would like to spend, but thet amps you were looking are are around $600. You can spend a little less on an amp and get better speakers i would go that route.

If you are using it for home use, you could save some cash by buying a mixing amp. I am partial to the Yamahas myself (EMX88S for $500), though for even cheaper than that, many peeps swear by the Behingers (PMH880S for $350 or PMX2000 for $250). Just plug your player into the mixing amp and you are good to go. For home-use speakers, check out the Yamaha BR-12s, which are about $200 each, or the Peavey PV115s for about $200 each.

This route you could build your system for just about $650-900

Another route would be to take that Mackie mixer and then invest in some powered speakers. Look at the JBL Eon15 series ($389 each).

This route your could build your system for right around $1000.

Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying one of the packaged PAs, as they sound fine for home use.

If I were buying a starting home package on a budget, I'd probably go with the Behinger PMX2000, which has 10 channels, 250 watts per channel and vocal effects, and two Peavey PV115, which have 15" woofers and great bass reponce and handle 300 watts program. This will run you $650.

As long as you are not an audiophile, check out the Samson R21 mics. They have a high gain that makes the vocal stand out in the mix, which is good for karaoke. You can get a 3 pack at Sam Ash with a molded plastic case for $50. I use a Shure S58 for my main mic, but have also used these Samson mics as my duet and "rowdy patron" mics for 2 years without any problems.

So that's $700 and you'll have a system that will sound better than 75% of karaoke DJs out there (though it won't be up to the standards of most on this board!!).

That's my $0.02!!

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C Mc
KJ, FL

Oh, and I presonally run that Yamaha P5000 amp with a Yamaha MG16/6FX mixer and a BBE 362 sonic maximizer and two Yamaha SV115 club series speakers and the system is one of the best in the area. If you have the $$ to spend, I would definately recommend this combo!!

You are going to hear that extra 200 watts in lower, tighter bass and higher, cleaner trebles. The BBE 362 sonic maximizer I have then gives me even lower, tighter bass and even higher, cleaner trebles.

If you are on a budget, however, I still stand by my prior recommendations!!

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C Mc
KJ, FL

I'd agree with Topher - If your using for home a decent powered mixer would be a good choice.  There are a few affordable units out there BEHRINGER  / YAMAHA  / PEAVEY  / MACKIE  Those brands in that order are from least expensive on up.
Also as the price goes up so does the quality (for the most part) .   I use on some smaller gigs ( and in fact have it setup in my den)  the Behringer PMX2000.
Plenty of Power, features and effects  for Karaoke and Live Audio and very LIGHT small in size and Affordable.  The Peavey Lite Weight speakers are also a great choice for home. I use the 12" model and love them - 15" will give you more of a punch for a few dollars more.  There are plenty of deals out there on mics so shop around.   I tried the Samson mics for 3 for $49 and didn't like them too much for professional use. ( too much hanlding & pop noise)  But thats just me.  

Visit some of the on-line PRO AUDIO websites most of them have feedback and reviews on all items from customers.  Take a look and you will get some great feedback.

Select your speakers first, then match an amp to them....And don't be afraid to buy too much amp.

There is nothing more damaging to speakers than too little amp....So allow yourself some headroom with a larger amp and even cheap speakers will sound briter and fuller.

Thank you for your recommendations.  I will look into all the stuff mentioned.  BTW, my budget is close to 2000 - that's why my original thoughts is toward separate components for expandability later on  as well the price range of components I mentioned.   I assumed you get what you pay for but if the extra money does not buy you better equipment (read  -better sound) then I do not need to spend that much then.  thanks