Let's talk portable sound systems

[Tony V.]

Maybe the tittle is not quite correct but do any of you have semi portable sound systems that you use and if so what have you found that works?
I've still got a small system that consists of 2 Yorkville YX15 speakers that I've updated with some EV15" drivers.
A Samson servo 600 driving them and a Yamaha YDG2030 eq, a Yamaha MX12/4 mixer. I have an Audio technica t4100 handheld wireless and a Denon DNT620 CD/tape player (don't use it much but still handy to have just in case) all in a rackmount case that's on wheels.
I still need to get a decent sub for it as I do have an old QSC MX1500a amp to drive one in that rack as well I just need to find something used that's not too big to move around.

Over all when I've used it a handful of times a year it's worked well. The Yorkville's are kind of the upper end of cheap speakers but with the EV drivers in them they pound out the sound cleanly in a room as larg as 2500sq ft without issues as long as I don't push the low end to much. I've gotten 110db out of them (50-1800Hz) standing 20ft back in that 2500sq ft space, surprising considering that they are not high end (I'm sure the EV drivers help) but like I said it really needs a sub as I am missing a lot below 40hz and even higher in larger spaces because I have to roll the bottom end off the louder I need to go. The one thing I need to say is the Yorkvilles need the EQ because "flat" they get really harsh at loud levels, with the EQ I can really dial them in and they sound good enough that I've gotten a lot of compliments from people saying that it's one of the few times their ears are not ringing after an hour of them pounding out music. I also don't push out the music at rediculous levels like at so many receptions I've been at (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about)
This weekend the system goes out to do a wedding reception and dance after for a family friend but it's in a really small venue not much bigger than 1000sq feet.

Are there others here that have access to a "road system" like this and what do you like or want to change.

 

[tesseract]

I'd love to have a portable system to haul to family/friend GTGs. Thought about it making one, someday. Yours looks like fun, Tony. I'd want to be able to stream Tidal from wifi wherever I went.

 

[JBrax]

I have a JBL Eon XT515 that sounds amazing and easy to transport. It’s served us well for years now.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

As a video producer by day, by the time I'm off work and on my personal time, the last thing I want to do is lug sound equipment to a family gathering.

I invested in 4 of the JBL Flip 4 bluetooth speakers. When you're just talking about background music for something like a family event or for tailgating, they're perfect. They can all sync to each other, and then to your phone or iPod for playback. The range is pretty good, as well, so I just scatter them around. That way the music is never so loud in any area that you can't have a conversation, but everyone can hear it. I've been thinking about picking up an Extreme 2 to add al little more low end and volume, but it hasn't been

They also fit perfectly in a bottle cage on my bike for listening while I ride. And again, if I'm riding with others, we can each have one on our bikes, we can all hear the music, and we don't have to yell at each other for conversation.

Not really what you were asking, but I've found them to be a really effective solution and they sound pretty good. It's an expandable, quick, portable, and easy solution for a variety of different occasions. Grab 1 while heading out alone on my bike, or when going out to work in the garage. Grab a couple for a backyard grilling session. Grab all of them when I'm heading out to the park or a tailgate.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Those JBLs are really cool. My kids have them... it's amazing how good they sound (and the fact they link together is neat!)

 

[JBrax]

Thanks for the tip on the JBL Flip 4! I just bought me one for pretty much everything thrillcat just mentioned. I’ll still use my JBL Eon for the heavy lifting.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

The first time I showed up to a tailgate with them, our whole group was like, "Oh great, so much for music". But then I just plopped them down all around, and by a couple hours later everyone was asking where I got them and commenting how nice it was to not have one or two huge speakers cranked and then everyone standing 15 feet away and yelling at each other.

 

[JBrax]

My Flip 4 arrived yesterday and the wife and I enjoyed it on the deck. Little thing sounded pretty good so I ordered another so I can play in stereo. Thanks again for the recommendation.

 

[Tony V.]

Those JBLs are amazing for the size. I bought my daughter a JBL charge and liked it so much I bought myself the Extreme and use it in the garage and back yard all the time.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

It just occurred to me that I forgot to mention the Bose PA system. I know, I know, Bose, but this thing is actually awesome. I've performed with it for smaller shows, and it works as both a PA and monitor system. It's designed to not feedback, you set it up behind the band/performer. It sounds really good, and it's really portable, easy to transport and set up. Definitely worth a look for something above the JBL setup.

 

[Tony V.]

I've heard the Bose speakers and have used the Electro-Voice Evolve 50 system that is about the same idea and the EVs are far better. Price wise they are quite close also, give the EVs a look if you haven't

 

[Mike-48]

Tony, I don't know if the question is still of interest, but here goes....

For our winter vacation next year, we'll be using a Nuforce IDA-8 (integrated with DAC), the Harbeth P3ESR speakers from my desktop system, and a laptop computer with JRiver as the source. I probably will also bring a Raspberry Pi streamer and a tablet, so we can listen to Qobuz without needing the computer.

For our audio club, the same setup has been used, though in our meeting room, larger speakers are much better. At last month's meeting some Large Advents made a tremendous combination with the IDA-8.

Another unit that worked well at the club was the Lynx Hilo, an excellent, compact DAC. However, that needed a separate power amp. But in an audio club, usually someone will volunteer to bring a component or two.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Do you have that Nuforce on hand?

 

[Mike-48]

Do you have that Nuforce on hand?

Yes, I do.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Pics? :-)

 

[Mike-48]

Todd, I got mine used. Right now it's in my closet, waiting for its next use, at the audio club. There's a photo in the Absolute Sound review.

It is inexpensive (as audio gear goes), and once it's warmed up, the sound is very good. It won't replace separates costing 10x as much, but for what it is, it's remarkable (and small).

Mike