Cornwalled Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Hey Guys, I'm really into playing drums, and finally got my own set, and it's a big one. I love playing along with CDs of Pink Floyd, ELO, Alan Parsons Project, etc. However, as much as I love them, my Fried speakers just can't keep up with the thunderous boom and massive crash of drums. I have Ludwig Vistalite drums, which are known to be louder than the average drum (as if they aren't loud enough already..lol). I use 15db reduction earplugs, so that should give an idea of relative volume. I'm looking for speakers that can comfortably accompany my drums at high volumes. Naturally, I thought of Klipsch, remembering how well my Cornwalls rocked out with a mere 100 watt amp. Nothing like efficiency! So here's my question: What speakers would you guys recommend to play at HIGH volumes (around 105 db or so) without strain, and have the clarity to cut through acrylic drums and massive vintage cymbals? Cornwalls again? Any other recommendations? I had La Scalas once before, I think they were from around 2000. However, to be honest, I liked the Cornwalls more, I thought the midrange was less aggressive, and the bass was fuller. However, in this case, I'm really looking for whatever will punch through the best, as these will be used almost exclusively for high volume rock and roll with drums. My room is only about 18 x 18 with a 10 foot ceiling, so as you can imagine, the drums do a good job of filling the space. Any thoughts? Thanks a lot! -Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juniper8 Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Glad you are wearing ear plugs! I have had 2 pairs of Cornwalls and I would recommend Altec Model 19's if you really want to hear drums crack. I havent heard cornscalas but I bet they would sound great too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 LaScalas would work great, but you would probably need to adjust the mids down a bit. The will give a more overall smooth sound, and also make the bass seem more full. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris A Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 So here's my question: What speakers would you guys recommend to play at HIGH volumes (around 105 db or so) without strain, and have the clarity to cut through acrylic drums and massive vintage cymbals?Alternatives should include speakers that have a large woofer or horn-loaded bass bin that can reproduce LF down to ~30 Hz or below. Some thoughts:1) Cornwalls - used CW-Is or CW-IIs would be cost effective, $600-$900(US) 2) Khorns - they will reproduce everything and at very high volume, cleanly. You can get a beater pair for ~$1K(US), or $1.5-$2K(US) for a nicer pair. They require good corners or fair-size false corners, but the sound is CLEAN. 3) Jubilees - these will handle anything that you want to throw at them - just place each of them within 18 inches of a corner, or alternatively you can build extensions like the Khorn false corners, but to extend the bass bin mouth a bit, cost ~$8K including active crossover (used EV Dx38 or DC-One, or Yamaha SP2060). You might find used ones for less, but they are rare. You'll need four amplifier channels (biamped). This would be the most impressive sounding system by far of the alternatives listed thus far (...but see the next alternative). 4) K-402 horns/1133 drivers + B&C tweeters + custom bass bins (i.e., Claude's setup that is currently for sale) - these would blow away CWs and probably give the Jubs a run for the money, ~$1.3K + his TH subwoofer. Recommended approach. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornwalled Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 Hey everyone, Thanks for the great advice. Well, I can cross Jubilees right off the list, as the budget will never support spending $8,000 on a pair of speakers. I've never had a set of K-horns, so I would be intrigued to try something different. Claude's setup looks awesome, if a bit big for my small digs. Plus, I have a feeling it will sell before I'm able to get the money together. I'm hoping to combine tax refund money with money from selling a 1966 Fender Pro Reverb guitar amp (real nice) to be able to buy my next speakers. Can anyone comment on what a setup like Claude's would sound like in my size room? -Jon EDIT: I forgot to mention, I do have a subwoofer. You can see it next to the Fried speaker in the picture. It's a 4x12" tower from a set of Infinity IRS Betas. It's fed by a Crest Pro amp in 4 ohm bridged mode for 650 watts. So, bass isn't an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 You set your cymbals up pretty flat. I like that. The one thing you might try is lowering your ride cymbal for effiency of motion. Nice kit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornwalled Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 Yeah, I've always liked the cymbals flat. They're vintage Zildjians, all older than I am, so I don't want to risk keyholing. -Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugeroost Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 dang, I do the same thing you do only with a set of pearl exports, I think cornwalls will be your best bet, plus you can find em for 8 hun or so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tblake10 Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I was in an audio store listening to some klipsch speakers and the salesman told me a story about a proffessional drummer that he know that would only use klipsch heresys, nothing else would do for him. Since you have a sub, this might be an option too. the heresy has a liveliness to it and mid bass punch that I love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 a proffessional drummer that he know that would only use klipsch heresys, nothing else would do for him. Since you have a sub, this might be an option too. the heresy has a liveliness to it and mid bass punch that I love. I will have to agree. Even though the Heresys/Heresy II's don't extend too low, the mid bass punch and accuracy is about 2nd to none, IMO. With a quality subwoofer properly integrated with them, tough to beat. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCliff Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Chorus IIs they are beasts at high volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornwalled Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 I've been doing some searching online, and I'm shocked how expensive Klipsch speakers have become! I bought my LaScalas just a few years ago for $650, and sold them for $500. While they weren't perfect cosmetically, they were far from hideous. Now, I can't find a single pair under $1000, no matter how ugly, and most are $1500 and above. K-horns cost more than I paid for my last car. What gives? At this rate, I'll never have Heritage. -Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasqwatch Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I've been doing some searching online, and I'm shocked how expensive Klipsch speakers have become! I bought my LaScalas just a few years ago for $650, and sold them for $500. While they weren't perfect cosmetically, they were far from hideous. Now, I can't find a single pair under $1000, no matter how ugly, and most are $1500 and above. K-horns cost more than I paid for my last car. What gives? At this rate, I'll never have Heritage. -Jon yes they are pricey to say the least but if you are patient you will find something in your price range it took me a year but I finally found a pair of 1988 horns 150 miles from the house for what they are asking for the nicer lascalas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennie Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 Keep checking Craigslist's in your area, also outlying areas too. Every now and then a great deal pops up, so you have to be ready to deal. [] Good luck and keep us posted, Dennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taz Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 Patience, just be patient and keep an eye out. Your system will turn up. Found a couple I was not looking for, and some more that for one reason or another I just can't have........Yet. ............Now have enough to get me shot by the wife, and enough to get calls from the neighbors. Wait until summer when I can play the shop speakers for the neighbor up the hill,, [] ..............Taz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornwalled Posted January 17, 2014 Author Share Posted January 17, 2014 (edited) Accidental Post..Mistake. Edited January 17, 2014 by Cornwalled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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