What speakers for a Soundcraft GigRac 1000ST?

[Guest Rough Justice]

I'd appreciate ideas on what might be the best speakers for a Soundcraft GigRac 1000st.

 

Recently purchased this amp/mixer as our previous mixer went to the big gig in the sky.

It's rated @ 2 X 500w RMS into 4 ohms.

 

We're keen to get a sound comparable to our previous set-up which was:

A Crown Power-Tech 1 amp (300 x2 into 4ohms) driving a pair of Peavey Hi-Sys 2's - 4ohms (around 15 years old!) with a Behringer mixer.

 

We tried the GigRac at our gig last week with the Hi-Sys 2's, but the vocals were a bit muffled & flat leading us to think that the speakers are well past their best.

 

I'm concerned that if we go for a pair of cabs' rated @ 8ohms, say 250-300 watts, we'll lose some volume/db compared to the old set-up.

What would the output (1000 into 4ohms) be at 8 ohms, & would it make a big difference db wise?

 

We normally put 2 vocal mics (SM58-B.V.'s & Beta 58-Lead) & 2 drum mics (Snare/Hi-Hat & Bass Drum) through it.

 

I've had a look at the following:

JBL EON 1500 - 225 @ 8 ohms - Bit worried that they're underpowered, but they're light & popular.

JBL JRX 15's - 250 @ 8 ohms - bulkier than the EON's but seem a bit more substantial

Peavey UL15 - 500 @ 4 ohms - Heavier & are they as good as the old Hi-Sys 2's?

 

Budget around £500-00

 

Cheers

 

HOG

 

www.roughjusticerock.com