minty Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I'm currently doing more and more local Indie nights which I co-promote with a friend, well honestly he promotes, I handle the technical side. As it has been a few years since I have done much other than corporate, theatre and white gloves work my own pa needs a bit of an upgrade (also I sold some of the big bits off when they were seeing no use) So, I need to replace my FOH system, boxes, amps, processing and cables as it is not cost effective for me to keep subbing in. The venues range in size from 500 people to around 1250 with the norm being somewhere in the middle.The source is usually fairly clean Indie, but can be a bit on the heavy side. Think 4 or 5 piece 'rock' band. Usually I sub in Turbo TSW718's and Flood's and I am happy with what I can do with them. To give an Idea of levels involved in some of the bigger venues I go with 2 subs and 2 tops a side, but usually its just one of each a side. I would really prefer to buy new, which means, sadly Turbo will be out of my reach. I have a budget of approx £18k. Generally I try to avoid active systems, but I am open to ideas in this area. Oh and I would need to rule out anything not readily available in the UK as I will obviously need to demo it before purchase and I need access to spares and support etc. Any and all ideas welcomed with thanks! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Jeal Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi Martin, Not sure exactly why you're so dead set on buying new as your money will go a lot further buying used pro level gear from a reputable source, for example Crystal pro have a couple of 6 stack turbo flood/TSW718 systems with all the amps and dsp etc for about £18k, and as you mention you're familiar with its performance and obviously there's more of it in your area for cross rental opportunities. Remember gear of this level was built to stand up to the rigors of touring and as such is very well built. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallMike Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Martin, where are you based? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob_Beech Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I agree that buying new can send your budget through the roof or the equipment you can get for your budget plummeting through the floor.As Charlie so rightly says, stuff such as floodlight which is potentially 15 years old or more is still a great system for that sort of program material (in the right sized rooms). The fact that it is still around in fairly large quantities around the country proves the point that it is a good system and that it is built to last. The same is true of most older systems. C4 from getting on 25 years ago is still on the road. In today's world all but the highest quality boxes manufactured today will be in pieces within this amount of time. Boxes of that quality retail at over £3000 per box as a rule. you won't get many even with discount for your £18k, let alone with amps processing and the racks and cabling to go with it. Cross hire. If you bought 4 or 6 stacks of something a local company has, then it's ideal for switching about when you each need a little more or a little less than you have. The only thing to watch is amplifiers, making wiring useable or both companies may take a little time and effort and money but it's worth it. For my larger systems I can use my amp racks, or I can use amp racks from 2 different local hire companies by plugging 2 inputs in, 2 outputs in, and a power lead. Similarly I can use my amp racks with their boxes. The amp racks work with 4 different systems which is simply a matter of recalling presets on amps in my case, and processors in their case. Condition. Buy brand new boxes and chip a piece off of them loading them onto the truck the first time, you'll be upset, buy a system that's had a few knocks but easily covers up with a coat of paint and you'll care much less. There's lots of things to consider but the main point here is "what do you benefit from buying NEW?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minty Posted January 10, 2009 Author Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi again thanks to all for the replies. Mike, I am just outside of Oxford. Charlie and Rob, thanks for the replies, the more I think about it the more what you both say makes sense, first of all Turbo Flood is readily available to sub in my area, and I do have a great fondness for those boxes (always have had). Why new, I'm not sure I was looking at it really from a guarantee point of view, having said that the benefit equipment wise I can get from buying second hand does seem to offset the chance of losing an amp or two and having to have it repaired.Real reason for why new, I suspect was tiredness and the fact that over the last few weeks I have been putting together design briefs for refiting a couple of local education establishments, where of course buying new is somewhat more important.It may have also been the merlot clouding my judgment somewhat... Thanks to all again, might be time to get me some Turbo (my inner child is very excited, sad eh?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johndenim Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 A vain hope I may help, but a listing here on ebay seems a bargain, though it may be a bit small for your requirements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Pearce Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 It won't be a bargain now you've posted it here though will it? [edit]Ok, its a buy it now, but even so... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minty Posted January 10, 2009 Author Share Posted January 10, 2009 John,Thanks for the thought mate, shame It wasn't around a few week a go, would have made a nice side fill system, bit small for FOH though. Thanks anyway! M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johndenim Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 It won't be a bargain now you've posted it here though will it? [edit]Ok, its a buy it now, but even so... That's the only reason I posted it Jon, as it's a BIN.Still, a good deal I think.John,Thanks for the thought mate, shame It wasn't around a few week a go, would have made a nice side fill system, bit small for FOH though. Thanks anyway! M No worries, I wish I had 18k in my pocket!Good luck with your search, try Mr Beech, maybe he could help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minty Posted January 10, 2009 Author Share Posted January 10, 2009 No worries M, I wish I had 18k in my pocket!Good luck with the search. ** laughs out loud **, wish it was all mine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johndenim Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 OT but I buggered up the quotes again, edited now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound In Gloucestershire Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 that ebay system looks like a nice buy, but whats going on with those amps??? Martin Monitors running off a 500w skytec amp and then 6 turbosound boxes with peavey amps anyone else see the weak links here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolley1466 Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 that ebay system looks like a nice buy, but whats going on with those amps??? Martin Monitors running off a 500w skytec amp and then 6 turbosound boxes with peavey amps anyone else see the weak links here? If it's Silver and has nobs it must be good *nudge, nudge* Soundcraft Spirit SX is a very good mixer I must say! Built like a tank! Just like all Soundcraft mixers ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furryface Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 If you are after some 2nd hand Flood then the first place to try is Pete Brotzmann down at Crystal Pro - he usually has stuff on his website and keeps a pretty good eye on the gear that might be coming onto the market. He used to work for both Turbo and Brit Row so he knows the kit inside out. He might always be the cheapest for second hand gear but he is a pro and a gent. Check out http://www.crystalpro.co.uk/speakers_cabinets.htm or call Pete on 07768 392786 And you're right you can't beat a bit of Flood Have fun and good luck FF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minty Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share Posted January 12, 2009 If you are after some 2nd hand Flood then the first place to try is Pete Brotzmann down at Crystal Pro -And you're right you can't beat a bit of Flood Have fun and good luck FF Thanks FF have already seen some on the website, and time permitting will be calling him tomorrow. Thanks again to all M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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