HK Audio Recommendations

[LeeGolding]

Hi guys,

 

A question for current users of HK Audio.

 

I am currently using a HK Audio Lucas Performer system. 900 watts rms. Two 8" 200w tops and one 12" sub 500w. All active. I'm a solo performer and find that the sound is very very nice (especially for the price range). Lots of positive feedback. It does a room of 200 people at a push I would say.

 

However, I would like to upgrade so I can do more people, have more headroom, and a better sound quality. The tops handle 130hz +. I feel that I will get a fuller sound if I use tops which handle 60-80hz+ such as the Premium Pro or Elias PX for example.

 

I would like to be able to use the tops on their own for smaller venues, and add the subs for larger venues. The Elias PX, etc allows you to do this.

 

I want to stay active rather than passive as I don't want to carry separate amps around. Personal preference.

 

To those that have/are using HK gear, your opinions would be very useful. I like the HK stuff and definitely want to stick with this brand.

 

My budget is from £2000-£3000, but would rather spend less than more due to the current economy.

 

Thank you,

 

Lee.

[JakeCTG]

I have used the old version of the HK elias and it is truly horrible, no punch, harsh tops and no clarity.

I have also recently used the Elias PX and it is better but I feel that you can get a better system for the money.

Depending on the sound that you are after, I would consider either looking at B-52 matrix 1000 V2 system great little all in one system if you are on a budget, 1 x 15" powered sub which then powers 2 10" satellite tops.

If this is too small than maybe consider stuff like the Turbosound TXP or maybe even the Mackie.

[LeeGolding]

I have used the old version of the HK elias and it is truly horrible, no punch, harsh tops and no clarity.

I have also recently used the Elias PX and it is better but I feel that you can get a better system for the money.

Depending on the sound that you are after, I would consider either looking at B-52 matrix 1000 V2 system great little all in one system if you are on a budget, 1 x 15" powered sub which then powers 2 10" satellite tops.

If this is too small than maybe consider stuff like the Turbosound TXP or maybe even the Mackie.

 

Thanks but as I said in the post, I want HK Audio recommendations. I know what brand I like. My Lucas Performer sounds real good and I've heard lots of systems. Need more headroom, power, and more full range tops.

 

Anyone else?

[tolley1466]

The Premium pros are amazing. I highly recommend them. The crossover level on them is so sweet, you get a full range of warmness from them. If you wanted more power I would recommend the 12" Premium Pros and one or two 18" subs. Depending on how much money you have.

[fitz_e]

Hi Lee

 

Much like you, I started with a Lucas 600 system and wanted to move up the food chain to start hiring out equipment (the 600 was ok for DJ hires and small gigs, but no real power for the bigger/louder gigs). I progressed onto the Actor and haven't looked back. I now run a couple of Actor systems, although they are both the original model, not the D.I.S.C.O. version currently out there. You can still pick a 6-cab Actor up for 2k or less and parts are still easy to get hold of from JHS. Bigger than that? Try the Projector...... :** laughs out loud **:

[wmcalin]

I'll second the second hand actor route, the Premium Pro kit is ok but the Actor is a decent system with better components than the Premium range but heavy.

 

I think the dB technology forty line system is also good value for money, I hear this is about to be discontinued so you might be able to pick up a bargain, similar size as the actor kit but top box's are passive they get the feed from the mid box.

[soundgeek]

Hi There

 

I have used the HK Actor and Projector System and both have been fine. It depends what you want to use them for. I have used them for band and for DJ Stuff. They were fantastic for disco stuff with a powerful bass and nice top end, but they didn't perform as well for the band stuff. As a result, I didn't buy them. What would you be using them for?

Oli

[Chris L]

Another vote for Turbosound TXP - really good top speakers, IMHO sound nearly as good as the aspect wides. The subs sound really punchy and full too.

Also very rugged and can handle being thrown around.

You should be able to pick up a new set of 2x TXP151 and 2x TXP118 for around £2-2.5k ex VAT

Get them soon though as I've heard Turbosound are putting their list prices up shortly...

HTH

Chris

[LeeGolding]

Hi Lee

 

Much like you, I started with a Lucas 600 system and wanted to move up the food chain to start hiring out equipment (the 600 was ok for DJ hires and small gigs, but no real power for the bigger/louder gigs). I progressed onto the Actor and haven't looked back. I now run a couple of Actor systems, although they are both the original model, not the D.I.S.C.O. version currently out there. You can still pick a 6-cab Actor up for 2k or less and parts are still easy to get hold of from JHS. Bigger than that? Try the Projector......

 

 

1) Can I use just tops and 2 subs?

 

2) Are these mounted on speaker poles as usual between sub and top?

 

3) On the HK website it says 600 watt for the top speakers. Is that per top speaker? And the same for the sub, is it 1000 watt per sub?

 

Cheers mucka.

 

Lee.

[Sound In Gloucestershire]

lee, the wattage shouldnt really come into it here, as these are powered cabs

[fitz_e]

1) Can I use just tops and 2 subs?

 

2) Are these mounted on speaker poles as usual between sub and top?

 

3) On the HK website it says 600 watt for the top speakers. Is that per top speaker? And the same for the sub, is it 1000 watt per sub?

 

Cheers mucka.

 

Lee.

 

I'd recommend you go for a 2nd user original Actor - I've heard some "not good things" about the current model. If that's the case, the answers would be

1) yes, as each cab is active so can be used in isolation if required (I've used the tops as monitors before now )

2) you can, although I've never really trusted 29kg on a stick. The sub does have a 'socket' for the pole.

3) All the cabs are 400W, so 2k4 for a complete Actor.

 

I've used Actors (2 or 4 tops) for bands and DJs and always had good positive comments from the band/DJ and the crowd. For the money and the flexibility I think it's hard to beat IMHO. :D

 

Cheers

 

Fitz_e

[rusty999]

1) Can I use just tops and 2 subs?

 

2) Are these mounted on speaker poles as usual between sub and top?

 

3) On the HK website it says 600 watt for the top speakers. Is that per top speaker? And the same for the sub, is it 1000 watt per sub?

 

Cheers mucka.

 

Lee.

 

I'd recommend you go for a 2nd user original Actor - I've heard some "not good things" about the current model. If that's the case, the answers would be

1) yes, as each cab is active so can be used in isolation if required (I've used the tops as monitors before now :blink: )

2) you can, although I've never really trusted 29kg on a stick. The sub does have a 'socket' for the pole.

3) All the cabs are 400W, so 2k4 for a complete Actor.

 

I've used Actors (2 or 4 tops) for bands and DJs and always had good positive comments from the band/DJ and the crowd. For the money and the flexibility I think it's hard to beat IMHO. :** laughs out loud **:

 

Cheers

 

Fitz_e

 

I had the opposite experience with the actor system I'm sorry to say and ended up returning it in a week.

I had actually fallen in love with the sound I was getting from it but found it to be underpowered.

To cap it all a few days later I noticed that 2 of the cabs were cracked/split at the corners

I ended up with a martin audio blackline system 18s and 15 tops and never looked back and boy is it powerful

Obviously its not powered and I had to get some amps and controllers etc but its seriously loud if I need it to be and can be driven quietly if thats what I need as well. Just my 5 cents worth

[AndySolomon]

I too would vouch for the Actor system. My band used one for a couple of years and it was great, we managed to get a great punchy sound from it, the top end was clear and mids were there without cutting your ears in two.......(although much o fthis depends on how you set your graphic I suppose). We also have two of the F.A.S.T monitors which are fantastic little units.....although to get the best you need to be a good six feet away.

 

The only thing I didn't like was the painted finish, which tends to end up being chipped off and looking scruffy this is the same with our new Db Fourty Line system.

[WhooLemon]

Our HK Actors just gone on ebay if your interested. HK Actor