I haven't heard the new EON systems, but I've used a couple different old ones that my company owns... we use them to simulate aircraft noise. I've been in a room where a single EON was producing pink noise in excess of 110dBA. I could not stand being in the room without ear protection; trying my hardest, I lasted about 10 seconds.

They do loud, full frequency, very well. And are portable. Though I have to say, after moving one from the trunk to bedroom #1, to bedroom #2, to living space #1, back to the trunk and driving it to the next house, doing 10 houses a day, for several days in a row...after that I have come to hate the EON. Just seeing one can make me angry.

But for what you're looking to do (i.e. bass, loud, portable) it seems like a reasonable solution.

Are you going to be micing the acoustic guitar and violin, or are these electric-acoustic instruments?

Wow, Scott - now I'm pretty curious about why your company was simulating aircraft noise - soundproofing?

The JBL EONs were mentioned frequently by people using them for their electronic drums. Obviously, lots of transients must be OK with these. Although I want great frequency response throughout, if I can at least get the low end happening I will be happy.

Not sure how I'm gonna amplify the violin and acoustic guitar yet, probably NOT miced for feedback reasons. THis is still one I've gotta figure out, I've got tons of contact mic elements but I'm not sure if that is the best way.

I recently saw a demonstration of the new Bose instrument amplifyer and was very impressed by the sound. The system looks a bit odd like a pole if you are playing something with a lot of bass there is a small external bass cabinet. Seemed small and light. Had a remote control to adjust the volume - tone. I was very impressed by the sound of it, in fact I was amazed as there did not seem to be much in the way of speekers. A strat and a les paul sounded very clear (no effects were used) and detailed, a classical guitar sounded amazing with presence, P bass and stand up sounded good as did electric piano. The combo played togeather and the sound was well balanced and very focused and clear.

Bose does not have a long history in this type of thing but I think it is worth a listen and seemed to transport easly. Did not play through it myself but was impressed and wondered where all the sound was coming from.

As well I have seen the JBL's hold up well over long periods in clubs. No experence with the Mackie system.

Those bose towers have been super hyped where I"ve read, but they're like $1200 or something aren't they? They're touted as a way to keep the sound directional, as to hear the guitar player coming from where he is, which of course would require multiple units and copious $$. I'm glad I heard a review from somewhere other than musician's friend/promotional literature though.

yeah on musician's friend the bose thing is 1,699.99, or 1,999.99 with the bass thing. It definitely looks cool though

Don't know if I am giving a endorsement it as I have not played through it myself and don't know any specifics like durability or build quality. Am always supicious of demos as gear is always presented in it's best light.

Sounds a bit more expensive than I would have thought. But I think might be somthing to try in a store and see if he liked it.

I guess the reason it came to mind is the acoustic guitar and violin would lend themselves to the hi - fi nature of the Bose tower thing. It did sound very clear.

I think this think realy gets to the gadget side of me cause it just dosn't look like a amp at all.

A few important considerations -

How much do you want to spend?

What's the likelihood that the size you'll want on this will change?

If you're willing to spend some money upfront, I've had good experience with Crest power amps (the Pro 3301 for smaller power applications) and EAW cabinets. As with some of the options mentioned above, this will require its own mixing/preamp solution.

The benefit of a sytem like this over the latest modular product is that high quality components are more scalable and hold their value in the resale market. For instance, if you decide you want to get louder with the system that I've laid out above, you can bring in a more powerful amp to handle low frequencies and use your old full frequency system to handle the mids and highs. Or you could sell the speaker and get another 3301 and bigger speakers, then bridging your two 3301s in mono to power each speaker. Or you could sell both of them and upgrade. The latest Fender Passport won't give you the flexibility or the second hand market value to make these choices down the line.

The downside of a system like this is that it is more expensive.

The other upside is that higher quality gear (specifically the brands mentioned above) is more robust and can handle abuse better. But you shouldn't abuse your stuff.

= Justin

endofanera wrote:Ive never heard the Mackies; perhaps this is true. The JBLs have fine high end reproduction. You should make an effort to listen to them both if you can.

The JBL's are pretty good, and there isn't a whole lot of difference between them and the Mackies. I have heard them both, used them both in multiple settings, and I find the Mackies to be clearer and have a longer throw, whereas the JBL's have beefier bass response but less splay and less throw.

I can say that the design of the cabinet makes the Eon a much better floor monitor, as it can be tipped back but keep it's orientation (over-under) whereas the Mackie must be tipped on it's side-corner, which makes for a useless hi-frequency directivity (unless you're directly in front of the now-vertical horn, you won't hear it).

mccreadyisgod wrote:

endofanera wrote:You should make an effort to listen to them both if you can.

I have heard them both

Sorry, yeah, when I said "you," I meant the original posta. I figured you must have heard them both to have arrived at an opinion about one re: the other.

Salut! And thanks for the added detail. I must check out these Mackie.