PA subs cant decide

[tallen55]

Please help me decide: I have offer to sell my current subwoofer system for $2300. It is 2 JBL STX818S, 2 Crown XLi3500 power amps, rolling shock resistant rack and 2 40’ speaker cables, furman power conditioner and DBX drive rack. All like new. This system works great! However, I am considering selling it to purchase new Yamaha 18” powered subs DXS18XLF. The top line ones that are $1500 ea. So I would need the $2300 plus another $700. Can the powered subs even compare to the passive? Is it worth it to reduce weight and space of the passive system? Or am I better off keeping what I have. I’ve never owned powered subs, but I’m happy with my powered mains. Thanks

[Mike Monte]

I am not quite sure of your PA's application; DJ/band/karaoke/whatever but the weak link in your sub set up is your power amplifier IMO.
Your amp has enough watts but the damping factor (200) is quite low.

In my sub rigs I use Crown Itech (original series) power amps and my (old) subs kick a**.

Try a true sub amplifier (Crown IT5000HD...I recently bought a factory refurb unit - excellent) and see what you think.
If you think that your subs sound good now, try a real amp. It will truly wake-up your cabs.

[resistorman]

The Yamaha will be optimized for its dsp and amplifier and a whole lot simpler to use.

[Sam Spoons]

The max SPL of the Yamaha's is higher than the JBLs (136dB/132dB) so even with better amplifiers they won't go quite as loud (4dB is not a huge difference though). They are slightly (3.9kg) heavier but you won't need the amp rack. The DSP ensures the amps are correctly matched to the speakers for best efficiency so all things consideredI'd say they would be a decent step up if you feel the need to upgrade your current subs.

[AlecSp]

All of the above, but what are your tops and what do you use them for?

If you come back saying you're using Yamaha DXR/DSR tops, then getting the "matching" sub may be a really smart move. Perhaps less so if you'll end up with mixed brands.

[tallen55]

Thanks for the replies. I use my PA for live bands. Country to metal. My tops are currently two DSR112 (will upgrade to DZR at some point)

[Sam Spoons]

As Alex says, go for the Yamaha subs as they are designed to complement the DZR tops. Many powered tops and subs have the HPF and LPF, respectively, elements of the crossover in the separate cab. Mix and match and you may end up with mismatched HPF/LPF frequencies or slopes. In this case though the DXS18XLF does have a DSP out so can handle all crossover functions.

[tallen55]

Thanks for all of your advise everyone. Definitely leaning toward the Yamaha subs now, once I get the cash from the JBL system.