I wanted to seek the advice/opinions from the forum on which is a better speaker for tops- the Mackie SRM 450v2 or the RCF ART 312-A? I have a Mackie SRM 1801 sub so I figured that matching the subs with the 450 v2 would be the obvious choice . But I've been hearing some great things about the RCF's as well. What do you all think?
geposted Thu 27 Oct 11 @ 8:54 am
I had the RCF325's and found them to be heavy and under powered, I now use 522's, 422's & 722's without problem.
geposted Thu 27 Oct 11 @ 10:41 am
mackies are not what they were a few years ago
geposted Tue 01 Nov 11 @ 7:08 pm
I hear that Mackie was one of the first to deliver a great speaker with the original srm 450. What happened after that (I've read about quality issues). However did competitors develop similar if not better speakers? If so what current brand is the Mackie of past? I'm trying to get the best value in a powered top within the $599 range.
Thanks for everyone's feedback!
Thanks for everyone's feedback!
geposted Wed 02 Nov 11 @ 8:34 am
RCF all the way! I have a pair of 325A's. The 425's are much better and lighter if you can swing those.
geposted Wed 02 Nov 11 @ 10:36 am
Exactly, 300 series are from the 90's.
You would at least get 400 series if buying now, 422 blow 325's.
You would at least get 400 series if buying now, 422 blow 325's.
geposted Wed 02 Nov 11 @ 12:59 pm
I recently purchased the newer Yamaha DSR112's, Wow! I am as happy as I could be. They are a about 10 lbs heavier than most others in the same class but they are a wood cabinet with Linex brand coating (very durable). They are also 1300 watts and the power is split more realistically. JBL, QSC, and others have a 50% 12" 50% horn arrangement, the Yamahas are 850/450. I listened exhaustively to everything I could before making my decision. The final edge was that they currently have a 100$ per box rebate. I was able to find some that were purchased by the retailer last month when they were giving away free bags with each box, so I ended up saving about 200$ each including bags.
If you are choosing ONLY between the mackies and the RCF's then the scale tilts to the RCF's. If you are able to move up in series in the RCF line then the scale becomes a catapult!
If you are choosing ONLY between the mackies and the RCF's then the scale tilts to the RCF's. If you are able to move up in series in the RCF line then the scale becomes a catapult!
geposted Wed 02 Nov 11 @ 8:45 pm
DSR yamahas are the best Powered speakers I have Ever heard In that Price range, IMO.. I just ordered a pair and feel they a grt speaker
DJ JAMM
DJ JAMM
geposted Thu 03 Nov 11 @ 3:45 am
dj que yi wrote :
I hear that Mackie was one of the first to deliver a great speaker with the original srm 450. What happened after that (I've read about quality issues).
I heard that the early 'good' Mackies were built in Italy. The later 'not so good' were built elsewhere (China?).
Mine are the Italian variety bought in 2002. :-)
geposted Thu 03 Nov 11 @ 6:16 am
You get what you pay for, SRM's for the the price are excellent regardless of where their made.
No one can complain that a cheap item is made in China! that's why it's cheap! if you want quality then pay for it.
No one can complain that a cheap item is made in China! that's why it's cheap! if you want quality then pay for it.
geposted Thu 03 Nov 11 @ 10:59 am
Thanks for eveyone's feedback. I really appreciate it! My budget is $599 per speaker. I'm hoping to capitalize on the Holiday/Seasonal Promotions to find some great deals. From the feedback I've gathered that if I go with RCA go with the 400 series which is over budget (but comes close with a 20% discount). The Yamaha DRS112 looks great and are currently $699 after a $100 rebate which expires at the end of November (still oer budhet). The SRM 450V2's have questionable quality but I belive they are worth the risk and are within my budget. Another speaker that's within the $599 range is the EV ELX112P. What's everyone's opinion on the EV's vs Mackies?
geposted Thu 03 Nov 11 @ 2:30 pm
@Charlie Wilson
True about the 400s...but the 325s still blow a lotttt of speakers out there today.
True about the 400s...but the 325s still blow a lotttt of speakers out there today.
geposted Thu 03 Nov 11 @ 4:02 pm
The QSC k12's are worth saving for :)
geposted Fri 04 Nov 11 @ 11:18 am
I don't know about the 325's blowing other speakers, I'm sure they do.
I didn't test any other speakers in that range, all I know is that I struggled with them clipping and even then the volume was low. It's amazing how much better the 400 series are.
Thought I'd share a picture of a dual stand top I just got, with two 750w RCF speakers on top.
I didn't test any other speakers in that range, all I know is that I struggled with them clipping and even then the volume was low. It's amazing how much better the 400 series are.
Thought I'd share a picture of a dual stand top I just got, with two 750w RCF speakers on top.

geposted Fri 04 Nov 11 @ 6:47 pm
I still use Italian made Mackie 300a's and must say have never had prob's with them. Sure, if the venue/crowd are big then you need more speakers,but for a 200 odd crowd they still produce a sweet sound. I think mine were RCF's with a Mackie badge as it was just at the time they took over. I would still go for 450 v2's if replacing them tho'.
geposted Sat 05 Jan 13 @ 3:20 am
further to my last post re Mackie vs RCF's , have just heard the RCF new active range(Italian) and am very impressed.The range and clarity are very good. So may trade up to a pair...
geposted Fri 05 Apr 13 @ 1:13 pm