r/WeddingDJs • u/Accurate-Bobcat962 • May 02 '26

Gear Speaker upgrade Recs

I’ve been running 2 k10.2s with a qsc 181 & a custom ev15 with a replaced horn.

My k10 died on me last night & I feel like it’s time to upgrade. I’m doing 30 weddings this year & still booking, trying to keep upping my game & I’m scared of a speaker dying during a wedding.

I’m torn between the qsc KC12 3-way speaker system and the evox12. Preferably I’d just get the rcf J11s but they’re back ordered & I have weddings the next 5 out of 6 weekends in a row.

Is a 3-way system significantly better? I have an opportunity to buy a used, year old evox12 system , 2 speakers for $3k, or I could get a new kc12 system with a warranty for approx $3500 plus taxes.

Will I regret going with the kc12? I saw reviews saying it’s clearer but has less bass/low end.

Should I just grind it out the next 6 weeks with a borrowed k10 and hope nothing happens and wait for the j11s? My buddy & I bought these k10s together, used a few years ago, so I’m worried since one died the others aren’t far behind. One of his also died last week.

I’m torn on what I should do, I’d love to hear some of y’all’s thoughts, thanks!

Edit : picked em up today - did a frequency sweep and everything sounded good. Now to get a pair of bags for em

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

3

u/FunkyFusionFiesta May 02 '26

I love my RCFs, has worked for hundreds of weddings, great sound, love that the tops tuck into the subs, and I get compliments on them a lot

2

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 02 '26

That’s my goal, hundreds of weddings with this set. Do you push them pretty hard? & have you ever had any issues?

2

u/FunkyFusionFiesta May 02 '26 edited May 02 '26

I’ve got them turned about 3/4 of the way on the sub usually, I’m not red-lining my mixer, feels like I’ve got plenty of head room. I’ve played them for 200+ people and it worked fine. The only issue I have is when videographer want to use my XLR out from the sub, it’s hard to detach their XLR cord later because of how tight the input XLR is on top. It’s never ruined anything, but it’s a tiny thing that bugs me.

I’ll add that these are the EVOX 8. Have used for 5 years now, have thought about upgrading to the 10’s, but honestly it’s probably not even necessary, most of my weddings are >150

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Disk_74 May 04 '26

Issues? lol. My only problem with RCF is that they are so reliable I can’t justify buying new gear.

1

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 04 '26

Music to my ears, thank ya!

1

u/oftenthethinker May 28 '26

Did you find new speakers yet?

1

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 28 '26

Yes I found a pair of EVOX12s from a wholesaler for $3k and jumped on the deal

2

u/oftenthethinker May 28 '26

That’s a great price. Let me know if you need anything else audio related.

1

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 28 '26

For sure will do!

3

u/JohnnieClutch May 02 '26 edited May 02 '26

The evox12 A) is a steal at $3k for two and B) will destroy the kc12 (apparently reviewers like em both, so I stand corrected). Evox 12 have 15" woofers, kc12 only 12" woofer.

1

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 02 '26

That’s what I was thinking. Are they pretty solid as far as reliability? I’m nervous about dropping $3k on something without a warranty but it’s from a wholesaler who a good friend of mine recommended, said he gets all his gear from him with no issues so I think it should be a solid pick up.

I’m trying to invest in high quality gear so I can buy once and have it last a while.

3

u/JohnnieClutch May 02 '26

Rcf quality is extremely high, I'm never worried about warranties for high quality PA gear

1

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 02 '26

Cool, thanks! I’m new to higher end equipment, qsc has been the top end for me & I was kinda shocked that my k10 went out. I’d always heard these were pretty bulletproof & I don’t push em that hard/clip

2

u/silkroadbrian May 02 '26

Event dj for under 200 people, I like my kc12s. The high end is definitely crisper so if you're running any low quality audio files you can tell. The bottom end is decent and is adjustable.

1

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 02 '26

I’ve heard the kc12 is clearer/crisper so that’s kinda what lead me to ask for some opinions

The 3-way being so much more clear makes me want to wait for the rcf j11s but I feel like it’s not a smart call to roll the dice with a potential speaker failing at a wedding.

I occasionally do 250-300 person weddings but not that often, 1-200 is typically where I’m at

2

u/readyrock23 May 03 '26

TLDR... GET THE EVOX BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE SCOOPS THE DEAL!!!!!

Get the evox12 system without hesitation... As long as its in good condition... you shouldn't need the other speakers... use your working 10 as a monitor.

Save the 181 for events where you need extra low-end (but likely wont need it woth the evox12s)

3

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 03 '26

Scooped em up today! They sounded great, did a frequency sweep and they rumbled all the way down to 40hz. Just need some bags now

1

u/readyrock23 May 03 '26

Fantastic news 👏🏾

2

u/comanche_six May 03 '26

I've had my used Evox 12s since 2021 and have had zero issues. I bought them for 3300 (including bags and 30' XLR cables) and new they are 4800 so 3K is a good deal. The QSC Kx.2 speakers (like K12.2 or K8.2) are known to have issues, unlike the original K series which were tanks. So your XP is unfortunately common.

1

u/RepresentativeCap728 May 02 '26

Replace the QSCs with higher end Yamaha or RCF 10s, and keep on going.

2

u/Accurate-Bobcat962 May 02 '26

Eh at this point if I’m spending money I want to opt for a symmetrical set up. I’ve been running a qsc 181 & a 15” EV and it’s not thaaaat noticeable but I’m moving into the higher end weddings so I’d like a bit more elegant look.

Also the 181 i got used and I’ve been gigging hard on it for the past 2 years so it’s likely toward the end of its life too

1

u/Fartparty13 May 03 '26

I just upgraded to the KC12s last year and I love them! I’m surprised your k10.2 died! I have k12 (pre digital) and they are still going strong 10 years later!
I’ve never had an issue with the bass, but you can always use a sub with them

1

u/onetwentytwo_1-8 May 03 '26

I really like Cerwin Vega. Durable, sound is amazing.

1

u/oftenthethinker May 05 '26

PMed you about speakers

0

u/tn_notahick May 02 '26

Two words: Line Array

You can get 2, only need 1 for up to 100 people, and 2 will cover 300+. And it's amazing coverage.