QSC KW181 vs. JBL PRX618S-XLF - Which one is better?

[djmikemendoza1]

Very well said at the end of the video, I made that mistake of buying for less when i should have waited to get the best'

[zchur]

I'm getting 2 KW181 next week for my K12s. The Ksubs are not enough to handle the power of the K12s in an open area. I will test the two KW181 with my DAS Avant 215a while waiting for the 4 DAS Avant 118a that will be in by end of January yet.

[Martmank]

Thansk Guys, beneficial info!

[Kcducttaper1]

You gentlemen do a wonderful job of explaining the techy bits of comparing speakers, but it would be nice to hear them as well. Perhaps just rig them up in stereo and pan left (JBL) and right (QSC) so we could hear the tonal differences. Granted our computer speakers or headphones will make a difference as well, but it would give us an idea of how they compare as far as tone goes.

[noodlecake71240]

I have 2 of the XLF's with 2 PRX615m's and love them! I want to get 2 more XLF's and 2 PRX625's or 635's for large rooms. You mentioned in the video that 4 XLF's and 2 625's would sound fantastic. What I was thinking is using that set up, and putting my 615's on the far sides. Would that be too much top end for 4 XLF's and drown out the bass? Also, for that set up, do you guys recommend the 625 or 635?

[agiprodj]

@noodlecake71240 We think that would be a great setup. We'd lean towards the 625 for you vs the 635.

[noodlecake71240]

@agiprodj Ok awesome, thanks! You think 4 XLF's would be enough with 2 625's and 2 615's? One of the larger room I remember is about 70 buy 95 with high ceilings, about 18 feet or so

[Kcducttaper1]

@agiprodj I'd like to bounce off of this thread a little bit. The 635 is a 3-way, so it's supposedly better at reproducing the full spectrum better than the 2-way 615. However, when you look at their frequency sweeps, the 615 is flatter than the 635. Why is that?

[missle25]

Because the JBL PRX618S-XLF is so tall, can you lay it on it's side to make it fit under a table without distorting the sound? Great video.

[agiprodj]

@missle25 Definitely worth a try!

[steve702]

Which sub would you recommend for a mobile set. I've been having my eye on the ksub dual 12 but saw a review that if your looking for that deep hip hop bass then the ksub is not the way to go I'm only interested in one at the time since I'm just starting out and I haven't made enough to pay for the equipment that I have right now. So just wanted to know your insight on what are my options. My tops right now are the make tha thumps 15's 400 watts eventually as I start to make profit I will inve

[djhimmu]

I love you guys for the reviews you make , its just tooo good

[noodlecake71240]

I'm torn between the QSC KW series and JBL PRX series. I love them both, but I heard multiple reports of the PRX's over-heating and shutting down. Is that really a common problem with these? Any chance that this problem will be fixed? Is there anything I can do to keep the subs cooler like maybe a small fan blowing on the amp in the back? If that would even make a difference, I don't know

[agiprodj]

@noodlecake71240 We've asked JBL that question as well. The overheating reports are accurate, but not to the extent the forums would have you believe. There have been isolated PRX600 series speakers that have overheated, shut down, etc. One nice thing about JBL is they'll take care of you if something like this happens. QSC's by comparison are fan cooled, which could of course also fail at any given time. Either are great choices. Feel free to reach us directly for more information. Thanks!

[noodlecake71240]

@agiprodj Thanks for the reply. Is there anything you can do to keep these running a bit cooler that may prevent that if you need to play them at loud levels for an extended period of time? Possibly an aftermarket fan cooler or something of that sort?

[djmarkcotter]

ive rented the qsc - but then i bought the JBL! :)

[SuryoyoEntertainment]

when will you make some compare between EV SBa760 vs QSC KW181 .. very very interresting

[vancouverdogdowncast]

lemme get this straight, the kw181 does NOT have a high pass out for the mains???

[matty2000nj1]

Any chance of doing a comparison of the KW 181 and a Yorkville LS 801?  I'm in debate on which one to get for doing my parties

[wicsjaime]

I own the JBL PRX618S-XLF Sub and It rocks. I used just one sub at an outdoor festival and it was good enough to satisfy the crowd, You can not go wrong with JBL they been around for years. It does not fit under a regular folding table so you have to find the right table to fit under. ;)

[grupodilema]

I think the Sub vp SB7118DP is alot better !!!!!!!

[wicsjaime]

does the JBL PRX618S-XLF fit under a regular folding table?

[freestylflo]

I think you just got to love one

[jdcountryboy91]

Correction to take note of: The KW181 has a fixed 100Hz crossover. I run 2 of them off a pre fader aux send, completely bypassing my KW152's.

[agiprodj]

@jdcountryboy91 Technically, both the KW181 and KSub have a 100Hz low-pass filter (see QSC forums). It's not a true 100Hz crossover, but we see what you're getting at. Some subs have an actual crossover built in, sending everything above 100Hz to the mains. That is what we are referring to in this video, and that is what the KW181 does NOT have. Thanks for the comment.

[jdcountryboy91]

@agiprodj Ahh, I see what you mean now.

[agiprodj]

@djteknovibe Good point, especially on the peak comment. Speaker manufacturers are quick to throw numbers out there. On paper, it's one thing. In the real world, often times something entirely different.

[RICKREMAX]

thanks guys you're the best, the video was both helpful and funny! I just purchase my jbl prx 635's and I am gonna keep it in the jbl "family" so next are the 618's xlf. I went with jbl because I just think the crisp sound is unmatched. Qsc is close, but by a small margin jbl takes it. I currently have cerwin vegas the old school ones, but I love all this new self powered stuff. so pretty soon I will be getting rid of the old equipment. do these subs outmatch my cerwin vegas?

[DJJASONPRODUCER]

@RICKREMAX im prettie shure the xlf will deffinatly out mach ur cerven vegas but let me know i never had cerven vega earth quicks

[misdjs]

@RICKREMAX

yes they do

[kassperhidalgo]

jbl is the best

[1ittleelvis]

Rcf pro sub with blow both these away. I ab an rcf 905as against a JBL PRX618S-XLF and the JBL PRX618S-XLF could not match an rcf 15”. So it would not live with a 18” rcf sub

[superpwned80]

also great vid :D

[PeakHourDj956]

1 question...Whats the power draw on each of these subs at peak level? The power draw will surely determine what series i decide to purchase. Both are beautiful and cant decide between the series....thank you

[agiprodj]

@PeakHourDj956 KW181 is 2.01A at 1/8 power. The JBL Power Supply is rated at 5A 600W. I hope this helps.

[djstaples]

@agiprodj How can i get a T shirt?

[seattlesounddj]

I love you guys! Really! Very helpful. DJ Rick I just found you in Wedding wire. You make us proud...but don't come to my town I won't have any work!

[handyreis]

I would have like to hear which one sounds better. Fact and figures mean very little when it comes down to does it sound good or not.

[joefunsmith]

Excellent point about the JBL having the xover in the sub and QSC (K or KW) in the tops. If you're going to mix and match, the JBL sub with QSC top, you're more than covered but QSC sub and JBL top means external xover.

[agiprodj]

KW's are made in Costa Mesa, CA. JBL's are made in Mexico.

[londonito]

Where are they made? Both JBL and QSC?

[devbob19]

Great Video! i just received a kw181 last week! it wasn't suppose to be here till Feb. i compared it to my mackie swa1801 side by side, and the makie would only do half of what the qsc would do! they are a great sub and compact! Thanks for the great videos!

keep up the good work!

[DiversitySounds]

You guys are very classy. Your very informative and really help people make great decisions when it comes to buying so thank you very much. I have a pair of K 12s coming next week. I went to sam ash last week and herd the PRX 612 and the K12's side by side. The K 12 sounded a tad bit better and especially in the low end. But both speakers were great. I love this video on the KW sub. Thanks for the great videos.

[agiprodj]

@DiversitySounds Thanks Chris for your nice comments. And don't forget, we sell this stuff too! The price & service you get from us is unbeatable.

[18hands]

I think something useful is to have an audio measuring device and compare the outputs of the prx vs ks. This would be cool specially to see how wide the sound is projected on the sides.

[mq973]

Another great video guys!

[agiprodj]

@mq973 Thanks alot!

[mikedubmixing]

U can buy casters from home depot 3#bucks a pop

[agiprodj]

@mikedubmixing You would need to get decent quality casters though. And at least a pair that swiveled. Those are spendy. And hopefully you mean casters to make your own dolly. We would never ever EVER suggest installing them on the sub. I'm sure that's not what you meant :)

[5ebuTleinaD]

great video guys!

[agiprodj]

@5ebuTleinaD Thanks !!!

[agiprodj]

@5ebuTleinaD Much appreciated...

[TheDjdave28]

jbl every time

[BOBBYBLENDZ]

oh yeah, and i have a question about the limiter light on the qsc K product. when set to limit, is that front light supposed to be completeley off? mines stays lit always.

[agiprodj]

@BOBBYBLENDZ Hey Bobby, thanks for checking out the vids as always man. When the QSC's are set to LED "LIMIT" the light will still be blue, the only difference is that when the speaker clips, the LED will glow brighter. You'll easily be able to tell when you're pushing them too hard.

[BOBBYBLENDZ]

@agiprodj ok, thanks. i just tested it and was finally able to get the light to brighten to indicate clipping. i have never had it do that on me, but i run my system on EXT SUB mode, so maybe that is why.

btw, those "did i just get dissed" looks on Ty's face after Rick's verbal jabs is classic. I have not been able to watch straight through, cuz i've had to rewind segments and hear certain parts again. my fav is at 4:44. Rick is just THE MAN when it comes to rolling with the punches! hilarious!

[BOBBYBLENDZ]

This is why AGI PRO DJ is the first place that I call when I am shopping for gear! Very helpful "unbiased" review. I would be anxious to hear your take on BSR's claim that the "digital amps have distortion", unlike others like the RCF stuff. Some classics here if you pay attention.. "just like you, more volume of air is being pushed through"... "It ain't the size it's what you do with it!" verrry nice! Please tell me that these were sound effects, not original drops. lolz

[DjBrianProductions]

You guys should do a comparison on the top cabs from these models.

[agiprodj]

@DjBrianProductions That would be a good one. Stay tuned, and of course feel free to ask us directly for our opinion on anything at any time. That's what we're here for. Thanks!

[DjBrianProductions]

@agiprodj thanks i defently will and it would be good if we could kind of hear them to thanks

[agiprodj]

@DjBrianProductions We've had a couple of people ask us to play music through the speakers during our videos so they can make a comparison. We're not quite sure how that's useful :)

[DjBrianProductions]

@agiprodj i know what you mean but mayb just play it threw the microphone so we can see how bassie they are and crisp that way we can get a general idea thanks btw.

[Mastersonics]

Carbon footprint comment was hilarious..... ;-)

I have an QSC HPR system [2] HPR 122i and [1] HPR 181 Sub

I'm looking to save some space and weight in my small truck

but don't want to sacrifice quality of sound too much.

I have a cover band that we play pretty much everything including

some bass heavy stuff like Lady Gaga, Usher, Taio Cruz etc.

Questions to follow....

[Mastersonics]

Questions:

1. Would it be a good improvement to switch to a similar KW system?

[2] KW12 and [1] KW181 Sub

2. Would getting a K8 instead and staying with the same sub recommended?

3. The weight savings are pretty good but sonically is it worth it?

Could you please explain a little further

thanks a lot for your great videos...

happy holidays

Charles

[agiprodj]

@Mastersonics Hey Charles! You would DEFINITELY get a nice improvement in sound going from HPR to K & KW Series. Some of our staff has personally made that switch. The KW181 will hang right in there with the HPR181 that you're used to. The KW122 or K12 will have the exact same engineering in them which the HPR122i does NOT have. It really makes a difference. We've found that the most popular size is the K10, but the 8's sound fantastic too, and only 27 lbs. Feel free to email directly. Thx

[BOBBYBLENDZ]

@Mastersonics Hey Charles, I am 'almost there' as far as saving up for my kw181, and i've been rockin' the hpr181i for almost two years. I will make a comparison video as soon as i get it, which should be in the next few weeks. also, i don't know your feelings, but I LOVE THE HPR181! I have done shows with capacities of 50 people to 800+, and used my hpr181 and a pair of K8s only, and have never had any "under-achieving with the sound" issues.

[Mastersonics]

@BOBBYBLENDZ Thanks a lot for letting me know. I love everything about the HPR 122i & the HPR181i. I just want to shed some weight because it's killing our backs, especially if we gig 3 times a week. I don't mind selling my HPR system and get the K or KW. I was under the impression that because the K is plastic it will never sound as good as the KW. And the K8 being so small that it will not perform right with a band. But if the K8 or K10 will sound equal too or better than the HPR I'm all in.

[Mastersonics]

@BOBBYBLENDZ What I meant to say is If I could do the same gigs without loosing any thump or clarity for the vocals with the K's then I'll switch. If that's the case I don't mind going for a K8 or K10 and get me a KW181 for them. That's a lot of weight and space savings from what I have now. But not sure if the K plastic sound is good enough or I should get the KW122 instead. I guess the processing in the K & KW sound way better than the HPR's.... What you think? cheers, Charles

[Techspert]

@BOBBYBLENDZ YOU sir know absolutely nothing about proper sound reinforcement if you're using ONLY a PAIR of K8s with some HPR181s for crowds of 800+ people. You must be providing vocals only or playing Sinatra tunes.

[BOBBYBLENDZ]

@Techspert hahaha, maybe not. but i can DJ my ass off! what can you do?

[globaltruth20]

Side Note* What is the base plate on the truss. It looks like heavy plastic. Do you sell that baseplate? Just wondering.

[agiprodj]

@globaltruth20 It is definitely NOT plastic :) They are steel base plates made from Show Solutions and weigh 110 lbs each. They come in aluminum as well. Thanks for watching.

[uptownxpress]

Awesome guys! great comparison, I'd choose the QSC, I like the smaller footprint and the build in casters.. .plus I've already got K10's and the KSub, so I'm a QSC guy! But good point that you will be good with either of these subs for sure!

[agiprodj]

@uptownxpress Thanks Stefan, much appreciated!

[WindyCityMix]

Thanks for the video! I guess it would probably be a matter of preference....

[agiprodj]

@WindyCityMix Definitely. From speakers to headphones, it all ultimately comes down to what works best for each individual. Nice to have options.

[irgarza52]

I like to see the k12 vs. prx612 I am looking into buying one of these speaker and I am torn between the two. Thanks Isaac G.

[agiprodj]

@irgarza52 Yes, this would be another great "vs." video. 612's arrive this week as a matter of fact!! Shoot us an email and we'll give you our thoughts. Sales at agiprodj dot com. Thanks Isaac!

[globaltruth20]

@irgarza52 I Will also have a video up shortly comparing my k12 with the prx612. It is truly just preference. Plus's and Minus's on both with a couple points. Come check out my channel!

[irgarza52]

@globaltruth20 I already sub to your channel bro. Yeah I like to see a video with your opinion on them. Thanks Isaac G.

[agiprodj]

@irgarza52 We shot this video today! Stay tuned, we'll have it uploaded shortly...

[irgarza52]

@agiprodj sweet! thanks!

[DjPc3]

2 Qs:

1) Is there a longer threaded pole available for the QSC?

2) Doesn't the K-Sub have a crossover? I currently own a KSub and run both my outputs from my mixer to my KSub (as recommended from a previous video), then out from the sub out to my K12s, can I do that with the K181 (since it doesn't have a crossover?

Thanks for all your help guys love these vids keep em coming... PS: I am too am saving up for quality gear, will be looking to purchase a Denon DN-600 and will def buy from you

[agiprodj]

@DjPc3 1) QSC makes a 16" pole mount extension. They have a video on this, visit their channel "QSCAUDIOPRODUCTS" 2) The KSub actually doesn't have a crossover and you would use the EXT SUB setting on your K12's. The KW181 will work the same way. 3) Thanks for watching the vids! The X600 is a very cool mixer, you'd be happy with it.

[mike31jmb]

@DjPc3 QSC put the crossover in the top cabs (i.e. ext sub) so yes you can run to the sub and then to the K12's. You can run the cabs with any sub (say you already have one or two) and select ext sub and all should be great. I have the K12's also and love them. I'm going to pick up a couple of KW153's and use my K12's as monitors or just my smaller venue DJ rig.

[ccskatepark]

@mike31jmb ...did you get those KW153's? They're significantly better than the 1000w of the K12??? Your comment has me wondering about upgrading my K12's.

[mike31jmb]

@ccskatepark I haven't yet but I'm still planning to thanks for asking. The K12's have been excellent for what I do. I almost got some EV subs but I've already read bad reviews on the ELX (made in china). 1 DJ had 2 bass bins played 1 show noticed the bass wasn't good, next day 1 didn't work, next night the second 1 quit. 2 subs in 2 nights? He returned both. My advice (and this isn't directed toward you ccskatepark) to everyone is do it right the first time and buy American.