JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

A

Adam Barnett

Freshman
Aug 22, 2011
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Hi everyone.

My application is as a bandleader operating sound myself from the stage, usually simply keys, bass, drums, guitar and a few vocals. Primary style is rock (not super heavy, more classic rock, some Sting, as well as modern pop/rock like Keane, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Train, etc.) Usually not very big spaces, crowds under 200 people.

Sold my QSC HPR system because it was much too heavy for me to manage on my own (weekend warrior style). Lightweight is very important. I now have two QSC K10's which I'm pretty happy with. They aren't my old HPR 122i's, but they weigh 20 pounds less each, and are in my opinion ALMOST as good- in other words it is quite worth the change in weight.

Now I need to add a single sub to the system, and I think I've narrowed my choices down to the JBL PRX 618XLF or the RCF Art 905as.

I'm leaning towards the RCF as it is 10 pounds lighter than the JBL, and I also like that it has a selectable crossover frequency, which the JBL does not. It's also a smaller footprint in the car.

That said, I've heard good things about the JBL too and its specs list a slight db advantage and VERY slight frequency response advantage, and it's an 18", not a 15" like the RCF.

It's really hard to "go hear" either of these cabinets, most stores do not have them on the floor. Even with the JBL, most stores have the 618 but not the 618 XLF and evidently there's a huge difference.

Anyone have experience with these or suggestions on what might work better for me? Specs are below.

Thanks!

JBL PRX 618XLF
Maximum SPL Output : 133 dB peak
Frequency Range (-10 dB) : 30 Hz – 105 Hz
Frequency Response (±3 dB) : 39 Hz – 93 Hz
Polarity : Normal or reverse polarity
Crossover Frequency : 90 Hz
Amp Design : Crown® Class D
Power Rating : 1000 W ( 2 x 500 )
Dimension (H x W x D) : 685.8 mm x 530.9 mm x 716.3 mm ( 27.0 in x 20.9 in x 28.2 in )
Net Weight : 37 kg ( 81.5 lb )

RCF ART 905 AS
Frequency Response -3 dB: 40 Hz ÷ 120 kHz
Max SPL: 131 dB
Woofer: 15", 3" v.c.
Crossover frequencies: 80 - 120 Hz
Protections: Thermal, rms
Limiter: Limiter
Controls: Volume, phase, xover
Total power: 1000 W
Low frequencies: 1000 W
Cooling: Convection / forced
Connections: VDE connector in / out
Height: 600 / 23.62 mm/inch
Width: 445 / 17.51 mm/inch
Depth: 600 / 23.62 mm/inch
Net Weight: 31.8 / 70.10 kg/lbs
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

Man, I hope you get some responses! I have four of the PRX XLF's and love them, but I have not compared them head-to head with other cabs in a live situation, so I am am definitely interested in opinions from anyone who has done so.
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

Thank you for the suggestion guys, but the KW181 is still 88 pounds. True, this is lighter than the HPR series, but still 18 pounds heavier than the RCF ART 905AS, and almost ten pounds heavier than the JBL sub. So at nearly 90 pounds, I still consider that pretty darn heavy for one person with some previous back issues to lug around. Unless there's an immense world of difference in performance from the other boxes, keeping this in the 70 to 80 pound range is more where my head is at. That's the reason I hadn't really considered the QSC model.
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

As the proud owner of a bad back, I suggest Wheels and Levers. Amazing what can be done with either or both. Buy whatever fits your transportation and meets your sonic requirements.
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

have you considered the Ksub? I haven't had much use with them, but their a match set for the K10's you have, are small format, have 4 casters(you could probably put a few lightweight things on it to carry out as well) same wattage, slightly different speaker sizes(1x15 verses 2x12, which does affect low frequency response) the RCF goes down to about 40htz and the Ksub goes down to about 48htz. The biggest thing, is the price point. the Ksub is between $6-700 bucks cheaper. I don't know if that means RCF is a better product, or they just over price. I've never used the RCF at all, so please anyone that has used tell me if I'm wrong in saying the Ksub would be a good option here.
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

Hi John.

I've been told by several people who use them that they are quite disappointed with the KSubs. This was a bummer to hear because it does look like a great match for the K10's. But I think it's out of the running based on the numerous bad reviews of its performance. Apparently they just don't really do it for most people sonically. Also, I am trying to just go with one single sub at the moment.

Anyone here have any experience with Ksub? Am I right to stay away?

A.
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

1 KW181 per 2 K10's is a great match for small and cheap. Why carry 2 poor subs and set them side by side (to keep power alley away) when you can roll in one better sub?

Caleb
 
Re: JBL PRX 618xlf vs. RCF Art 905as as single sub?

Adam Barnett said:
Hi John.

I've been told by several people who use them that they are quite disappointed with the KSubs. This was a bummer to hear because it does look like a great match for the K10's. But I think it's out of the running based on the numerous bad reviews of its performance. Apparently they just don't really do it for most people sonically. Also, I am trying to just go with one single sub at the moment.

Anyone here have any experience with Ksub? Am I right to stay away?

A.
Click to expand...

I did some investigation and talked to some people that I worked with over the summer regarding the Ksub, and what you were mentioning was confirmed. So my recommendation was a bit off here. I wish I could hear the RCF and weigh in on it for you. Best of luck in your searches!
 
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