Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

D

Daniel Postilnik

Junior
Jan 14, 2011
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San Francisco, CA
Hi folks, I've been alerted to what seems like a sweet deal: pairs of Macpherson M2X 15"/2" speakers for $300/pair in road cases. Last time I got excited was for a pair of EAW LA215s for $1100, and now I know that an 88-pound 90-degree box is the right tool for very few jobs, and the price wasn't great either.

However, my objectives are still the same. I can't quote afford a DVA T4 rig or a QRX rig yet, but in the meantime I'd like to be able to offer clients a system that would be appropriate for a small street festival. Think a couple of these (they're 70/55) over a dual-18 per side for non-metal non-EDM shows.

While the specs are similar to JBLs MRX series 15-inch boxes, but I was under the impression that Macpherson is at least a slight cut above JBLs MI stuff. BasicallyI'm wondering about differences between version 1 (EV drivers) and version 2 (Radial drivers) and any experiences guys may have had with them in the field. Thanks. Apologies to those of you who told me about this deal in the first place...
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Daniel Postilnik said:
Hi folks, I've been alerted to what seems like a sweet deal: pairs of Macpherson M2X 15"/2" speakers for $300/pair in road cases. Last time I got excited was for a pair of EAW LA215s for $1100, and now I know that an 88-pound 90-degree box is the right tool for very few jobs, and the price wasn't great either.

However, my objectives are still the same. I can't quote afford a DVA T4 rig or a QRX rig yet, but in the meantime I'd like to be able to offer clients a system that would be appropriate for a small street festival. Think a couple of these (they're 70/55) over a dual-18 per side for non-metal non-EDM shows.

While the specs are similar to JBLs MRX series 15-inch boxes, but I was under the impression that Macpherson is at least a slight cut above JBLs MI stuff. BasicallyI'm wondering about differences between version 1 (EV drivers) and version 2 (Radial drivers) and any experiences guys may have had with them in the field. Thanks. Apologies to those of you who told me about this deal in the first place...
Click to expand...


Hello,

If you're planning on having a few different options to offer prospective clients....buy them. I had a few pairs of these (I think the same model) back in the late 1990's , and they were pretty decent boxes. How can you go wrong for $300?

Cheers,
Hammer
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Charlie, thanks for the vote of confidence. I feel like I always have to watch out for a certain someone on this forum (not being passive aggressive, just can't remember) who always says "the wrong product for the right price is still the wrong product".
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Daniel Postilnik said:
Charlie, thanks for the vote of confidence. I feel like I always have to watch out for a certain someone on this forum (not being passive aggressive, just can't remember) who always says "the wrong product for the right price is still the wrong product".
Click to expand...


Hello,

The wrong product for the right price IS still the wrong product....but, these aren't bad sounding, inferior cabinets...and while they're not in the "best category", they still have plenty of good uses, and can make their cost back in no time.

Have fun, they might surprise you.
Hammer
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

I had to go back and double check that they actually were the same speaker box that I was referring to.... and they are. Check them by running an amplified sweep signal throught them, and if they sound fine...BUY THEM.

We used to use about 24 of these for Break-out rooms for a big Corporation's quarterly meetings. They were good boxes, too bad we had to go to something without tripods (they didn't like tripods...it's a "look" thing)

Have fun,

Hammer
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Charlie Zureki said:
Check them by running an amplified sweep signal throught them, and if they sound fine...BUY THEM.
Click to expand...

Charlie, pardon my ignorance, but these speakers are being sold at an AV company's "garage sale" before they relocate next week. How would I run an amplified sweep signal on them, or what is an amplified sweep signal and what do I need to generate one?

Thanks.
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Daniel Postilnik said:
Charlie, pardon my ignorance, but these speakers are being sold at an AV company's "garage sale" before they relocate next week. How would I run an amplified sweep signal on them, or what is an amplified sweep signal and what do I need to generate one?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hello,
You'd need a small amplifier, (there are battery operated units available, and kit models that can be built). Check MCM electronics, Parts Express, Markertex, etc...

A small signal generator such as the units made/marketed by Neutrix (Minirator). Tascam and other companies used to make signal sweep generators, Roland, Whirlwind. John Roberts (this site's J.R.) used to sell all types of Audio related kits, I think he sold a Signal Generator kit...?

These small signal generators have differing features depending on makes & models, but, their sole purpose is to give an output signal that is used for reference.

The signal generator's output goes to the input of the Amplifier and from the Amplifer's output to the Speaker Box input. Then, depending on the generator's features, a user could send a sweep signal (sweeps through the Audio Spectrum) or single sine waves of some value. (100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz).

Using this method of testing a Speaker Box, a user "can" determine if a specific driver is not operating properly or if there are problems with a crossover.

But, I don't think you'll have enough time to get everything together if you don't already have the gear. When at the sale, ask the employees at the A/V Company if they are properly working boxes.

Buying anything used is always a gamble, Some deals are GREAT deals, some are just sales. If these boxes are not beat-up and in working order, it's probably a good deal.

Good Luck,
Hammer

Hammer
 
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Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Charlie Zureki said:
Hello,
You'd need a small amplifier, (there are battery operated units available, and kit models that can be built). Check MCM electronics, Parts Express, Markertex, etc...

A small signal generator such as the units made/marketed by Neutrix (Minirator). Tascam and other companies used to make signal sweep generators, Roland, Whirlwind. John Roberts (this site's J.R.) used to sell all types of Audio related kits, I think he sold a Signal Generator kit...?

These small signal generators have differing features depending on makes & models, but, their sole purpose is to give an output signal that is used for reference.

The signal generator's output goes to the input of the Amplifier and from the Amplifer's output to the Speaker Box input. Then, depending on the generator's features, a user could send a sweep signal (sweeps through the Audio Spectrum) or single sine waves of some value. (100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz).

Using this method of testing a Speaker Box, a user "can" determine if a specific driver is not operating properly or if there are problems with a crossover.

But, I don't think you'll have enough time to get everything together if you don't already have the gear. When at the sale, ask the employees at the A/V Company if they are properly working boxes.

Buying anything used is always a gamble, Some deals are GREAT deals, some are just sales. If these boxes are not beat-up and in working order, it's probably a good deal.

Good Luck,
Hammer

Hammer
Click to expand...
He might have surprisingly good luck using the headphone jack of a phone with a function generator app. I know there are several for the IPhone. He won't get a lot of level, but if the environment is reasonably quiet, he should get enough to hear if the drivers are working.
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

TJ Cornish said:
He might have surprisingly good luck using the headphone jack of a phone with a function generator app. I know there are several for the IPhone. He won't get a lot of level, but if the environment is reasonably quiet, he should get enough to hear if the drivers are working.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I figured it was something a bit simpler than Charlie was making it out to be...thanks for the detailed explanation nonetheless.
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Daniel Postilnik said:
Yeah, I figured it was something a bit simpler than Charlie was making it out to be...thanks for the detailed explanation nonetheless.
Click to expand...

Hello,

while using an Iphone, or Ipod MAY help show that the crossovers are operating properly, and that the drivers may not have any continuity problems.... the low signal will not rule out that the drivers have issues with over-extension, torn spiders, or even voltage threshold problems within the components of the crossover, etc...

The real way to test a speaker cabinet is to actually put an amplified signal through them. Signal sweeps can help detect deficientcies in the crossover and with the individual drivers themselves.

SO.... while you can do a simple test with an Iphone... it will only give you a simple answer....that the speaker cabinet's component(s) will reproduce a low amplitude signal....... it will not assure you that it can faithfully reproduce a high voltage amplified signal, or that the crossover is capable of operating properly within it's intended spec, or that, the purchase you intend on making is worth the money you"ll be paying.

I'd also suggest that if you intend on purchasing and operating an Audio System for hire....that you be able to understand how to test, and trouble shoot the components of this system.

Hammer
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

If CT said they're in working condition, I would think they would do something for you in the case you discovered a problem. And the mothership (Macpherson) isn't far away either. Of course, the sale is now over I think. You probably made your deal already.
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Charlie Zureki said:
Hello,

while using an Iphone, or Ipod MAY help show that the crossovers are operating properly, and that the drivers may not have any continuity problems.... the low signal will not rule out that the drivers have issues with over-extension, torn spiders, or even voltage threshold problems within the components of the crossover, etc...
Click to expand...

Just to add to this: It will also not reveal any structural problems with the cabinet itself. I bought a pair of subs in Denver a few years ago, that had cabinet issues that were revealed by a sweep test. I was willing to repair them and had a great bargaining tool, but I knew what I had going in, rather than when they were shipped home.
 
Re: Is it a good deal? Macpherson M2X pairs in cases

Lee Douglas said:
Just to add to this: It will also not reveal any structural problems with the cabinet itself. I bought a pair of subs in Denver a few years ago, that had cabinet issues that were revealed by a sweep test. I was willing to repair them and had a great bargaining tool, but I knew what I had going in, rather than when they were shipped home.
Click to expand...

+1 but, I was just giving a couple examples off the top of my head... also, there's a possiblilty of detecting intermittant connections in the wiring, connectors, and solder joints of crossover components, cracked circuit board, lifted traces, ...etc..

I hope the poster bought them (experiencing no problems), if not...he just wasted everyone's time.

Hammer
 
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