Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

M

Marcus Neal

Freshman
Jun 10, 2013
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Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy (9) wireless belt pack systems for my church that will be used with headsets for events such as skits, plays, etc. We have one Audio Technica ATW 2110 system already that the pastor uses, and I was sort of wanting to role with that same model as it is a solid performer for the price we can afford.

Anyway, in my search, I was looking at some used units on eBay and was a little surprised at the low price they seem to be going for. New, I can get them for around $300 with just the transmitter and receiver (no mic). Used on eBay they seem to be going for around $100.

More specifically, I've got a deal on the table where one seller is willing to sell a lot of (9) of these units to me for $650. What I need to know is if this sounds like a reasonable deal, or is it too good to be true? The units are supposed to be in used condition. I just want to make sure I'm not getting into a shady deal. Is there such thing as a fake imitation of this system? Didn't know if that was something to watch for as well.

Just to recap, is a selling price of $100 or $650 for a lot of (9) used ATW 2110 wireless units reasonable, or a too good to be true scam?

Thank you in advance for any advice!
 
Re: Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

Buying wireless on eBay is a crap shoot. Counterfeit products are quite common, so buyer beware. Often times, you won't be able to tell the difference on the outside easily.

That being said, the ATW 2110 is a 10+ year old design. It operates in the 650mhz frequency range, which is going to become unavailable for use in the next few years. There are only 10 frequencies available, so getting 9 systems to work together means you need to be in a very clean RF area in that frequency range. Because of the age of the design, and the frequency limitations, $100 per unit doesn't seem unreasonable.
 
Re: Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

The AT 2000 series has been out a while but it does work and I feel they are about as low end in the wireless world as you want to go and still have something that is reliable.
The 2000 series has two frequency groups available, something like 650mhz to 680mhz and a 490mhz to 505mhz. To find enough open channels you may need to have some units in each frequency group, say five of each.
Your available open frequencies in the 600mhz band will be less in the next few years.
 
Re: Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

I like the ATW3000 series. Not terribly expensive yet still works decently.

Personally I would go with fewer channels of a better unit of budget can't e stretched. Rent when you need more until your budget increases
 
Re: Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

Jared Koopman said:
I like the ATW3000 series. Not terribly expensive yet still works decently.

Personally I would go with fewer channels of a better unit of budget can't e stretched. Rent when you need more until your budget increases
Click to expand...

The 3000 series compares well with other makes and models that cost more. The downside is that there are only two mic capsules offered in the handheld transmitter, having just said that though I have never really felt limited in using either the 4100 dynamic or the 710 condenser wireless handheld 3000's
 
Re: Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

I'm glad I'm learning about the loss of the 600mhz band. This is unfortunate news to hear, considering everyone is just now getting over the 700mhz loss. This sort of makes me rethink this purchase.

I'm actually very familiar with the 3000 series, as I've personally used those for several years now. Our handhelds at church are this model, and they have always been solid performers. The main reason I didn't give them much consideration in this instance was the price, but I think I may resist the temptation of a quick buy and look into a plan to purchase a few better units at a time.

I'd be interested in hearing everyone's thoughts about the Sennheiser EW series belt packs. They seem to be in the comparable range of the AT 3000. I'm more accustomed to AT products, but then again I've never tackled a project like this where 10-12 units will be in play at the same time, especially considering the shrinking bandwidth. Will the 500mhz range be a safe bet for a while at least?
 
Re: Purchasing Wireless Mic Systems- Good Deal?

I have recently installed several of the System 10 Pro systems, fully maxed out, in churches and schools where UHF was not an option. They work well and are very affordable. I would consider them.
 
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