I just posted this over at Line 6's forum: Hi 6String...

Apologies - I read the topic title and too quickly read your post - missed the budget (yikes!!!). For your budget it will be tough -- we run bass/drums/drum vox through one tower with 4 subs, guitar (STEREO!!!!) through 2 towers with 2subs + lead vox in one tower, then keys + 2 more vox into the third tower and sometimes another guitar. Whole group through one tower would be tough IMHO.

They are expensive compared to Fender Passports and the small Mackie powered systems but here's what we replaced with ours:

FOH: 4 Yamaha Club Series IV speakers (15+horn) @ 400 each = 1600.00
2 more of the above for monitors/side fill = 800.00
Mackie 24x4 Console = 1800.00
Cerwin Vega LR36 subs = 1200.00
2 Mackie 1400i power amps for mains = 1400.00
Crown CE2000 power amp for subs = 700.00
Crown 900XL power amp for monitors = 800.00
DBX Crossover = 75.00
DBX limiter = 60.00
Behringer stereo 1/3 octave EQ = 60.00
Behringer Feedback Sharks (feedback eliminators) 4 @ 40.00 each = 160.00
24 Channel Stereo snake (one end goes to FOH and one goes to monitor mixer) = 400.00
Mackie CFX12 mixer for monitors = 400.00
And of course all of the speaker cables - we'll be low here and estimate = 100.00

Add it all up and we had approximately $9555.00 in our system. Now there's also the cost of some other items we were using before we switched to the New Approach:

BACKLINE GEAR:
Bass - SWR Workingman 2000 head = 400.00
Ampeg 4x10 cab = 600.00
Ampeg 1x15 sub = 500.00
Drums (vDrums) - we some additional things for the Vdrums in the area of monitors: 2 Yamaha Club Series IV speakers (15+horn) @ 400 each = 800.00
Mackie 1400i amp = 700.00

So the backline gear we were using cost an additional $3000.00.
Add it all up and the system were were using cost us $12,555.00
The Bose system that replaced it all cost exactly $6800.00.

It was loud - yes, louder than the BOSE system. Yet the BOSE system carries farther - people report hearing it clearly at further distances than they did our old system. Our previous gear was loud - and constantly on the verge of feedback. Feedback is nearly non existent with the BOSE - and a million times clearer sounding mix too - did i mention no soundman? The band mixes itself! Did i mention that the New Approach tends to sound the same at every venue we go to? For big outdoor gigs we run line out to the sponsor's rig but the point is our stage mix is identical everywhere we go every single time. Speaking of time, setup and soundcheck used to run about 2 hours. Now its down to 30 mins max. We've done a gig with 20 mins of setup before. Tear down is even more amazing - our record is 12 minutes from last note to out of the door. (Still had to pack the van. Speaking of packing, the entire Bose system, including my 65lb guitar pedalboard and 2 Variax 500s fit in the trunk and backseat of a 1991 Honda Accord. I preferred pulling the rear seat from my minivan and then the whole system fit plus 2 carts and two infant car seats!

So:
- we hear better than ever
- we play better than ever
- we never have to ask how the mix was "out front" as we hear exactly what the audience does (no monitors needed as the system sits behind us)
- stage volume is lower so no ringing ears yet people are stunned how full it sounds
- we get constant remarks on the CD quality mix we get now
- faster setup/tear down translates into more time for music and less time fretting the mechanics of the PA.
- smaller lighter gear thats much less a hassle to move and certainly less distracting on the stage.
- a new sense of connection with the hearers as we're all i the same musical space now
- peace of mind knowing that the POD tones i've spent hours working on are going to sound the same everywhere in the room as they do right where i'm standing - the whole room is one big "sweet spot" - there's no half stack guitar amp - valves or not - that can deliver that!

So yes, it's more expensive than the a smaller self contained systems but it's not competing with them - it's replacing a much bigger system for us.

Again, you can buy louder systems but you can't touch the benefits listed above at any price.

Hi Brian,

Killer comparison.
Just for a sense of context, can you give us a link to your post in the other forum?

About time:
In most places we no longer have to arrive six-eight hours early for setup and soundcheck (and then go away into limbo mode until it's time to play). Basically - we just refused to do it. Because there's no real full-volume sound check required, we'd setup as you do in under 30 minutes with minimal disturbance to the environment. Then just start playing.

quote:

Again, you can buy louder systems but you can't touch the benefits listed above at any price.

Right on B!
No one really "gets it" until they "bathe" in front of a line of L1s.

Last spring I sold the very last of my old gear.
EBay sent me a sales summary totaling $10,700.
At present, the Bose gear for our trio clocks in well below that amount,
not including newest member, Baby Blue Eyes who brings in his own system into the mix.

We are definitely in the black.

Hi guys,
Here's the original context:
http://www.line6.com/support/thread.jspa?threadID=12559&tstart=0

I also added a response to a thread regarding innovation and timetables. Some might find the reply of interest as it in some ways reflects musicians tendency to want the moon and stars every couple of years - while not appreciating the innovation they have available right now.

You'll find that here:
http://www.line6.com/support/thread.jspa?threadID=12612&tstart=0

My reply is way down that thread!

Hey Brian
As ST says

quote:

Killer comparison

.I hope you don't mind but I printed a hard copy to take with me.
Thanks
Rick
PS Hey Pete
Glad to hear BBE joined the band. Watch out Beardstown, IL, USA!

Brian,

I did replace a small system with my Bose L1. I had a Kustom Profile 1 system. It was about 400 new, and had to have a small monitor stuck to the head unit with super velcro to give me any kind of feedback as to what I was doing.

I played mostly smaller venues, and coffee shops with it. Occasionally an outdoor gig, but didn't expect much for carry on the sound.

Since getting my L1, I have been able to do some bigger venues, and more outdoor events where I do expect the sound to carry, and have gotten some gigs, just because of my sound system.

I am a soloist, so the price is a lot of money, but I have much more flexibility, and my sound is much better, as I can hear myself.

All in all, well worth the price.

Thanks, for the great comparison.