QSC: CP Series or K. Series?

[Petty1818]

Just to add, I think the biggest thing between the K and K.2 is that with the originals, when driven hard, the mids would become a bit harsh. This is at very loud volumes but still, they don’t distort but they get harsh. I wouldn’t be surprised if the CP versions are the same. The K.2s have more headroom and won’t be as harsh at extreme levels. The thing is though that at normal volumes, I think the K and K.2 are so comparable that it’s hard for people to want to upgrade. If I was buying new I would get the K.2 just because they do have some nicer features but I won’t be replacing my K’s anytime soon.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Petty1818

Just to add, I think the biggest thing between the K and K.2 is that with the originals, when driven hard, the mids would become a bit harsh.

+1 My two sold QSC K10 speakers did sound harsh. I've described the tone as sounding sterile or unmusical.

[Petty1818]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

+1 My two sold QSC K10 speakers did sound harsh. I've described the tone as sounding sterile or unmusical.

Interesting! Just to clarify though, I think my K12s and K10 sound incredibly musical and balanced. I don't think the K.2s sound any better, just a bit different. The only time I heard harsh mids was one time when I did an outdoor wedding where I was asked to provide sound for a tent but found out when I got there that the couple wanted sound to cover the tent and areas around the tent. This was one of those situations where I just wanted to laugh but ultimately did my best to accommodate their requests. As a result, my K12's were running very hot and it's the only time they were a bit harsh.

[The Kid!]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

+1 My two sold QSC K10 speakers did sound harsh. I've described the tone as sounding sterile or unmusical.

I sold my K10's for two Line 6 L2T's and an L3T. Huge improvement, IMO.

[Petty1818]

https://youtu.be/F0Ay8ZV8-14

Interesting comparison near the end. The K12s (original) actually sound fuller with more bass.

[Groberts]

I never really pushed any of my QSQ's to the point they sounded harsh. So that was never an issue. I've used the the K8's with wonderful level of musicality for all my acoustic needs, solo, duo, band.

[moosedog]

Between myself and my band mate we have 2 k8’s, 3 k10’s and 2 k12’s - the original ones. They have never sounded harsh but rather have provided a warm, full sound with plenty of power. I found it best to keep the volume on the back of the speaker at the 11:00 mark (the line) and the switches on line and normal. These speaker have been used on close to 500 gigs with no issues.

Sorry, no experience with the CP series but used original K8, 10 or 12’s would be an excellent choice.

[JWJ915]

K8.2s are an excellent speaker and would suit your needs very well, in my opinion. They're warm and thumpy, and they reproduce the tone of an amplified acoustic very well.

[jkilgour2000]

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Did you check the back side controls? Were both speakers placed in similar positions?

Yes. They were both set to factory default. They were right next to each other, and we kept switching back and forth. Played them at a volume that was just above “comfortable” for awhile, then really pushed them. The CP 8 lacked a little punch and clarity. Bass on the K 8.2 was much clearer. Of course we’re comparing 1000w to 2000w. I though the the extra $250 was worth it. I’ve been using it my studio for the past couple days, and have no regrets (yet lol). It’s funny, but I’ve always wanted the L6 Lm2, but no one in and around NYC carries them. I really need to audition something before I buy it. The QSC seems the be the perfect fit right now.

[jonfields45]

I generally do my testing at home and return (or eBay) the looser. Since I'm in my 60s I probably pay more attention to weight than most AGFers. My test is "Hey 19" which has nothing in common with my duo's sound, at the threshold of pain in my 1500 sq-ft basement. I went from a K10 to a DBR10 to the CP8 over the last 10 years. Each time I found the successor sounded the same (and was lighter and smaller which motivated the exercise in the first place). A few JBL and Mackie products went back to the retailer.

I do like QSC products across the board, however that DBR10 did 4 years of service without a problem.

[Petty1818]

I think the only minor knock I have read about with the k.2s is that they have a bit more background hiss. I think it’s just due to the increased output. Not a major issue but I love how quiet my originals are. Sometimes I can’t even tell if they are on.

[jonfields45]

One other interesting note... I bought an inexpensive power meter and after subtracting the considerable standby power of a modern class-D speaker, I estimate near pain at 5 watts RMS with 50 watt (10 dB) peaks, for the last three speakers I tested.

I think you can think of a CP speaker as 100 watts of continuous average power with 10 dB of headroom, and a K at 200 watts of continuous average power with 10 dB of headroom. I've been at recent weddings where the DJ was more than painfully loud and you could feel the music (drums and bass). For that kind of usage these 1000+ watt rated speakers might have some utility. For the easy lift of acoustic music they are all dramatic overkill.

[varmonter]

Ahh power.. it’s a double edge sword in that a 2000 watt speaker will sound
Much better at a lower vol than a 50 watt speaker. It’s not are they loud enough
For me it’s how good they sound in a quiet setting. QSC shines here.
I have owned k12 , k10 and 10.2 .all great speakers. I sold my k12
For weight/bulk reasons. They are the best of the 3 imho.

[Petty1818]

Originally Posted by varmonter

Ahh power.. it’s a double edge sword in that a 2000 watt speaker will sound
Much better at a lower vol than a 50 watt speaker. It’s not are they loud enough
For me it’s how good they sound in a quiet setting. QSC shines here.
I have owned k12 , k10 and 10.2 .all great speakers. I sold my k12
For weight/bulk reasons. They are the best of the 3 imho.

The original K12 that I own (have two) are just so good. I can't justify upgrading. Dead silent, nice balanced tone and bullet proof. I feel like they also have all of the features I would ever need.

I do own a K10 as a monitor but I want to get a second monitor. I am struggling with whether or not to get a second K10 (original) or get two new K10.2's. Any thoughts? I would love to have them even for smaller shows where I can use them as mains.