Part 2 How Does the Classic $750 QSC K8.2 Compare With The New $1,800 RCF TT-515-A A/B Sound Test 

Much appreciate your positive feedback!

Thanks for the compliment! Love my CP8, you made a great buying decision.

If budget is an issue the best sounding speaker you can get for the price is the QSC CP12. I own both CP8s and CP12S. Both are great options.

Correct! at high volumes QSC gets harsh. RCF without DSP stays clean. Never knew the reason!

Agree, these speakers are made for a very specific purpose. Stage side fills/fixed installation fills. These are NOT full range speakers! The much cheaper QSC K8.2, even my $500 Turbosound iP300 is more full range with better mids and low end. On the other hand the high end of the 515 cuts through with razor clean accuracy that no other PA speaker I have heard can match!

Rich, thanks for the compliment! Many more videos in the near future.

I have a pair of IX12's and it seems to my ears that they retain an amazing degree of linearity at low SPL's too, say 50-70db (they seem a bit clearer than the technics I use for studio purposes).

Don't forget the $150 necessary speaker to pole adapter! I got a deal for $100:) Chunk of steal made in China not Italy worth no more than $30 :(

You are right, I should have mentioned that. Personally, I have never used RDnet.

Thanks for the education! I agree the RCF 515 sounds much better at a volume much higher than I tested, maybe 95-100dB. On the other hand at its real world clipping limit of 108dB it didn't sound very good. You would need the more expensive, $3,000 for a single box!- TT10 with 130dB headroom to better the QSC K8.2 max volume. I did test indoors in a wide open space. I was close though at 3-4 meters. The TT515 definitely would not be the best choice for outdoors. X-over is at 90Hz, definitely NEEDS a sub.

Wow ! Really!? As a singer that songs to tracks (Bocelli, Groban, Buble) I'll be investigating that !

@@CrossoverClassic With backing tracks using a small subwoofer makes the TT515 a full range Hi-fi/live sounding experience! Depending on how many people you are performing for, I can recommend subs from $200- $1,300. Let me know if you need recommendations.

​@@WWeiss-nv5vz Hi Bill ! 150-175 people max. Above, i use a sound engineer with equipment. I recently sold two behringer 500 watt 12 in subs. I'm thinking of getting a bose sub 1. I think it'll be sufficient and I'm really focused on small and light ! I have just one 8.2 ..i was thinking about selling back to GC towards 515 but may keep the pre 2020 8.2 as I'd only get about 400 bucks for it. And it is certainly a reasonable investment to have a backup speaker of the quality of the 8. 2 for $400. I usually start out by singing to a combination of electric and mostly acoustic guitar accompaniment tracks. Then I transition to full instrumental versions And with an older crowd typically, i think that will be more than sufficient. I love the footprint in my car on the back floor as well as on stage. I'm wondering about mic feedback using a 515 though. Do you see any disadvantages/advantages of going with the rcf 808 besides price difference !

@@CrossoverClassic 808 will be an upgrade in output from the Sub1 and lighter. The question is for your type of gig, will 127dB max be used over the 124dB of the Sub1? Can't answer the question of mic feedback with 515, never tried it. You can call RCF tech support. They are great and will answer all your questions. The 515 is a better sounding top than the 8.2 but unless you A/B ed them side by side your audience will never know the difference. Again slightly lighter than 8.2. Be aware that you give up some headroom going with the 515.

I couldn't agree with you. It is a Pro top but one of the reasons I made this video was the extreme price tag for the performance achieved. Have you heard them side by side? I doubt it. If you watched the whole video I do say the RCF has a better overall sound. Both speakers have the same 127dB max dB. Both have similar excellent high end performance but I did say the RCF is the next level in SQ. The question is, is that worth an extra $1,000?? For DJ's, paying customers will hardly know the difference. I kept the speaker for its form factor and I have the extra cash for audiophile level PA gear, but for the majority of people who are not using it for a fixed install that needs that small form factor, the QSC K8.2 gives very similar performance. Radically different? You are wrong!

The 515 has 100 degree horizontal Dispersion. Hardly a line array characteristic. The 8.2 has>100 degree Dispersion (I think 105 degrees) further negating your assertion

@@CrossoverClassic I said column array, not line array. If you don't understand the difference then you shouldn't comment.

@@CrossoverClassic You are right, the 515 doesn't have the dispersion of a column array. I think I meant over a sub it has the look of a column array.

@@DestroyerOfLiberasts ah yes I see now ..I was just taken aback by your comment which clearly did not make sense

Agree, DSP makes a world of difference!

I did!

Agree! This speaker especially NEEDS a sub. Yes, the weakness of the QSC, at volumes over 100dB they get harsh. The RCF stays crystal clear and you want to turn it up more! Really have to watch my hearing because there is zero distortion at those levels.

@WWeiss-nv5vz with your experience, what should be done to the cp8 that I have, to make sure they don't sound harsh?

@@burhanuddin127 They only get harsh when pushed to their limit which is 110+dB! If you are playing anywhere near that limit you should be high passing to a sub. Using a mixer with mid control also helps to dial in your sound. Personally I love the crystal clean high end of QSC but always listen with a sub to fill in the missing low end.

@WWeiss-nv5vz thank you for the wisdom.

@@burhanuddin127 Appreciate your positive feedback.

I was just going to ask for an 808 comparison to the SUB2 from Bose. Thank you

Haven’t hooked the 515 to my sub 2 yet. One of the draws of the 808 for me was the size and that it powers the 515. I did a sound check with the set and a song that normally clipped my sub 2 didn’t clip the 808. I was SHOCKED

@@AaronStrawn interesting

@@AaronStrawn Are you keeping these? Talked to SVS and they agreed these are not to take the place of the Evox12 which are louder. These are probably going to be no louder than your J8's. You will get some more headroom high passed through the 808. Can't argue with the incredible clarity, but these are not made for reception speakers, unless we are talking under 150 people. I don't see these outperforming a pair of EV30s. As I said, my $500 QSC CP8 is louder! To make matters worse when you do play these near clipping they sound as harsh as a Mackie Thump Go:( I couldn't imagine trading my Pro32/Sub2 for these. In some ways by themselves they are kind of AM radio, Zero mids! A real one trick pony. These are made for side fills/aux speakers. I lined out from my Pro32-Match made in heaven! I'm probably keeping the single 515 even though the price is crazy. For what it does, a little over 100dB or so, it adds incredible punch/clarity to a main speaker.

@@cduncan5690 I have never owned or even heard the Evox12. I am going strictly by what RCF Sales told me on the phone. I also saw Jason Jani's review and I think he is pushing these for the DJ market and they were not designed for that purpose. RCF agreed with me. I don't sell speakers for a living like he does. Buyer beware, do a lot more research before you run out and get ultra expensive speakers from the recommendation of a sales rep on RU-vid! I wouldn't show up with a pair of QSC CP8's for a wedding reception and the CP8's are louder than the 515's!

alot of people get everything wrong. there are speakers for different use. even on the high end, most people now days belive they need line array for everything and they are the best, just cause they see them in live massive concerts. 🤦‍♂️

No joke, in some ways the CP8 is better! RCF you need a mixer. Even though the specs say the TT515 is louder, through my tests before clipping the CP8 was 2dB louder! QSC 110db/RCF 108dB. RCF does sound MUCH better near those max volumes where the QSC gets harsh. RCF sounds like a Studio Monitor at those volumes and you don't even know how loud you are playing! With the QSC, I'm running to turn it down/holding my ears. In front of a paying audience they will never know the difference, unless you A/B ed them side by side. So keep what you got unless you just love the RCF form factor or have deep $$$$ pockets and want the best PA sound available.

@@WWeiss-nv5vz really amazed by that conclusion! There's no way I would've believed that if it came from anyone else, like many subscribed to this channel, you're the only one whose advice I seriously believe in and take action accordingly, keep doing that, thanks....

@@burhanuddin127 Thank you for those kind words!

I think you missed the point of the video. The K8.2 equals 95% of the performance at a much lower price. People who like the form factor or willing to pay the extra $$$ for a slight improvement in clarity at high volume will be happy with the TT515. All other higher speced/priced speakers will be considerably larger and heavier. My focus on my channel is portable PA. The 27lbs K8.2 is the heaviest I carry.

@@WWeiss-nv5vz if male can’t lift 12kg they really need a roady there is no real advantage buying the RCF

True if you have the $$$$!

100 people dance maybe? Really need a subwoofer for that size crowd/purpose. I would run the Everse from a separate Aux out. It would be difficult to level match trying to do stereo left/right.

Check is in the mail! Unfortunately going to them:( A lot of money but this is the cleanest Hi-fi/Studio Monitor sounding PA speaker I have ever heard! Even at low volume/70dB it sounded as clean as my Yamaha HS8. I've never heard another PA speaker sound good at low volume. Playing backing tracks the high end clarity/punch sounds like a live band playing. Just don't expect it to match your Yamaha DXR12's 130+dB. I got it up to 110dB and it started to get harsh but wasn't clipping. 100 dB and below is the sweet spot. This isn't a full range speaker so you NEED a subwoofer! One TT15 over a Bose Sub1 would be perfect for your duo gig! I also use the 42 lbs EV ELX12-sp sub or the RCF 702. For your larger gigs pairing with the Yamaha smooth midrange House Sound would be excellent. 22 Lbs, can't get much lighter-keeping it!

@@WWeiss-nv5vz Cool thanks for the detailed response. I think you may have forgotten a word at the very top of your response but the way I take it towards the end you are keeping them. It's also nice to hear that they are as clean sounding like the HS8s as well! I've always wanted to try one of those ELX200 -12SP subs but I really just don't have a reason to get one at this point I guess.

@@JHGurganus Word I forgot, Yes - I'm keeping a single TT515. Actually thinking of pairing it with a Yamaha DBR10 to add some of those smooth Yamaha mids and some extra headroom. Should be an incredible combination!

@@WWeiss-nv5vz Cool glad I took it as you were keeping it. Yes that combination will be interesting - the DBR & the TT515. Hope you see my other questions I posted this morning on your Evolve 30m comparison video. Sorry it's a lot of questions. So many options nowadays but I'd be curious to hear your answers and what you have to say. Glad you're keeping the TT!

That's the problem I don't use all of the speakers, but I hate to sell them at a 50% loss. My wife is nice but I usually have to wait until she leaves the house to have fun! I am a drummer who has played for over 30 years. My Ex wife said, "It's either me or the drums!" Long story short, I still have the beautiful 1968 Ludwig Gold Seal/Ringo set in blue sparkle!

Glad you like the videos. For larger gigs I line out from the Pro32 for greater coverage/volume. QSC is the perfect sonic match with Bose! It adds high end frequencies/clarity that is rolled off with Bose. To match the max output of the Pro32 I use the QSC K8.2. Extra bass, next step up is an 18" sub.

 I own two k8.2s (from your videos) and I have used them in larger halls, but not close to the two pro 32s, more like 40-50 ft away. For larger dance floors I'm thinking of putting 8.2s about 10 or 20 feet apart from the 32s to the left and right. Along with one QSC 18" sub. I appreciate your input.

Those K 10.2 specs look good for 130 db SPL/32 lbs. I have F1s I'm thinking about replacing. F1s sound great, just heavier and bigger (132 db SPL/45lbs).

@@sazprodj I'm jealous! That sounds like an amazing set up!

@@WWeiss-nv5vz do you mean the pro32/sub2/k8.2 set up? Got ideas from you. Thank you!

I have both: 8.2 will be louder. Excellent high end clarity will be equal for both. Mids lacking on both, very similar sound signature. 8.2 Needs a sub. EV has better bass and in smaller gigs wouldn't need a sub. EV has wider dispersion. 120 degrees vs 105. EV doesn't need a speaker stand or pole. QSC 7 year warranty! I put the 8.2 over a Bose Sub1 or EV ELX12-sp sub. That combination far outperforms the EV30! If you don't need the extra headroom of the 8.2 the CP8 basically sounds the same at $500. Check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xY_bw2Adn6c.html

Specs look very similar! Wonder who copied who? Yes, I kept it! Incredible performance for the size. Besides my RCF TT10 which is $3,000, it is my best sounding PA speaker in my collection!

105 degrees for K8.2 / RCF 100 degrees

That would be an incredible combination! I have the previous generation the dual 12" K Sub. It hits hard! Can't imagine how good the Ks118 would be?? As far as max volume the QSC K10.2 would equal the output of the 130dB+ Ks118. Some people like the K8.2 better because of the wider 105 degree dispersion.

@@WWeiss-nv5vz so i have 2 k12.2 right now, you think the RCF TT515-a would sound better than the qsc?

@@Eric_Morado Yes and No If you A/B them side by side the RCF SQ is the next level, especially over 100dB where QSC's get harsh. The RCF stays crystal clean and you want to turn them up more! Kind of like a Studio Monitor at 110dB. In a live situation your audience will never know the difference, but you will! RCF has a better dispersion of 100 degrees vs 75 degrees for the 12.2. I say no because at 132dB the K12.2 is almost twice as loud as the TT515. So comes down to do you want to spend an extra $1,000 per speaker for weight savings/form factor/sound quality? I would think the majority would go with the QSC.

You're right every bit helps when running out of headroom!

At low volumes say 85dB and below/home listening levels/busking/backyard parties, the S1Pro sounds very impressive. The QSC CP8 which is the model down from the K8.2 I talked about in this video is in another league! Plus if you don't need internal battery and reverb, the CP8 is only $500. QSC is a pro speaker made for live gigging up to 150 people with a sub. S1Pro is rated for 50 people max. Check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PLT-192t-Wc.html

Thank you! More on the way ;)

K8.2 does have more headroom.

You are 100% right! The 515 NEEDS a sub, even an inexpensive one fills in the bottom end to give you the missing full range sound. I think the main application is fixed installations that need something tucked away like a restaurant or under a stage. At this price, it was not meant to be a DJ speaker.

​@@WWeiss-nv5vzWhat would be a cheap subwoofer that works well with 515-a?

Let's stay on the topic of speakers:-)

Agree- 100%!

as I said... people are so pathological, there are speakers for different use. just as cars, would you take sport car to an off road trip end up stuck in a trench and complaining how much extra you paid... 🤷‍♂️

@@ladjkaoz Would agree if for Pro use, using RD Net. Sonics/performance alone, hard to justify the $1,350 price difference.

​@@WWeiss-nv5vzIm sure you would say the same if it was RCF VS Meyer or Lacustics...

Correction art 912A

Those speakers are much heavier than the 27 Lbs K8.2 My videos focus on max performance with portable PA's. For me 27 Lbs is the heaviest top I use. I have a QSC KW122, 151 Lbs Stays at home, too heavy! The RCF TT515 at 22 Lbs has incredible performance for its weight/form factor-actually the best!

if you register online after you buy RCF they give you 2 more years of warranty, making it 5 years total

Really, didn't know that! Thanks@@RuiPintoMusic

Thanks, didn't realize that.

You can save a lot of money with QSC but when it gets loud over 100dB QSC gets harsh/RCF stays clean like a Hifi studio monitor!