Electro-Voice TX1152 2-Way 15" PA Speaker

You can read the technical and construction details on Electro-Voice's web site, so this review will concentrate strictly upon subjective sound quality and usability.

I've used a lot of speakers over the years, and I've always liked EV's gear. The TX1152 are my favorite speakers that I've owned so far. If you've ever heard the older EV Eliminator speakers (which I also owned/used for awhile), these sound similiar, but better. The TX1152 have an improved midrange, and a slightly more "sizzling" high end. The older Eliminator has a little more bass boast around 200Hz or so (probably due to the notably larger cabinet size), but the TX1152 has a more linear bass response. You can feel the kick drum just as well as with the Eliminator, and the TX1152's improved midrange makes a bass guitar's "pluck" sound clearer (and less "tubby"). Cymbals shimmer through the TX1152's better than any speaker I've owned/used so far. In short, the TX1152 is a little better sounding speaker than the Eliminator, and also has a smaller cabinet size and lighter weight. THe TX1152 is also more efficient. (With the same amp power applied to both speakers, the TX1152 is louder). It's a win/win situation.

There is no comparison between the TX1152 and JBL MPX515's. The JBL have a horrendously pronounced mid-range (ie, around 2-3 KHz) that is harsh and gave me ear fatigue after just 10 minutes of listening. I would definitely not use these speakers unless I was in a room full of people soaking up that dreadful midrange. Plus, the TX1152 has demonstrably better low and high ends (especially the low end). The JRX115's fared no better against the TX1152. (But those JBLs are a cheaper range). The EONs were a joke.

I compared some Community speakers in about the same price as the (admittedly pricey) TX1152. While the Community was a serviceable speaker, it had a noticeably weaker high end than the TX1152, and wasn't nearly as efficient. The X1152 is definitely superior to the several Community models I auditioned.

Frankly, I've never been fond of Yorkville Sound speakers. I owned a rather pricey pair that barely lasted a year. Unlike the EVs, I didn't find them to be very roadworthy, and the TX1152 sounds much better.

I've also owned/used the Mackie (unpowered) S500. This is a surprisingly serviceable speaker for the price, but again, pales in comparison to the TX1152. In particular the S500 has a much, much weaker high end (ie, 12KHz and up).

I found the Peavey SP2 to be a very mediocre speaker. It couldn't compare to the TX1152's dynamic range.

The cheaper EV speakers such as the i Force also can't compare to the TX1152, so don't assume that if you've heard those, then you've got an idea of the TX1152.

You can read the construction specs at EV's website, but I do want to mention that these speakers are surprising light for the quality of sound they put out. It's great that a fairly light/small speaker can put out such a solid low end.

I paid more for the TX1152 than just about every other speaker I was comparing (except the Community, and Yorkville Sound). I've been banging these around for several months of about 4 gigs a week. I'm not necessarily gentle. They've got scratches. But they sound excellent (better than the other choices) and seem durable. So, I would advise anyone not to balk at the price. Buy the TX1152 if you want a great sounding speaker that will last an actively gigging musician.