Budget under $500 Portable PA Battle QSC CP8 VS Yamaha DBR10

[@jeremyschuhmann9671]

This is a great comparison. Both lightweight, versatile and reliable speakers that won’t break the bank. I’d be interested in how they compare to the new EV ZLX-8P and RCF ART708a…

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Haven't heard those speakers but QSC, EV, and RCF all have the same sound signature. Super clean high end/live on stage sound. Some say fatiguing. All have very similar power ratings/price. Only Bose and in this case Yamaha have smooth Hi-fi mids and a fuller low end. Downside, they have rolled off highs. Comes down to personal preference as far as sound signature and features. A lot of great choices for $500!

[@NukePooch1]

Really liked this comparison. I bought 2 DBR10s late last year, have them paired with 2 EV ELX200-12SP subs. They match really well. Bought them as a small system to DJ weddings under 75-80 people or so. Have two weddings this month, so will be able to see what they'll do.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Thanks for the feedback. A pair should easily handle under 100 people. For a "Budget Priced" PA they really have excellent sound! Mids are very smooth! I have the same sub EV ELX12. With a little high end EQ boost that must be a very full range sounding system. Love the EV sub, but have only one. Two would be incredible. Yamaha DBR10 is definitely my new "Bargain of the PA World."

[@djroyal414]

I bought my QSC CP12’s for under $500 from Guitar Center and they sound awesome! Also, they had a promo at the time for a free bag on both speakers 🔊🔊

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Under $500 free bags! You are one Lucky dude:)

[@bennettshapiro7711]

Hey Bill. Another speaker that’s worth considering in the sub $500 category is the Turbosound Milan M10. $389. Very solidly built. And again, no Bluetooth. Worth checking out if you haven’t heard them.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Thanks for the heads up. Love Turbosound but never heard of that speaker. Will check it out.

[@nyguya4865]

Thanks for the review! I have both of these speakers. The QSC CP8 is compact, easy to carry, and is fanless. The Yamaha DBR10 has more bass and has similar weight, but the top handle makes it a bit awkward to carry. The DBR10 sounds more hifi to my ears, the CP8 is a bit too bright in the top end. I still can't decide which one to sell.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I agree the QSC has a brighter high end but that's a good thing when paired with a subwoofer. Makes an incredible full range Micro System! Without a sub the Yamaha's smoother mids and better low end wins. CP8 is noticeably louder. I also think the QSC in this market holds its value better even though the Yamaha has a 7 year warranty vs QSC 6 years. Both incredible value!

[@hazaelvidal442]

​@@WWeiss-nv5vz crees que QSC tiene más spl? Yo creo que Yamaha gana

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

QSC is louder plugged straight in without a mixer, reaching 110dB. With a mixer the Yamaha reaches the same 110dB.@@hazaelvidal442

[@hazaelvidal442]

Exacto, QSC es más brillante y Yamaha tiene más bajo, para mis oídos es más equilibrado

[@Bayenke]

Cuál tiene más calidad de sonido ?

[@tropicvibe]

Just bought the DBR10 to use as a keyboard amp which i would've laughed at in the past. I had tried several including a dedicated behringer keyboard amp but for higher volume it's just too much weight to be lugging around. I'm actually shocked at the clarity of piano sounds coming thru this speaker. I have yet to test it for a mid-sized club gig but i've got a feeling it'll cut through. Two of these would be monster but once again i wouldn't be able to handle all that. QSC would've been the answer but i don't have that kinda dough, had no idea what those things were going for. Had an old Alto TS110A about 10 yrs ago i used all the time for smaller clubs, wasn't as clear as the dbr but was pretty loud too.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

In some ways for a keyboard amp I prefer Yamaha over QSC. Without a sub, Yamaha has a more full range sound. Good purchase decision!

[@hazaelvidal442]

​@@WWeiss-nv5vz cierto, mejores graves y agudos más contenidos en Yamaha

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Agree@@hazaelvidal442

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Yamaha DBR at $390 is now the Budget Champion in this market segment, all others have gone up to $500.

[@xennialmusic]

It's now at $400 in most places as of November 2022

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@xennialmusic Best deal in the PA world!

[@jimsuber6784]

Good video. I've got 3 DBR10s and 2 CP8s, The DBR 10s don't hold a sonic candle to the CPs. Doesn't matter about the specs. Listen. Blue tooth is a non issue for professional musicians. Players play (instruments)

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I agree, I like the sound of the CP8's better but others prefer the smoother mids and less bright high end of the Yamaha. Preference in sound is a personal thing, nothing to debate about. We all hear things differently.

[@MoY206]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking for a pair of compact loud speakers for karaoke. Which is the better pick?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Max volume, construction, warranty all equal. Comes down to personal taste in sound signature. QSC, crystal clean high end, but some say in your face/fatiguing. Typical Live PA stage sound. Yamaha more Hifi sounding with smooth mids and more low end. High end is more rolled off. If you have heard Bose PA speakers, Yamaha is the same sound. I get the best of both worlds by pairing QSC with a small subwoofer. If you're not planning on getting a sub, you really should hear them in person. Maybe male vocals Yamaha/female vocals QSC. Not sure I'm not a singer.

[@MoY206]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz Ok thanks for the kind reply. I think I got more questions now 😆. Gotta go to my local guitar center now to listen to them. I do have a sub but it's not a loudspeaker type per say, I have a SVC1000 built more for home theater. I'm wondering if that would work with PA speakers now. I should mention I do have a pair of Yamaha towers but for some reason I am not impressed with them for karaoke use. Don't get me wrong, they are amazing for hifi stereo music and home theater use. Just not great to sing with.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Hi fi speakers and live sound speakers sound completely different. Good news, SVS 1000 will sound great with either top! Cable needed:www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J6SPW72/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A37ZMG0J9UK5U5&th=1 If you are using a mixer or DJ controller cable and set up will be different.

[@MoY206]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz sweet thanks for the tip :)

[@Zoco101]

In another review I heard them both. The CP8 sounded cleaner, at least in the mids, which is very important to me as a monitor for a stage piano or main piano speaker on small gigs. Although pianos go right down to 27Hz, I understand that what we hear of piano bottom notes is overtones higher than 50Hz. The CP8 is rated at 50Hz. Curiously, the DBR10 is rated at 55Hz by my supplier, though we have to take some of this with a pinch of salt.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Never judge a speaker's sound quality by a KZbin review. The only thing I would compare is loudness and that is only if the reviewer has level matched the two speakers equally with a dB meter. For piano QSC has a cleaner presentation but maybe with EQ ing the Yamaha can be brightened up and then it would have a more full range sound compared to the CP8??

[@Zoco101]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz Thanks for the useful information. As you probably know, a pianist on a digital piano is heavily dependent on good monitoring when gigging. If whatever monitors can't overcome any acoustic issues (issues which distort the piano's tonal character) the pianist is seriously undermined. I'm even considering carrying an 8" studio monitor, but I'd probably wreck it. Any thoughts?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@Zoco101 Studio monitor for monitoring? Never heard of that. The best small Portable PA's sound wise are close to studio monitors. Thinking of QSC CP8 or battery EV Everse8. Might ask that question on the Nord forum. www.norduserforum.com/accessories-and-amplification-f8/

[@JHGurganus]

You keeping the dbr10? Curious because I've had all the dxr series: DXR8s, 10s, 12s & 15s along with dxs15 subs. I have dxr12mkii now for large gigs. Also have dbr12s. Looking to lighten my load but keep sound quality. Ive used / still use a cp8 as a wedge since they came out in 2019 but can't bring myself to use one or two as a main for vocals & guitar though. Yes I'm a Yamaha fanboy but never had dbr10s though since they came out in 14. So, wondering if you're keeping yours and would you say dbr10 or cp8 for frequent live sung vocals? Small / medium venues. My dxr12mkii handle anything larger. Thanks!

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I was very impressed with the dBR10 but it went back. Just too similar to the CP8 which I have. CP8 is about 8dB more before clipping, thats a lot! You know the Yamaha sound, compared to QSC smoother mids, better low end, more full range/Hifi sounding. For live vocals I would go for the CP8 because of its cleaner, crisper high end performance and headroom.

[@JHGurganus]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz okay thank you. Ironically I think last year I did a side-by-side between my CP8 and DBR12 and it seemed like the the CP8 kept up pretty decently to a point. Yes I'm surprised to say that but that's how I remember it. Also ironically, I just ordered two DBR10s today because they just came back in stock at GC a couple days ago I believe. I will definitely do a side-by-side between one of them and my cp8. We'll see what happens. I also recently did something I've never done before and picked up a Harbinger MLS1000 for some of the smaller quieter stuff we do. Used it on two gigs so far and a bunch of practice at home and honestly have to say I'm impressed given the price point and that a lower cover comes with it. Just sharing that because I know you've done a lot of column array testing and stuff. But for now all that's put to the side for another day we have a large probably 250 to 300 person outdoor event tomorrow night where I get to let my dxr12mkiis run wild. I may upload a little video tonight of them running and being recorded at about 80 yards. Loving the speaker testing myself and what you and others do to test their gear.

[@brenovr6]

I'm a DJ, have two DBR10s and wanted to increase my sound, but I value portability. Is it worth changing DBR10 to K8.2?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I would say no. DBR max 129dB same as K8.2. QSC does have a cleaner high end sound signature. Yamaha fuller mids/low end. Playing with a sub, I prefer QSC. Very personal decision. Just talking volume, you will need to go up to the K12.2 to get an audible volume boost from the DBR10, but there goes your portability.

[@jnin25]

The Yamaha does have a fan

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Thanks, I didn't realize that.

[@josephjames5404]

Has anyone got a recommendation for a PA system good for vocals and acoustic guitar?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

A/C only QSC CP8 or Yamaha BDR10, Internal battery, EV Everse 8 or Bose S1 Pro. Columns, battery-JBL MK2, AC-Bose Pro8 or EV30m Many choices! Check out the Acoustic Guitar Forumwww.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

[@pjtyros]

Thanks for a very interesting review. I took your advice a few months ago and purchased the QSC CP8 to work alongside my Bose Pro8 to give a stereo like sound field from my Yamaha PSR-SX900 keyboard, I have been amazed how this has improved my sound, the CP8 is a great speaker for not a lot of money.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Great to hear I helped in your buying decision! I find Bose paired with QSC is a great combination! QSC adds some clarity on the top end that's missing from the Bose sound. Even my $3,300 Pro32 benefits greatly from adding the $480 CP8! I think people really waste a lot of money when they go with a second Pro8 to get stereo sound. Of course matching speakers "Looks" better.

[@pjtyros]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz definitely the best money I've ever spent. The Bose forum said it wouldn't sound good. Thanks again.

[@diujay]

Can you please upload video with yamaha sx900 bose pro8 and qsc cp8

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@diujay Sorry I don't have a Yamaha SX900 or BosePro8. I can tell you the Bose sound is more mids/smoother and people say less fatiguing for longer gigs. QSC sound is much cleaner on the high end and stays clean near its max volume. Live vocals or keyboards go with QSC.

[@diujay]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz thanks for info. So qsc is best for vocal and keyboard also I can add roland spd 20 octopad. Qsc cp12 is enough ??

[@LEEALANIS77]

Can you do a db test of an alto ts410?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I don't have the ts410. I have the TX210 which maxed out at 98dB. At max volume even before clipping, sound was very harsh compared to other speakers with similar specs.

[@Psalm_18_2]

hi Weiss, please help me to decide to buy Qsc CP8 or Yamaha DBR10 or Alto TS408 ? Please respond quickly - Purpose is for preaching in outdoor with Keyboard, Guitar, Microphone. (budget is less)

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Alto is out because it doesn't have the warranty of the other two and doesn't have the build quality reputation of the other two. QSC or Yamaha neck and neck! Comes down to sound signature preferred. QSC has more high end clarity. Clarity is better for outdoors, guitar, and vocals. Yamaha better midrange/ low end which will make keyboards more full range. I say QSC CP 8!

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Corrections/Additions: Both speakers do not have Reverb or internal battery. The QSC is easily run with a small 150 watt external power source. I did not test the Yamaha with external power. For the QSC I use Beaudens www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KPYSN3S/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_6?smid=A7190QURUYUTL&psc=1 For the Yamaha if you need more power I use this 300watt GrantMaya for a little bit more money. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787SHJ21/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=AUVZKV9CZS39O&psc=1 Further listening: the Yamaha definitely has a smoother Midrange/fuller sound. If you will be using a subwoofer with the Yamaha this advantage disappears and the QSC would be my choice. Personal preference, do you like the crisp, clean high end of the QSC or smoother mids and bass of the Yamaha? They actually sound Very Good together if you already have one or the other and want to run an Aux speaker for more coverage or volume.

[@dinkartirpude6137]

Is it possible to power cp8 with 20000 MI powerbank?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Probably not. Minimum I suggest is 150 watts. @@dinkartirpude6137

[@dumitrascurazvan1209]

Hi everyone ! I can’t decide what to buy between dbr 12 and jbl eon 710. Witch do you thnik is better ?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Different sound signature. JBL very clean high end/Yamaha highs rolled off. Yamaha has smoother mids, more Hi-fi sounding, less fatiguing. Yamaha will be almost twice as loud! Yamaha no reverb, no App, no Bluetooth. JBL 8 pounds lighter.

[@dumitrascurazvan1209]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz thank u for response! I liste mostly to techno and deephouse. I think Yamaha are better suited for me

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@dumitrascurazvan1209 Great speaker and incredible price with 7 year warranty!

[@seletusoficial]

Sou Brasileiro, estou com intenção de comprar DBR 10 para vocal.... Grupo de harmonia vocal... vc me sugere DBR 10, OU 12?..... Para esse tipo de canto, vc preferiria Dbr ou qsc???, Modelo da Qsc não é muito comum encontrar aqui no Brasil... A yamaha é mais comum....

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

For vocals DBR10 is great. DBR 12 will only be louder but sound the same. Between DBR10 and QSC, I prefer QSC for a cleaner high end. Other people like the smoother mids of Yamaha. Really a personal choice.

[@christopheralan6474]

Hi! I recently returned the Jbl eon one compact because it would clip at low volume. I did like the bass on it but it would clip too early. Would you say the Qsc cp8 has a better bass response then the Jbl compact without clipping? Thanks again!

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Bass is about the same or slightly less than Compact. Volume is at least 4 times the power of the JBL.

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

Lack of Bluetooth and apps is a major plus for a Luddite like me!

[@Wuppie62]

It sounds a bit overreacting to me, that you're so allergic to rca connectors: it's the standard in hifi and most dj controllers use it too. There are millions of stereo rca to mini-jack cables. :)

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

You're right, I didn't think about the DJ's perspective. For my own use I prefer a 1/8" jack to plug in my phone especially since this speaker doesn't have bluetooth.

[@Wuppie62]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz I only use BT while djing as an emergency backup, or during setting up / packing up. BT is risky: it's inferior in audioquality (though many won't notice) and sensitive to hick-ups in the connection and or to interference from other sources. Balanced XLR imho is preferable over unbalanced rca/mini-jacks, especially over longer distances. But hey, if it works, it works. ;) Thanks for all the reviews and test setup videos. They provide good real life info! I use two Maui 11G2's for my events, but am looking into battery operated and portable solutions for outdoor situations. A tough combination of contradictory demands: lightweight, compact, long batterylife, good SPL and affordable.. Engineers always say, you can have only 2 out of 3 qualities. :)

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

@@Wuppie62 After years of drumming I can't hear the difference between Bluetooth and hard wiring. Then again I've never A/B ed them side by side. The best battery solution I have found is the JBL MK2.

[@Wuppie62]

@@WWeiss-nv5vz My Maui's 11 G2 are rated at 500W RMS each. If I wanted to run one of them on an external battery, what device could you recommend?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Yamaha DBR10 Now $399! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DBR10--yamaha-dbr10-700w-10-inch-powered-speaker

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Look at the new JBL EON 710, in the same league and price as these speakers and it has Bluetooth! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EON710--jbl-eon-710-1300-watt-10-inch-powered-speaker

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

QSC CP8 video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpiXnmdtd9-Fhac QSC K8.2 Another League and price! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrQlGukhrF_a9k