Mackie HD1531 15-inch 3-Way High-Definition Powered Loudspeaker

I own four of these HD1531s. I also own and use regularly similar boxes from JBL, Alto, and Yamaha.I have to say, the HD1531s are the best sounding boxes of the bunch for certain gigs. The thing that is most worth mentioning is the smoothness of the HF driver. They are crisp and clean and accurate sounding without that extra 3K harshness that a lot of pro audio boxes exhibit (JBL?).The Mackies just sound good "out of the box", with little EQing needed to get them to sound great. They are truly plug & play.BUT... BUT.... Here is what you need to know about real world use before purchasing a pair of 1531s:LOUDNESS: These 1531s do get nice and loud. However, because of the proprietary DSP and the smoothness of the highs, some people (DJs in particular) don't really "get it".These boxes sound so smooth and clean, that they don't actually sound super loud to the ear. I.e. some of the perceived ultra loudness in certain PA boxes IS the wonky high mids. That is to say: with many other powered pro audio boxes on the market, the very thing that makes them sound loud is also the same thing that makes them sound not good. I have DJ buddies who don't think it's loud enough unless eardrums are physically in pain. If you share in this philosophy, then these boxes are not for you.Don't get me wrong.. they will do a small rock show or DJ gig (with added subs of course). These boxes, however, really shine when they're being used for something a little more "delicate", such as a jazz gig or unplugged rock/acoustic performance. The fact that these are so pleasing to the ear is a GOOD and DESIRABLE thing. It's weird that the "wall of noise" crowd doesn't think so... These people are usually amateur DJs..CONS: The only down side to the HD1531s that I can think of is the weight. These things are HEAVY. It would be a good idea to have a helper on any gig that involves these boxes. I can put this box on top of a speaker stand by myself, but just barely...Bottom line is that this box, just like any speaker cabinet, microphone, mixer, etc.. is just a tool. If you work in construction, you would use a specific tool to accomplish a specific task. Pro audio gear is no different. If used correctly for a task it was designed for, the HD1531 is one of the best powered 3 way boxes on the market.Will it be your next "redline the DJ mixer and pound the dance floor" box? Probably not. That's a different tool...Love this box!

I have had two of these in a church install for around three years now. No problems whatsoever. Tons of power available, clean sound and great reliability. The church worship team (like a rock band) has lead guitar, keys, bass, drums. It gets pretty loud but these speakers pull it off without effort. I would recommend them to anyone including those who are looking at more expensive flyable speakers.dankeifer at yahoo

Very goodVery LoudClean soundno need for a SUbi would definately recommend this speaker for Mobile Dj's Clubs bands etc

The best sound