From shrockrob@aol.com Mon Aug 16 13:23:46 2004
Subject:JBL EON G2 vs. Mackie SRM450

i'm responding to someone's comment that the JBL Eon G2 is "the" choice on
this list.

Just yesterday I did a pretty extensive comparison between the origial JBL
EON, the newer EON G2 and the Mackie SRM450.

Hands down the new JBL EON G2 slaughters the original EON. Next...

However, I slightly preferred the SRM450 over the EON G2. The midrange on the
EON G2 is a little phase-y, squirrely-sounding to me, and the midrange
overcompresses at high volumes. The SRM450 was much smoother across the full
frequency range without the midrange compressing.

One would think the EON G2 would have noticeably more bottom end and overall
volume due to the larger 15" speaker--it does not. The SRM450 has loads of
bottom end. With both cabinets turned up all the way, the SRM450 is actually a
little louder. However, one could argue that the JBL is ever so slightly cleaner
at extreme levels. (Three of us disagreed on which was cleaner at this
painful level, so it's a close call.)

Since I'm looking at these monitors for keyboards, a more accurate midrange
is very important and, to my ears, the Mackies were a little better. Not by
much; these two monitors sound very similar to each other. Also, the SRM450s are
slightly smaller. Again, the difference between the two being very minor. I
would say the big factor would be that the EON G2s have 3 separate inputs
(1/4-inch) as well as XLR input with a little preamp for a microphone. The G2 EON
also has high and low shelving EQ knobs; the SRM450 has a single XLR input and
a simple hi-pass filter to roll off some bottom. (Since I use a small mixer I
don't need the separate inputs.)

if you have the JBLs you will probably disagree because you are already
invested. No problem; the new EONs are great powered cabinets. However, I don't
think the EONs are hands-down the better speaker at all. I actually prefer the
SRM450s enough sonically that I just bought a pair.

Rob

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