TEST: Peavey Eurosys

 It is interesting to observe, the technology develops with nice continuity, while the basic needs of the artist have not changed for decades. One of these basic needs is a transportable, well-made and yet inexpensive small P.A., which one can transport alone if possible or better in pairs in a minibus together with a clear backline. I don't know how many shows had to be canceled in my early days, because a willing pub or club promoter had been found, but did not have a house system and shied away from renting an external P.A. for cost reasons.

At that time, vocal systems consisted either of the infamous power mixers of the first hour, which with 2x 100 watts did not even bring the vocals home without clippings, or else Wämsern a la "Voice Of Theater", which alone with the bass bins called for a 7.5 tonner. Clear solutions in the style of two subwoofers plus powerful satellite solutions were at the time an unfulfilled dream, which should establish itself, however, only in the last decade as a fixed component of the sound reinforcement technology.

On the other side are the passive solutions, which want to be operated via external power amplifiers, but thereby also generate a higher flexibility along with a lower purchase price. Such a solution offers America's complete supplier Peavey with the Eurosys system. Various satellite and woofer concepts are offered for sale as individual components or as a system. So then, unpack, set up, connect, listen.


Construction

The Eurosys package consists of several individual components, which together form a passive small P.A.. Cables and power amplifiers must be ordered separately

In detail:

2x Eurosys 118 subwoofer

2x Eurosys 700 satellite speakers

2x PS-B distance rods


The Eurosys 118 subwoofer is, as the name suggests, equipped with an 18 inch speaker and has a maximum sound pressure of 97 dB (1W/1M). The manufacturer specifies 400 watts RMS at 4 ohms as the power rating. The possible frequency range is 38 - 250 Hertz, whereby the product does not have a crossover due to its design. As connections are two parallel-connected Speakon / jack as a combi jack.

The woofer is covered with a quite resistant textured paint, a perforated black grille protects the sound opening against unauthorized access. In addition, both the subwoofer and the satellites are delivered in durable protective sleeves, which protect against heavy scratches and light impacts. With the dimensions of 490 mm x 560 mm x 700 mm, the woofer is already designed as a decent case, which is also underlined by the weight of 34.5 kilograms. If you want to move the woofer alone, you should keep this in mind, especially since the woofer always has to be picked up from the floor. If you don't want to send your intervertebral discs packing, you can't do without a second person for adequate transport.

The matching Eurosys 700 satellites feature a 2-way system, which is composed of a 12-inch woofer and a 175T compression driver, with the driver's dispersion angle set at 90 degrees x 45 degrees. According to the manufacturer, the speakers have a sound pressure of 96 db and a power of 350 watts into 4 ohms. The same have the same textured paint on the surface and a corresponding protective grille. As expected, the speaker stand flange is located on the bottom of the cabinet.

As with the subwoofer mentioned above, the satellites are still in the moderate range with dimensions of 560 mm x 445 mm x 385 mm and a weight of 21.5 kilograms, but a second person is recommended for the assembly. On the rear, the speaker has the same connections as the subwoofer, i.e. Speakon/jack as a combo jack. Here, too, there is no possibility to set a crossover frequency and decouple the frequency response from the woofer.

Together with the subwoofers, the Eurosys set has a total power handling of almost 750 watts per side, which is enough to put pressure on a small club or a city festival. The factory setting of an impedance of 4 ohms, both for the subwoofer and the satellites, seems interesting here. This has the advantage that you can use the power of a connected amplifier optimally, but there is a risk of driving the amplifier down to 2 ohms in daisy chain operation. Especially the asymmetrical shape of the Eurosys 700 suggests a coupling of two satellites for lateral sound reinforcement, so you should always keep an eye on the minimum impedance of the power amplifiers.



Practice

The individual components of the set are quickly and easily assembled, provided one has the necessary strength to lift the satellites onto the distance rods. Otherwise, the entire setup is completely set up and ready to go in no time at all; it's hard to get a small P.A. up and running faster than that.

The individual components of the speaker arrangement make a very good impression in terms of workmanship, the handles fit snugly and at the optimal angle. The textured paint used doesn't leave any deep grooves or cracks, even when the components are used heavily, and thus maintains a high resistance to external influences.

The spacer bars in particular make a good impression. While many competitors often just use these components as a gimmick, Peavey has put a little more thought into this. The rods are black anodized, thus immune to the notorious flash rust and do not leave that unpleasant feeling when you handle steel or nickel tubes with bare hands. In addition, the smear of the hands is not as obvious as, for example, with nickel-plated tubes.

In practice, the combination of 18"/12" and tweeter horn has proven to be a generally capable combination for satellite/woofer operation. I personally miss with many 15" / driver satellites sometimes a midrange, which results from the inertia of the woofer. Therefore, the combination I have fits into the expected sound picture. The sound of the Eurusys system is quite neutral, which is suitable for almost all music genres. The highs and mids are surprisingly soft, and the bass range is defined. Of course, you can't expect the ultimate silkiness in the treble range or the very crisp punch in the bass in this price range, but in relation to the price, the Peavey setup is quite pleasing.

Of course, a lot depends on the crossover frequency selected at the power amplifier, especially in the bass range. Theoretically, you can also connect the individual components in parallel to a stereo power amplifier with 2 ohms impedance each, but this is not advisable from a sonic point of view. In this case, you only load the woofer of the satellite with an unnecessary bass component, which anyway falls under the management of the woofer. The better solution is undoubtedly the use of 2 stereo power amplifiers with a suitable crossover frequency, especially since the 4 Ohm operation guarantees sufficient power output.



Conclusion

The Eurosys P.A. set is a transport-friendly, effective, well-made and very reasonably priced solution for all those who want to create a simple setup without much effort. In cooperation with decent power amps and, if personally required, possibly an appropriate filter, the set manages a decent performance.

The set is suitable for bands, solo entertainers or DJs who want to start immediately without major installation work.


Additional Informations:

Peavey Electronics Corporation - A Comprehensive Company Overview
Introduction: Peavey Electronics Corporation, commonly known as Peavey, is an iconic American manufacturer of musical instruments, audio equipment, and professional sound systems. Founded by Hartley Peavey in 1965, the company has grown from humble beginnings in a small Mississippi basement to become a globally recognized brand in the music industry. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability, Peavey has consistently delivered products that cater to musicians, sound professionals, and audio enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive report delves into the history, products, contributions, and impact of Peavey in the world of music and sound.

Historical Background: Peavey Electronics Corporation was established in 1965 by Hartley Peavey, a young entrepreneur with a passion for electronics and music. The company's foundation was laid in Meridian, Mississippi, where Hartley started repairing and building audio equipment in his parents' basement. He was determined to create products that were not only exceptional in performance but also accessible to musicians of all levels. This vision became the cornerstone of Peavey's success.

2. Product Line: Peavey offers a diverse range of products that cater to various segments of the music and sound industry. Some of their key product categories include:

2.1 Musical Instruments: Peavey manufactures a wide array of musical instruments, including electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and drums. Their instruments are known for their robust build quality, great playability, and affordability, making them popular choices for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

2.2 Audio Equipment: Peavey's audio equipment division produces a vast range of amplifiers, mixers, speakers, and signal processors. Their amplifiers, in particular, have garnered a reputation for their reliability and power, making them a staple in live sound applications and recording studios.

2.3 Professional Sound Systems: Peavey is also a significant player in the professional sound system market, offering solutions for large-scale events, installations, and concert venues. Their line array systems and loudspeakers are renowned for their performance and clarity.
2.4 Specialty Products: Apart from musical instruments and audio equipment, Peavey has diversified its product offerings to include other items such as lighting systems, microphones, and specialty audio gear, further solidifying its presence in the professional audio industry.

3. Technological Innovations: Peavey's commitment to innovation has been a driving force behind its enduring success. Throughout its history, the company has introduced numerous groundbreaking technologies to the market. One notable example is the "TransTube" technology, introduced in the 1980s. This innovation allowed solid-state amplifiers to emulate the warm and rich tones of tube amplifiers, revolutionizing the guitar amp industry and earning Peavey immense praise from musicians worldwide.

4. Contributions to the Music Industry: Peavey's impact on the music industry extends beyond their products. The company has played a vital role in promoting music education and supporting aspiring musicians. They have actively sponsored various music programs, contests, and events, fostering the growth of musical talent across different genres.

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Conclusion: Peavey Electronics Corporation has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music and sound industry. From its humble beginnings in a basement to becoming a global leader, Peavey's commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability has resonated with musicians, sound professionals, and audio enthusiasts worldwide. Their diverse product line, technological advancements, and contributions to music education have cemented their position as an iconic and influential player in the world of music and sound. With a legacy of success and a dedication to progress, Peavey continues to shape the industry and inspire musicians for generations to come.