The level of advancement in the acoustics the world has witnessed in the last couple of decades is truly amazing, especially in the PA (“public address”) speakers domain. With the rise of some of the best powered PA speakers of all time, sound arrangement for any event has become quite convenient.
You don’t need to check whether the amplifier is synced in with the speaker or not. Also, there is no need to carry huge racks of amplifiers and decks just for enjoying quality sound and music during an outdoor gathering. Here are the top 15 best-powered PA speakers you can choose for your music arrangements.
Alto Professional TS310
With an integrated D class amplifier and a super affordable price tag, the Alto Professional tS310 is indeed one of the best-powered PA speakers for the money available today. The flexible 10-inch woofer it comes with delivers a full sound that is guaranteed to completely satisfy your taste in music.
The built-in tweeter adds more life to the tS310’s already booming low end. The speaker also features excellent power distribution, which means you can connect two additional speakers to it for better sound coverage. The Alto Professional tS310 best budget powered PA speakers are clear proof of how great this world is becoming with regard to high-quality audio equipment.
Mackie Thump 15A
There’s no way the list of best-powered PA speakers will be complete without including the integrated two-channel mixer and 1.4’’ compression driver-based Mackie Thump 15A. This speaker is not just loud enough to cover a small backyard, but it’s also compact and portable enough so you can carry it around the park or any other outdoor area of your choice.
The best part of this PA system is that Mackie has been kind enough to integrate all necessary controls right on the top panel. The drive mode, equalization, level control, and more can be used with very little effort from your end. In addition to that, the 2-band EQ features an ultra-wide semi-parametric mid band as well as two boost selections for further customization.
QSC CP12 Powered PA Speakers
QSC CP12 has a 126 dB peak SPL, a polypropylene enclosure, and is a class D amplifier. All the features are making QSC CP12 a prominent member of the best-powered PA speakers group. The speaker is perfect for musicians looking to make an impression with their performances.
The built-in digital mixer includes a 5-band graphic EQ which ensures that you get the best out of the speaker’s superior acoustics, no matter what environment it is being used in. The Class D power plant inside QSC CP12 enables it to be quite an energy-efficient as well. If you are looking forward to rocking big spaces with ease, this best and top-rated powered PA speaker has all the abilities needed for one to accomplish just that!
QSC K8.2
Another fantastic addition to the best PA speaker is QSC K8.2. The QSC is known for its one-of-a-kind class D bi-amplifier. This 8-inch speaker provides you with impressive dynamics and offers a really wide frequency range, from 60 Hz to 20 kHz.
QSC K8.2 is a powerhouse when it comes to the sound it produces. It has a maximum SPL of 135 dB, so there’s no need for you to feel any hesitation about taking the party outside. The class D bi-amplified inside this speaker enables it to be very energy efficient as well. In fact, QSC K8.2 can operate for as long as 10 hours on just two triple-A batteries! No wonder why this one is considered as one of the best powered PA speakers ever made!
QSC KLA12
QSC KLA12 is an amplifier with a 50mm on-demand variable speed fan, 131 dB peak SPL, and a powder-coated steel grille enclosure. All the features are enough to make it win the title of the best-powered PA speaker.
QSC KLA12 is an extremely portable speaker. You can carry it around anywhere you like, thanks to its built-in top handle. Another unique feature of this model is the fact that you can link up to 10 units together using bare wire terminals on the rear panel.
The best part about QSC KLA12 powered PA system is that it’s not just loud enough for small venues, but also comes with a switchable crossover that makes it suitable for larger spaces as well. The amplifier has two output channels, each featuring XLR and 1/4'' TRS jacks which can be used simultaneously if desired. What else would anyone want?
BOSE F1 Model 812
Yes, a BOSE best-powered speaker comes with a passive cooling class D amplifier and an injection-molded polypropylene enclosure. BOSE F1 Model 812 has a maximum SPL of 119 dB, and the entire design is built in such a way that it minimizes distortion even at extreme SPL levels.
The integrated mixer's 3-band EQ offers total control over the tonality of the speaker’s output to further enhance your performance. The best part about BOSE F1 Model 812 powered PA system is that you can use it as a conventional two-way high fidelity loudspeaker or configure it vertically via an easy-to-use tool-free stand clamp for extended coverage down to 115Hz! No matter what the audience size is, this top-rated powered PA speaker will rock any stage with ease!
Electro-Voice EKX-15P
Electro is one of the very few speakers that allow you to select between three pre-sets. It comes with a bi-amplified class D amplifier and has an EVCoat enclosure. The loudspeaker has a switchable crossover, stacking capability, and is equipped with an advanced DSP platform.
The best part about the Electro-Voice EKX-15P powered PA system is that you can use it as a single 15-inch subwoofer or configure it into different combinations by adding more cabinets to create different versions of the original model. This top rated powered PA speaker provides you with impressive sound quality even at extreme SPL levels!
QSC K12.2 Power Amplifier Speakers
Being a high-powered speaker, the QSC K12.2 is genuinely one of the best-powered speakers of all time because of features like a class D passive cooling amplifier and an impact-resistant ABS enclosure. The bi-amplified speaker provides you with maximum SPL levels of 138 dB and has a built-in three-band EQ.
Another fantastic feature of QSC K12.2 is that it can be easily stacked or configured with other speakers to create an array in just minutes. The amplifier has two XLR/TRS combo jacks for flexible input configurations, along with two separate inputs on the rear panel which makes this best-powered PA system easy to expand when needed!
Electro-Voice ZLX-15BT
The Electro-Voice models are often included in the list of best-powered PA speakers, but the ZLX-15BT is, to this very day, the best one of them all. The secret of its exceptional performance lies in its 1.5’’ titanium HF driver.
The loudspeaker has a built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity that enables you to connect your devices with it easily, and an onboard mixer with DSP allows you to tune the sound exactly how you want it. If that’s not enough, then let us tell you that this top-of-the-line powered PA system also comes with a stand clamp for vertical orientation purposes!
JBL PRX825 W Powered PA Speakers
Finally, JBL is making its way into the list of best-powered PA speakers. With a 1.5’’ Neodymium Compression HF driver and class D amplifiers, the PRX825 is undoubtedly a force to recognize. It weighs almost 30 pounds and is equipped with two XLR/TRS combo jacks, making it easy to expand the PA system as well.
What makes JBL PRX825 W stand out from the other best-powered speakers of 2017 is its ability to operate in extreme conditions and provide you with pristine performance. It’s vertically oriented and offers a maximum SPL of 138 dB; also, this top of the line powered PA system comes with an ergonomically designed handle for better portability!
QSC K10.2
Another QSC is dominating its way towards the best-powered PA speakers group. With a 130 dB SPL peak at such a high-powered peak, the QSC K10.2 is indeed something exceptional.
This best-powered PA system allows you to add an additional KSub for even more power and bass. Another great feature of QSC K10.2 is that it has a front serviceable design, making its maintenance free; if that’s not enough, then let us tell you that the amplifier also provides you with protection against shorts and over-temperature!
QSC KW 153
By far one of the most expensive best-powered PA speakers you can get on the market today. But with a 1.75’’ Titanium Diaphragm Compression, the price for QSC KW 153 becomes entirely justifiable.
The speaker is equipped with two 1.75’’ Titanium tweeters and a Neodymium woofer to provide you with extremely high SPLs of up to 160dB. It has over one hundred five dB of gain, making the KW 153 the perfect companion for all your outdoor events!
QSC CP8 Powered PA Speakers
QSC CP8 is class apart as well. A polypropylene enclosure, a class D amplifier, and a 1.4’’ compression driver. All the features make sure that QSC CP8 will become something that everyone prefers.
For maximum flexibility, QSC CP8 comes with two combo XLR/TRS jacks and a separate input. Also, it has a 3-band equalizer to provide you with much-needed control over your sound!
With such exceptional features and power-packed performance, QSC CP8 surely deserves to be on this list of best-powered PA speakers!
JBL SRX835P
The most expensive JBL model is included in the list of best-powered PA speakers. A HiQnet networking software adaptable speaker that comes with an integrated tri-amplified design, the JBL SRX835P is undoubtedly perfect for its price tag.
With its compression drivers and controlled directivity, this PA system ensures that you will get the much-needed maximum SPL even when you are in crowded places. Also, its integrated rigging points allow you to adjust the installation in almost any way possible!
JBL SRX835P is without a doubt one of the best-powered speakers available in the market today; however, it still has some flaws in impedance response curves which results in the coloration of sound at low frequencies. But don’t let that stop you from trying out this amazing product!
Yamaha DBR10
Last but not least, yielding the power of the Yamaha brand name is the DBR10. A speaker with a 1’’ Throat compression HF driver supported with an integrated Bi-amplified class D amplifier setup.
Yamaha DBR10 has a powerful integrated mixer design, allowing you to plug in your microphones and instruments with little to no effort. It also comes with an LCD display that provides you with real-time information related to the status of the device!
In essence, this speaker is perfect for those looking forward to using it as a PA system for live events; however, bear in mind that it’s a heavy-weight model coming at a very high cost!