Punchy power at an unusual price. Over this period, and as we’ve discussed in the magazine in previous issues, column systems have flourished remarkably. So has compact, portable PA that’s handy “for any occasion, big or small.” I suppose the economic difficulties of these years forced all of us to get by with versatile solutions that are easy to set up and transport. EK Audio, step right up and take a look.
Rigs that would cover the type of event that has been happening all this time (the great majority, anyway). And if medium and small systems can also be linked together, the number of situations we can cover is even greater, depending on the power and coverage we need in each case.
Well, it seems EK Audio has embraced these philosophies by developing a product line that includes, among other things, column systems, powered cabinets for stand mounting with wheels and a carrying handle, self-contained battery-powered systems for events without mains power, wireless microphones, and small amplification systems.
On the Test Bench
We received, opened, handled, and listened to three of these units: the LA 1025 column system, the LA 1234 column system, and a pair of EK Audio M04PA12PB powered speakers. You can find more information at www.ispmusica.com (PA section).
EK Audio LA 1025
This is a column system made up of a powerful subwoofer and two satellites in a vertical column format. We’re talking about a rig capable of delivering a maximum power of 1,200 W, with three input channels, weighing 48 kg. In short, it’s punchy and will let us cover a wide range of events thanks to its solid low-end output and power. Unboxing and setup
The system came well packed and has a modern look. The subwoofer, for its part, has a compartment inside that lets us store the two satellites disassembled. That means that when transporting it, we only have to move one wheeled unit.
The satellite mounting system is convenient. Take the satellite out of the sub’s inner compartment, click it onto the subwoofer, and repeat the same operation with satellite number two. As for configurations, we can mount the two satellites in a vertical line on top of the sub, or put each satellite on a stand (not included), extending the coverage and widening the stereo image.
The rear panel offers 3 channels with independent volume. Combo XLR / ¼" TRS jack connectors and a mini-jack for connecting phones, iPods, etc. We can also control the balance and the volume of the satellites and the sub independently. It also has a switch to tell the system whether we’ll be working in vertical column mode or with separate satellites. The Speakon cables for connecting the satellites are included.
Conclusions on Sound and Price
A great many compact, portable proposals have passed through our hands, both in satellite format (stand + sub) and in vertical format. Just last issue we surveyed several options such as the JBL One, LD Systems models like the Maui or the CUV 500 series, FBT’s Vertus, the Swiss offering from Audio Performance, and of course the powerful Bose F1 Model 812.
It’s inevitable to think in comparative terms. You will, too, when deciding which system best fits your needs. As for the EK Audio LA 1025, we can say it has decent finishes, it’s well thought out for transport, it has real “multi-event” power, three channels, two possible configurations, and it offers (via the Out/Thru) the possibility of daisy-chaining to other systems (we hooked it up, among others, to its little brother, the EK Audio 1234).
We have to start by underlining its price: 1,165 €. For rigs of more than 1,200 W, we usually see prices of 2,000 € and up. In my opinion, the final price is usually a reflection of the balance the manufacturer has decided to strike in its product. To cut prices substantially, small sacrifices usually have to be made in the quality of the finishes, the precision and finesse of the sound, the design, the components, and so on. Though if the manufacturer is brilliant, this quality/price trade-off can lead a system to sales leadership even if it isn’t the best, simply because it offers a perfectly balanced value for money.
We also have to consider that there is tremendous competition in this type of system right now. The EK Audio brand itself has a younger sibling (the LA 1234) that competes fiercely with the slightly smaller systems on the market.
To wrap up, since I’m running out of space (though I could make long comparisons), I have to say that the LA 1025’s sound quality is suited to speech events, instrument amplification and small bands, weddings, dance parties, celebrations, and venues that need some real muscle. The finish is very decent, its design is well thought out, and it offers versatility by being mountable vertically or in satellite mode on stands. A pliable sound that can be shaped by properly mixing the sub’s contribution against the satellites and vice versa. 1,200 W on wheels at a truly “feisty” price. If you’re thinking of buying a new system of this type and your budget is tight, you should listen to the quality it offers and seriously consider it among your alternatives.
SPECIFICATIONS
RMS 600 W. Max. 1,200 W
Powered subwoofer 400/800 W
Satellites 200/400 W
Three channels
Inputs: XLR/Combo Jack, Mini Jack, and RCA
XLR outputs
Sub: 2 x 10"
Satellites: 12 x 2.75"
Wheels included
Speakon-to-jack cables included
Satellite covers included
Approximate price: 1,165 €
Distributor: Enrique Keller, S.A.
