Difference between QSC K8.2 and K10.2

[uro-frank]

Hi there,

I am thinking a lot about amplification of my Nordstage 2 EX 88 at home. Until now I am not so glad with a pair of dB Flexsys FM 12. I am not shure, if I am the problem (and not able to use the right EQ-ing and effects) or if the speakers are the problem. I always are searching for the great sounds, like the examples at the Nordstage-homepage, that sound like original Wurlitzer or Fender Rhodes pianos, so brilliant and harmonic. I have no problems with Grandpianos or Organs. Only the E-pianos drive me crazy.

So i was stumbling over the QSC K series. They promise to sound very good, as I did read often. Could you confirm that and if yes, what should I take, K8.2 oder K10.2? As I said, I want to get a more origin brilliant Fender and Wurlitzer Sound. With the dB Flexsys FM 12 I very often feel like there would be a wet towel over the sound, so someway dull and undifferentiated.

Does anybody have experience with QSC K series for the Nordstage E-Piano sounds. I would like to have them at home for creating a "reference sound", so that I can EQ and modulate the sounds to my taste with the Nordstage on board possibilites as true to the original as possible, store this at the Nordstage and then try to get it similar on stage with other PA-systems/monitors using the mixer-EQ there. I think, it is very important to store a nearly perfect soundconfiguration at the Nordstage first and than to get this again on stage with the EQ of the mixer. I don't want to change my Nordstage presets on stage. Or should I do this with good headphones directly out of the Nordstage (I have the beyerdynamic DT-880 Edition 250 Ohm)?

Thanks for your opinions!

[Schorsch]

I always use decent headphones for this purpose, works much better for me at home than speakers and is also much more cost efficient

I am using an Audio Technica ATH-M50X at the rehearsal room and an AKG K-812 as well as a Beyerdynamic DT-770M at home. The AKG has by far the best sound quality but is also quite expensive, the ATH-M50X has the best price/quality ratio and the DT770M is best in eliminating all kinds of outside noise. I think your DT-880 will do a good job as well

[TonBeljon]

I use two QSC K10 (First version) for my Nords. Electric piano’s sounds Great in my opinion.

[TonBeljon]

I also use the QSC K10 first version. However, I've moved from a pair to a single K10 monitor for live performance. I still run stereo into the mixer and feed both signals into one monitor send for the single K10. I tried the K8 but did not find the sound to be as full. The bottom end seemed a bit thin. Luckily, I always buy used and I was able to sell the K8 without a loss. The pair of K10's is the best sound I've had, but playing live it was not worth the extra weight to carry a pair of them.

[uro-frank]

Does anybody hear the versions K10.2 an K8.2 with the nordstage e-pianos, so the newer ones?

Yesterday I again tested all sounds with my headphones direct out of the Nordstage and mixed it up with the onboard possibilites of the Nordstage. The sound is a little bit quiet, depending on the Ohm of the headphone and programmed volumes, which are o.k. for the mixer gain. After this I heard the same thru the Yamaha MGU 12 XU, my small "at home mixer" into the same headphones. Was fine also and no great differences, but much louder, so the Yamaha seems to do not falsify a lot, when leaving the 3-band-EQ in neutral. After this I heard it thru the dB Flexsys FM 12 monitors and there was a bigger difference. I tested some different DSP-presets and at least used the "normal" DSP-1 and put some treble in and a little bit less mid an bass to the channel (or perhaps the preset 5 = female monitor, which has similar equing). In this way it's o.k., but not outstanding. I think for pure monitoring on stage, the Flexsys 12 is o.k., but not for maximal sound pleasure.

I would also be interested, if the difference between K8.2 and K10.2 is so big, that it is worth to invest about 140€ more for a pair (for at home I would like to have a pair, for monitoring on stage one could be enough really, and I have already the Flexsys for this purpose).

I tried to borrow a QSC K10.2 from all equipment rental in the surroundings, but nobody has one , and I am not the guy who buys, tests it and send it back as B-ware then, only because it ist possible in online-shopping. I hate this! So I would be glad to decide it, before I buy it.

[JohnT]

I am using a pair of QSC K8.2s for live sound, absolutely full and rich (placement helps). Also use Sennheiser HD 650 cans when I need to be quiet.
With both I get great tones.

[uro-frank]

So you mean, you need a correct placement of the K8.2 for best sound. Do you use it as floor-wedge or on a stand? I fear a little bit, that the 8'' woofer is a little bit "weak on the breast" for the more fat organ and Grandpiano sounds, or do you feel happy enough with it?

[JayDee]

I've had the V.1 QSC 10's, but the K8.2 get very good reviews. Chuck on here has a very elaborate stage amplification system and somewhat of a forum amplification 'guru' (sorry Chuck), having tried many different popular speaker systems. He speaks highly of the k8.2 in your price range and performance specifications.

[JohnT]

So you mean, you need a correct placement of the K8.2 for best sound. Do you use it as floor-wedge or on a stand? I fear a little bit, that the 8'' woofer is a little bit "weak on the breast" for the more fat organ and Grandpiano sounds, or do you feel happy enough with it?

I too was leery about the 8s, but QSC has proven me wrong! As far as placement, you need a little distance to let the lows develop. Don't have them two feet from your head. I place mine on stands 8-10 feet apart, at least 6 feet away and woofer height about the top of my head. The dispersion is phenomenal, the sound FILLS the room. You WON'T be disappointed, there is plenty of bottom.

I also have a pair of 10s, they are a slight bit deeper with some B3 sounds (lowest notes with 16' drawbar maxed), but they are a bit more directional. I use those for FOH vocals or floor wedge monitors.

[Rusty Mike]

Unless you need substantial bass, the K8.2 speakers will suit you just fine.

I had owned the original K10s and K8s and found the 8's much more accurate for keys. The 10's were just slightly tubby by comparison, although they still sounded great. I play through a pair of 8.2's now and they have all the range I need. I've even done some left hand bass for a few big band rehearsals using a single K8.2 speaker.