Having owned the B-52 ACT-18 for several years, I was getting tired of lifting that 110-pound monster into and out of the minivan. When the new EON series was released, I immediately purchased the newest subwoofer in that series due to the light weight (just under 60 pounds). Keep in mind that I was VERY skeptical because the previous Eon subwoofer (a 15″ model) had very poor quality bass response!
Not so with the new Eon 518s: this 18″ model had plenty of power from an internal 500 watt (RMS) amplifier. The lower bass is quite impressive, despite the small size of the cabinet. The internal amplifier’s peak power of 1000 watts is more than enough headroom — I’ve never even come close to clipping, and haven’t ever pushed the input level control past “1 o’clock.”
Not only is there plenty of “kick” from this box, but it takes up a very small footprint — the Eon 518s actually fits under a small folding table! With the Subwoofer safely tucked under the table, no longer do you have the typical problem of party guests using the Subwoofer as a drink table! (This was always the case with those B-52 ACT-18′s)
Finally, the matchup to my “older” Eon G2′s (both 15′s and 18′s) is seamless, with the internal crossover factory-set at 120 hz.
Please note that this sub does not produce the kind of output that would be conducive for a High School dance — but with TWO of them, it may just have enough bass for heavy rap or hip hop. (Since my company doesn’t do HS dances, this hasn’t been a real problem for me.)
Another issue (for me) is the back panel connections: I’ve been rather spoiled by the ACT-18 having more inputs & outputs. This sub doesn’t have an extra “full range” output for a second Eon 518s subwoofer. (You probably need an XLR “Y-adapter” cable)
Cosmetically, the exterior finish is that ABS black powder coating which is vulnerable to scratches. They now sell a Sub Transporter (Eon 518-T) that comes with its own wheeled dolly. Very nice indeed, but rather pricey at $250.
In conclusion: the JBL Eon 518s provides more than adequate bottom end, for mobile DJs that service weddings and private parties for 200 persons or less. For those companies that regularly do events which have more than 200+ guests, it is recommended that TWO of these subs are purchased.
Highly Recommended!
The JBL Eon 518S is available for $899.99 at audiolines.com.
Review by:
Matt Cohen
http://www.dj-mc.com
Popularity: 11% [?]
Comments
There are no comments for this post.
Write a Comment