EV Eliminator speakers from 2001: deal or no deal?

[bachatero]

A certain surplus store near me recently got in this huge selection of early 2000s PA speaker equipment including a mixer, rackmount EQs and power conditioners, amplifiers, and of course, the speakers. I'm also looking for a solution to replace a single cheapo PA speaker in my long running gym audio setup, hopefully one also cheap. There are two of these EV Eliminators from around 2001, according to their spec sheet which I've included here for your viewing pleasure. Their FR doesn't look too shabby for something from 2001. However, given that we're now in 2024, that's been 23 years of use so it could be different now. Would these be a good idea (speakers + amp) for a large warehouse space or is there a better value with 2024 technology?

Note: There is a variant with two woofers and I forgot which one they had so I've included the spec sheet for that one too.

 

[DWPress]

Looking over the specs they seem pretty good IF they are a good fit for your space, maybe describe your gym or show us some pics. The directivity on these is good unless you're going for a more diffused sound and, to me, a gym tends to be a reverberant space. Comparing the price you can get these at with compatible modern speakers that would be appropriate for your space might help. And of course - listen to them first to check for any damage in the past 23 years!

 

[bachatero]

Comparing the price you can get these at with compatible modern speakers that would be appropriate for your space might help.

Ok! I went back and found the prices:
- Eliminator (regular version): $100
- Eliminator Subwoofer: $150
- Crown CE2000 amp (2ch): $200

I could get away with just one amp for two speakers ($400 total), and add a subwoofer ($350 more), or go all out with one amp per speaker and two subs ($200 + $800 + $300 = $1300). As far as modern options go, I can't find any good 2-speaker setups that would be $400 total, and $350 for a single subwoofer is a compelling deal. Assuming they all work and sound fine, should I jump on this screaming deal?

 

[kemmler3D]

looks like a pretty good deal to me, maybe they will even cut you a deal for multiple pieces... for a secondary loud system I don't see why not.

 

[Devnull]

I would probably go 2 speakers, 2 amps, 2 subwoofers. Use the money from not buying 4 amps to pick up some DSP to dial everything in.

 

[bachatero]

I would probably go 2 speakers, 2 amps, 2 subwoofers. Use the money from not buying 4 amps to pick up some DSP to dial everything in.

Looks like if I get the subs, DSP is definitely needed because their FR is textbook "one note" with a single peak at 80Hz:

 

[Ruhled]

Your room will likely eq that for you a bit so it may be better or worse.

 

[kemmler3D]

Looks like if I get the subs, DSP is definitely needed because their FR is textbook "one note" with a single peak at 80Hz:
View attachment 388831

Ouch, personally I would keep looking but maybe you have some faith in the EQ...

 

[JohnnyAudio]

A certain surplus store near me recently got in this huge selection of early 2000s PA speaker equipment including a mixer, rackmount EQs and power conditioners, amplifiers, and of course, the speakers. I'm also looking for a solution to replace a single cheapo PA speaker in my long running gym audio setup, hopefully one also cheap. There are two of these EV Eliminators from around 2001, according to their spec sheet which I've included here for your viewing pleasure. Their FR doesn't look too shabby for something from 2001. However, given that we're now in 2024, that's been 23 years of use so it could be different now. Would these be a good idea (speakers + amp) for a large warehouse space or is there a better value with 2024 technology?

Note: There is a variant with two woofers and I forgot which one they had so I've included the spec sheet for that one too.

No way, they're junk. I had a set, my ears still are in pain.

 

[bachatero]

No way, they're junk. I had a set, my ears still are in pain.

Too late, but what they're replacing is even worse, so it's not all bad!

Before: a lone speaker on a stand (with a very V shaped FR)
After: a stereo pair of 3-way towers (that sound much flatter than the alternative)

To be fair, these are a far cry from hi-fi, but for the price and situation, there's no comparison.