F1 812 (no sub) or L1 M2 w/ B2

Portable PA
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I know this is an odd (apples to oranges) comparison, but I'm a long time (since the PAS days) L1 user. Love the system, love the portability. Haven't upgraded to the new B2s yet (still running quad B1s) and now the whole F1 family has come into the picture.

I understand it's more traditional and not a full array unlike the L1 family, but is the 812 full range? Can it work without the sub? And more importantly, is it as loud on its own (no sub) as an L1 M2 with 1 B2? I know the price is totally off, but I'm considering the F1 without the sub, it's heavy and large enough as it is, which is why I'm hesitant. But if it's louder than my L1s upgraded to the B2s, then I might consider getting it instead of upgrading to B2s.

Portability is a priority but if the sonic advantage of an F1 over an L1B2 combo is greater, then it's worth it.

This is more for open air venues.

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Hi John!

Great to see you again.

JohnL posted:

I know this is an odd (apples to oranges) comparison, but I'm a long time (since the PAS days) L1 user. Love the system, love the portability. Haven't upgraded to the new B2s yet (still running quad B1s) and now the whole F1 family has come into the picture.

I understand it's more traditional and not a full array unlike the L1 family, but is the 812 full range?

The F1 Model 812 goes right down to 52 Hz (- 3dB)

Can it work without the sub?

Sure.

And more importantly, is it as loud on its own (no sub) as an L1 M2 with 1 B2?

There's loud, and then there's loud, and it depends on where you are when you try and answer that question.

Your L1® has got really wide horizontal dispersion (around 180 degrees). The F1 Model 812 is 100 degrees. We're talking about the mid-high frequencies.

The F1 Model 812 is louder than an L1® if you are standing right in front of it.  Farther away, the L1® will catch up. That's because the L1® volume drops off more slowly over distance than the F1 Model 812.

The F1 Model 812 can offer more coverage if you need to reach people above and below the unit. The L1®'s vertical dispersion is very tight.

And it depends on the mix. The L1 with a B2 has more bass in the sense that the B2 goes down to 40 Hz.



I know the price is totally off, but I'm considering the F1 without the sub, it's  and large enough as it is, which is why I'm hesitant. But if it's louder than my L1s upgraded to the B2s, then I might consider getting it instead of upgrading to B2s.

I really think you should get one and try it out. The return policy is the same as the L1®s (45 days if you order direct from Bose*). Try it out and compare them head to head.



Portability is a priority but if the sonic advantage of an F1 over an L1B2 combo is greater, then it's worth it.

A single F1 Model 812 is pretty easy to manage at about 45 pounds. You do have to get it up on a stand though. So you want to bear that in mind. A B2 is only 5 pounds lighter and similar in size.


This is more for open air venues.

If you're trying to reach a wide audience at a distance, you might do well to stick with your L1®. If you want higher volume close to the stage an F1 Model 812 will do that.

Here are some notes for you.  F1 Model 812

Please follow the link for all the technical details and documentation.

Does that help?

ST





* .. from Bose

Satisfaction is guaranteed on all Bose® products purchased by consumers directly from Bose. We want you to be thrilled, so if you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply return it within the 30-day* trial period for a full refund.
*45 days for L1® systems.
-- Source: Returning an Order Bose Returns

If you are looking to purchase a system through an authorized Bose dealer, please consult with them regarding their return policy

3

Hi ST! Yes I've been MIA for quite a while. Thank you for your reply. As always, your responses do answer a lot  questions. The reason for the odd scenario is that the price of 2 B2s is the same as one F1 top. I currently don't have a regular need for the power of the F1. The versatility of the L1s have been such an asset these past 10 years I'm now reluctant to switch back to a tripod speaker. So for the price of the F1 sub, I'd rather have another L1M2B2 set, or upgrade my quad B1s to a single B2 (I've heard it isn't quite a loud as 4, but it would take up half the space)

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Hi John,



JohnL posted:

Hi ST! Yes I've been MIA for quite a while.

Seriously, I've wondered how you were doing.

Thank you for your reply. As always, your responses do answer a lot  questions. The reason for the odd scenario is that the price of 2 B2s is the same as one F1 top.

The F1 Model 812 would allow you to provide a different experience: more up and down and less horizontal dispersion than you have with the L1®, and that sound is more in-your-face.

I currently don't have a regular need for the power of the F1. The versatility of the L1s have been such an asset these past 10 years I'm now reluctant to switch back to a tripod speaker. So for the price of the F1 sub, I'd rather have another L1M2B2 set, or upgrade my quad B1s to a single B2 (I've heard it isn't quite a loud as 4, but it would take up half the space)

The B2 sounds great, especially for prerecorded music. If you're looking for more bass in less space, that's the way to go.

If you're thinking of getting another L1®, consider getting a Model II with a B2.  When you need to service a large area you can use two L1®s. If you don't need a lot of bass you can use a single B1 on both L1®s.

There's a great promotion on right now. Check it out.

Cheers,

ST

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ST posted:

Hi John,


Seriously, I've wondered how you were doing.

I actually emigrated. I was based in the Philippines, now I've moved to the US. Moved the business here as well. Slowly upgrading the system. Been eyeing the B2s and F1s since they were launched but the space constraints and the weight penalty have been keeping me on B1s. Although 2 sets of F1s w/ subs take up as much weight and room as 8 B1s, 8 B1s are much easier to carry and load. So my upgrade paths I'm considering would either be: 1) Ditch all B1s (and A1s), replace with B2s. or 2) Keep 1 B1 for every L1M2 ditch the excess B1s. Augment with one single F1 sub center stage (since you mentioned a single F1 top may not be quite what I'm looking for)

There's a great promotion on right now. Check it out.

Cheers,

ST

That's actually why I revisited upgrading.

 

Thanks,

John

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Hi John,

Thanks for the update. Please remind me; how many L1®s do you have? What kinds of shows are you doing?

Thanks,
ST

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Closing this discussion - consolidating in this parallel conversation.