portable system for solo or duet acoustic performance?

[funsongs]

Hi, gigging folks.
I'm aware of the Bose L1 compacts... reviews about them are quite mixed; some love 'em, some don't.
So: interested to hear of some good-quality options... hopefully a bit less expensive, and possibly even available at Amazon pricing/shipping.
Also: possibilities of battery-opt in the event no AC outlets are available for outdoor use.
(ed. small venue stuff)

In advance; thanks much.
Cheers.
Peter

[elser]

I used those on a gig a few weeks ago. It was kind of a rock duo with sequences. I thought they were great. Definitely full range, and that was without the subs. The top end was nice and clear. I was impressed. FWIW.

[Russell Landwehr]

Sorry, Peter, when I saw the subject of your post, Bose was the first thing that came to mind. I've never used them, but I've heard them in several settings with several different styles... They would be my only choice.

Russell

[funsongs]

Sorry, Peter, when I saw the subject of your post, Bose was the first thing that came to mind. I've never used them, but I've heard them in several settings with several different styles... They would be my only choice.
Russell

Guys... thanks for the replies.
I own a Bose home stereo system... 200 watts version purchased back in late '96 or so.
In a house with wood floors, cranking that thing was always fun... and hooked up to the TV (before the era of surround sound) watching DVD movies and concerts worked great.
Compared with working the sound board at venues with full, professional PA gear, I did notice that the Bose seemed its weakest part was the midrange. Highs and bass were clean and thumping... but the middle was missing... on some recordings, quite noticeably.

I'm NOT opposed to the L1. Heard a 5-piece Bluegrass band use one... each had their own.
Seems to work great with acoustic instruments like that. It was outdoors, and clear and clean.

When I read reviews... they got a lot of bad press... too expensive and 'hollow' at that price, for 'serious musicians'.

Sorry for my holiday ramblin'... just seems there might be some more reasonably priced competition from some of the other manufacturers. But, so far: sounds like "Bose knows" when it comes to this particular piece of portable gear.

Thanks again.
Peter

[eeoo]

I've used this with good success for paired down "acoustic" duo and trio gigs.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SA220

eo

[funsongs]

I've used this with good success for paired down "acoustic" duo and trio gigs.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SA220
eo

Ethan:
Checked out a few of the You Tube reviews;
at least it trumps the Bose by having on-board reverb, and appears to not need
"optional" add-ons, that are important to the sound, the way the L1 does.
Good tip, thanks.

[mojobone]

For the money, this is easy to use and hard to beat: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb12/articles/maui.htm

[funsongs]

For the money, this is easy to use and hard to beat: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb12/articles/maui.htm

thanks, Mo.
I think this is the gear I saw a solo performer using... looked similar to the Bose, but the bass box
looks like the SOS Maui 28; which is the same price-point as the Fishman SA220 - around a grand.
Now to find a comparison You Tube of those, possibly. I kinda like that the latter has the controls up high and easily accessible; plus the reverb thing.
Cheers.
Peter

[mojobone]

If you're not running with bass/kick drum or otherwise just don't need a subwoofer, the Fishman's probably the best deal.