Headrush FRFR 108 vs. Yamaha DXR 10 - my impressions

I tried out the Alto 308 speaker at guitar center. In floor monitor position, it sounded slightly bassy (for me). Contour switch on back made it worse. But maybe that could be dialed down on the Kemper monitor out eq. ?

I sat a QSC CP8 next to it ($399). It had a smoother high end and not as bassy on the bottom end. At higher volume the QSC seemed to stay a clearer than the Alto. Should be for the cost difference, right? Walked out the door with the 21 lb QSC CP8.

I used it last Saturday night at BB Kings club in Memphis as a floor monitor and it worked well. ( Note: Two other guitar players were playing backline Fender Deluxes at the same time so, lots of stage voulme)

The keyboard player also uses a QSC CP 8 as a monitor too.

I own 2 DXR 10's . The mid range in the QSC CP8 is not as pushed as in the DXR. Both brands sound good but the QSC is much lighter.

The CP 8 has selectable eq applications on back as well as 2 locking- xlr/1/4" combo in's, a 1/8" in and a xlr out. Dispersion is 90 degrees too. 1,000 watts. My two cents.

Has anybody checked the DXR10 MK2 already?

Quote from Ingolf

I'll measure the loudness, Chris Duncan

Don't forget your earplugs!

Quote from TomR

Has anybody checked the DXR10 MK2 already?

A little lighter, a little louder... not worth replacing the current DXR if you already have one or two in my opinion...

https://usa.yamaha.com/product…o/speakers/dxr/index.html

Quote from Ingolf

Nope. What's the technical difference?

As far as I can see it's just (??) a different tweeter: 1,75" Neodym instead of a 1" Ferrite Speaker.

Quote from SoManyGuitars

A little lighter, a little louder... not worth replacing the current DXR if you already have one or two in my opinion...

https://usa.yamaha.com/product…o/speakers/dxr/index.html

Since I have Two DXR10s I am not thinking of replacing them. Just curious...

Quote from Ingolf

Measurement done.

I turned the 108 half way up (noon), the Kemper was on about -12 dB, and I measured 112 dB 1m away from the cab.

sound was in full glory without anything falling apart.

It's loud.

Sounds like plenty of horsepower. Thanks for doing test, very cool.

Dave has his fingers in his ears, saying LA LA LA LA LA... etc.

I don't need another cab...

Nope...

Hello Ingolf,

I have yust bought Headrush FrFr 108...And I must say everything that you sad it's true...before Headrush I was using Yamaha Dxr 10...which are very good speakers but this little monster just shine in every view...I have just one question...which is the best possible way to reduce bass on the speaker....on stack tone control or perhaps an Eq after amp...Thanks for all valuables informations.Best Regard

Quote from kitarist

I have just one question...which is the best possible way to reduce bass on the speaker.

Don't forget raising the speaker up on a stand and keeping it away from corners.

Quote from kitarist

which is the best possible way to reduce bass on the speaker.

In addition to the suggestion from Zappledan , there is an EQ in the Output section.

Thanks...I'll try that.

Ingolf Thanks for this return, I was going to make a topic to have advice for a FRFR choice and just discover this brands cause of you !

Do you think the 112 version can do the job with a 8 string that I will use also with bass profils and very bassy synth sounds (boss-SY-300) ?

Quote from Ingolf

Sorry I can’t comment on the 112 as I haven’t tested them.

Ok thanks, I thought maybe with your experience with the 108 (bass power etc) you could assume something about the 112.

I will make my FRFR thread anyway

Quote from SoManyGuitars

...I also bought the HR 108 to use upstairs - due to size, weight and no fan.

It’s good in that role.

BUT.... there is no way it can compete with the Yamaha’s 10” driver for overall sound/authenticity of the modeled cabinet and tone.. In my opinion (yes, opinion), the DXR is a far better sounding speaker with better realism, balance and ability to handle louder volumes as well.

I also found the 108’s bass response to be very “spikey”.

I like the 108 for $199, but to me, that’s all it’s worth. $199.... it’s $199 well spent, but it’s no DXR10. Not by a long shot. (That said, I can see it as a good option for a monitor speaker...)

-N

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Wow, that's not been my experience. Having gigged the DXR10, I was pleasantly surprised by the Headrush 108s. They sound better as studio monitors and as a FRFR speaker for the Kemper than my Yamahas ever did. Much flatter and fuller. I'm hugely impressed.

YMMV, of course.

Quote from Desiato

Wow, that's not been my experience. Having gigged the DXR10, I was pleasantly surprised by the Headrush 108s. They sound better as studio monitors and as a FRFR speaker for the Kemper than my Yamahas ever did. Much flatter and fuller. I'm hugely impressed.

YMMV, of course.

Yup - my mileage varied....

I’m not surprised though - I don’t see how Alto (the company’s that makes HeadRush) could make a better product than Yamaha for 1/3 the price... really, you get (roughly) what you pay for.

I would suspect you hadn’t engaged your DSP settings in the DXR correctly, or had placed the speakers in locations (on floor, against wall) that exaggerated certain frequencies.

Very glad you love your HR 108’s but they certainly aren’t flatter and fuller that the Yamaha DXRs..... Are they a great value? Yes, but they are what they are... Alto (economy) speakers with a different logo.

Again - just my opinion... that’s all. And I do own both, use both.