I ended up buying a pair of LD Systems ICOA SUB18A for home HiFi use to supplement the low end of my Quad ESL 2912 electrostatic loudspeakers, they're absolutely spectacular, very musical, precise fast transient response, they're pressurising my living room effortlessly, providing the low frequencies without hesitation in such way it's hard to explain with words. If anyone has any idea how difficult is to implement subwoofers with electrostatic loudspeakers due to the nature of the ESL loudspeakers being extremely transparent and transient in their frequency response, these LD Systems ICOA SUB18A are the perfect choice. Why? Their large cone surface area excursion is hardly moving back and forth to produce the desired dB outcome even at it's lowest frequency response for my needs. Yes, they're professional audio subwoofers, but that doesn't mean they can't find their way into a high end home HiFi 2-channel system. satisfaction guaranteed and highly recommended. They're just mind blowing. Don't believe me? Get them auditioned and see for yourself.
I love when DJ´s go down a different path than the usual Pioneer controller, EV´s or the hyped RCF´s. Looking forward to see more about your experiences with the new DENON gear and the LD´s 👍 Btw I saw your last video why not weld some stands for your LED-bars? I know your a DIY-guy 👍 When it comes to "DJ DIY´ing" this channel and Lavish Life DJ are TOP !!!
@@stingertv9759 I didn´t write "wrong" anywhere ! I just think it´s refreshing seeing something else. I don´t believe in "one-size-fits-all", a Bunn Command booth+DDJ-1000 we´ve seen 1000x before, but Travis´ diy booth+Denon, LoStaxx DIY booth with RANE or Travis Neys booth with Rane/Pioneer personalized booths that stand out. And btw we probably all get better controllers the harder the competition is between fx RANE, DENON and Pioneer, or speakers Evolve 50 vs RCF Evox vs LD Maui. Do you see DENON and LD Systems as "UN-TESTED" gear ?
Rcf isn’t hyped it’s facts it’s a top brand I’ve owned the Icoa and bunch Rcf stuff both good speakers for the money the Icoa is great but lacks the spl needed for some events a sub is needed and at high volume it’ll get harsh if you want high spl reliability and clean clear sound Rcf is it even rcf lower line
Well for the price the ICOA 18 sub is doing a damn good job. And an ICOA 18 sub that goes down to 29Hz (-10dB) cost around $950, a RCF 705-AS II $1250. I do not disagree that for high spl 18inch JBL SRX, EV ETX, RCF 8000series etc is a better choice, BUT then we talk 2 or 2½ x ICOA 18 price. DJ Solstice did a giglog 2-3weeks ago with 2 x 10" RCF tops and 1 x ICOA 18 sub, nice small setup for wedding and better sound than 2 Evolve50 or EvoxJ8..... IMO. But taste is different, some like High SPL others a little less SPL and a lower Freq. Its the little RCF TT808 dual 8" subwoofer I think is "hyped" from some wedding DJ´s, then the RCF 705/905 15inch sub is a better choise, if you want something lighter and smaller than 18" subs.
Hi there. Just purchased a pair of Icoa 15a speakers. I also use a single LD 18a stinger sub which is 800w rms. 35hz. Got it last year for 806GBP. The stinger sub is insane! Great content BTW. Keep it up 😊
agree. the ICOA 18 sub definitely kills the QSC KS118 sub. Had both, was very disappointed with the QSC sub when it came to modern music with low frequencies around 50Hz and below. the ICOA handles modern music lows much better
@iwillnevergetone5 what about the weight. How heavy/ cumbersome are these compared to the qsc equivalent? I thought that's why qsc kw181 was so popular. They fit in a mobile DJs car and still sound good.
Qsc k12.2 in Italy costs about 900€ while the icoa 12a costs less than 400€. and they are SUPERIOR. That really tells a lot about what Americans define as “good quality” Just sayin…
First, I am truly appreciative of your channel and the content!! You're very good at what you do. I am glad to finally see some good reviews on this line. Would you consider comparing this sub to the Alto TS 318S. It is a few hundred bucks less and spec for spec is a bit better. I am biased as I have been team Alto for years. Soooooo many compliments on my sound. So what is your experience with the Alto products?
Unfortunately my experience with Alto has not been a good one. I never run my gear into the red and I had to replace the woofers in some alto speakers in the past because I blew them up and not even sure how I did it. I didn't even have them a year. Once I replaced the woofers, I sold the speakers and got ZLX's from EV. Now, I'm very loyal to LD Systems.
@@djtravismcguire I gotcha! I’m interested in switching over to the column style system and am very interested in this LD line. Im not into rubbing with the fad/big names. I need quality and portability and style.
@@djtravismcguire Alto had that design flaw where the volume knob peaks at 12 O’clock, then goes into Line input. So many people blew their speakers not knowing why. I think that’s why they have such a bad reputation. I’ve had a set of 112TS that I still use to this day. Just picked up the ICOA 18 Sub to do a Gymnasium Prom. I came here Looking for tips on how to break it in. Great Video!
Cheers really appreciate the detailed review been trying get a real world review on the ld systems icoa range its one thing to test them in the store n to use them at a event
8:33 Power consumption it's not 1800w, or 3600w for the QSC, 1000w for the JBL :))) You measure the voltage (220V in Europe) X Amps which is 1.7A for the QSC K118 = 374 watts power consumption @ peak/max volume. An RCF 912a has 300W power consumption at max volume.
Thanks brother, Does the total system sound better then our LD 44G's? I've been looking at these but still love the look and sound of our 44G's. I also brought those lights you have, Still new in the box hopefully I'll find time this summer to break them out with over 150 weddings booked.
But how does it actually sound? Speed, pitch definition, freedom from boom, one note bass and cabinet resonance? This is the kind of stuff that separates good subs from the mediocre ones. It's not just about how loud or how low.
Question on the back of the subwoofer the digital display were the number 1- 2 is when the bass hits its a line going up to another line is that the limit an have you ever push them that hard?
I basically felt the same way to my harbinger speakers, the two v2312s and one pair of the v4112, so I highly recommend keeping my Harbinger speakers and get two pairs of LD 12 inch speakers 🔊 🔊 🔊 🔊 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Good video of how these 18” Icoa speakers work with other brands, and they look good too, it would be interesting how does these compare with blastking 18” sub, it’s in the same price range
Ive got a B52 Matrix 2000 that im thinking of upgrading 18" sub and 2x 10" satellites ..The B52 is such a beast . Not sure if im going backwards swaping for LD 2x15" powered tops and 1x18" Sub..
His Travis i gave my two QSC k12.2 to my youngest he normally runs parties for 100 poeple max i thought about getting him one QSC KS118 but @ $2.,000 i wonder if one LD ICOA 18A could do the job for him.
Hi, Nice video and great. selection of songs. I have been hearing a lot about the brand and the quality per price. I think I'm going to get by summer. Thanks again for the insight. One question, those light you had on your sub pole. I like them. Where could I find them so I can add to my gears.
They are the Laluce-Natz 3in1 100 Wash bar. Big bang for your buck. Here is the link. Wash Light Bar LaluceNatz 40 100W 12 LED 3 In 1 RGB Stage Light Bar Aluminum alloy Beam Lights Sound Activated Up Light DMX Controlled for Halloween Christmas Wedding Church Party DJ Stage Lighting a.co/d/e7NoxNh
I love Ld and it is lighter and cheaper but at 2400 watts seems less powerful than the Qsc K118 Granted the Qsc is double on price but I’m not sure it’s better
Wattage doesn't equal sound output. If you look at the stats I provided, the QSC is the most powerful, but on paper it is the worst performing out of all four comparisons, including the ICOA's. All that power to only get down to 41hz. Ouch! Where is all that power going if is not going to the low end.
@@djtravismcguire I get it , I have a couple Ld products , I can’t dispute the price but sound test is the key k118 in that range delivers the most Pop I’ve heard , be curious to see the Lds in action
@@djtravismcguire I do like the fact that besides the price they are lighter .. those K118’s I have require a weight belt in most cases lol .. at least they aren’t my Yorkvilles lol
Yeah, and will probably blow after a month of use. Alto are some of the worst quality speakers on the market. There are guys in my market that had to replace woofers in the Alto speakers after their second use.
My experience so far with LD Systems as a whole is that their stuff holds up better than some of the more popular brands. For example, I'm still transporting my Maui 44 G2 subs without covers for a whole year, not even a scratch.
They're a no gimmicks company set to challenge the competition with their spectacular performance and low price. Good stuff doesn't have to be expensive.
You absolutely have no clue what frequency response is. icoa 18a: -3db: n/d!!! -10db: 29hz up to n/d! jbl srx 818sp: -3 dB: 35 Hz - 120 Hz -10 db: 29 Hz - 150 Hz QCS KS118: -6 dB (not 3!): 41 Hz - 98 Hz -10 db: 35 Hz - 111 Hz EV ETX-18SP: -3 dB: 33 Hz - 150 Hz -10 db: 28 Hz - 180 Hz So from what we have here icoa 18a goes as low at -10db as srx 818sp and etx-18sp. That means nothing. Why? Couse the paper will take everyting. This numers mean nothing if you do not have any data about mesuring methods. Max spl means also nothing without any data about mesuring methods. And even RMS power means nothing. Also you should know that -10db at frequency respones is relatve so when one sub is louder from the other it will produce more for example 29hz even if both have the same frequency response (but ofc they will not have). There is so much stuff going on behind this that i don have time to explain. From the demo I can hear and measure that you had no low end at this gig (50hz is at -10db and everything below is not present). So if you listen to that video you have response down to 50hz at -10db and you are talking about 29 buahahhahaha You can compare 5:25 with ua-cam.com/video/wnJ6LuUFpMo/v-deo.htmlsi=n5bCvwzHbb1WHnnQ&t=35 mi gente have pretty flat swipes betwin 38hz and 70hz It sounds like you don't have subs at all, at least on the video but that can mean nothing couse i don't now anything or I know almost nothing about this room acoustic, speaker placement, crossover, mic placement and mic response. Most possible you placed the camera mic at the power valley that you made by splitting the subs or this subs are actually shitty as hell. Nothing perchance
Thank you for laying it down... I wonder how people just say these things and make other manufacturers look like they don't know what they are doing. There are many things going on into getting proper and adequate sound. Some people prefer higher SPL vs lower frequencies. Additionally, what dB are does frequencies playing at etc. There are just too many variables. In my opinion people need to listen to these speakers by themselves before pulling any trigger and be wary of some of these opinions without listening to them first.
I ended up buying a pair of LD Systems ICOA SUB18A for home HiFi use to supplement the low end of my Quad ESL 2912 electrostatic loudspeakers, they're absolutely spectacular, very musical, precise fast transient response, they're pressurising my living room effortlessly, providing the low frequencies without hesitation in such way it's hard to explain with words. If anyone has any idea how difficult is to implement subwoofers with electrostatic loudspeakers due to the nature of the ESL loudspeakers being extremely transparent and transient in their frequency response, these LD Systems ICOA SUB18A are the perfect choice. Why? Their large cone surface area excursion is hardly moving back and forth to produce the desired dB outcome even at it's lowest frequency response for my needs. Yes, they're professional audio subwoofers, but that doesn't mean they can't find their way into a high end home HiFi 2-channel system. satisfaction guaranteed and highly recommended. They're just mind blowing. Don't believe me? Get them auditioned and see for yourself.
I love when DJ´s go down a different path than the usual Pioneer controller, EV´s or the hyped RCF´s. Looking forward to see more about your experiences with the new DENON gear and the LD´s 👍 Btw I saw your last video why not weld some stands for your LED-bars? I know your a DIY-guy 👍 When it comes to "DJ DIY´ing" this channel and Lavish Life DJ are TOP !!!
I hear you. You couldn't pay me to use pioneer gear. Pimps of the industry.
Whats wrong with using tried and tested gear?
@@stingertv9759 I didn´t write "wrong" anywhere ! I just think it´s refreshing seeing something else. I don´t believe in "one-size-fits-all", a Bunn Command booth+DDJ-1000 we´ve seen 1000x before, but Travis´ diy booth+Denon, LoStaxx DIY booth with RANE or Travis Neys booth with Rane/Pioneer personalized booths that stand out. And btw we probably all get better controllers the harder the competition is between fx RANE, DENON and Pioneer, or speakers Evolve 50 vs RCF Evox vs LD Maui.
Do you see DENON and LD Systems as "UN-TESTED" gear ?
Rcf isn’t hyped it’s facts it’s a top brand I’ve owned the Icoa and bunch Rcf stuff both good speakers for the money the Icoa is great but lacks the spl needed for some events a sub is needed and at high volume it’ll get harsh if you want high spl reliability and clean clear sound Rcf is it even rcf lower line
Well for the price the ICOA 18 sub is doing a damn good job. And an ICOA 18 sub that goes down to 29Hz (-10dB) cost around $950, a RCF 705-AS II $1250. I do not disagree that for high spl 18inch JBL SRX, EV ETX, RCF 8000series etc is a better choice, BUT then we talk 2 or 2½ x ICOA 18 price. DJ Solstice did a giglog 2-3weeks ago with 2 x 10" RCF tops and 1 x ICOA 18 sub, nice small setup for wedding and better sound than 2 Evolve50 or EvoxJ8..... IMO. But taste is different, some like High SPL others a little less SPL and a lower Freq.
Its the little RCF TT808 dual 8" subwoofer I think is "hyped" from some wedding DJ´s, then the RCF 705/905 15inch sub is a better choise, if you want something lighter and smaller than 18" subs.
Damn I love these speakers so much!!! The Icoa series are very heavy but they sound so buttery smooth!! You rocked the hell out of that wedding!!
Hi there. Just purchased a pair of Icoa 15a speakers. I also use a single LD 18a stinger sub which is 800w rms. 35hz. Got it last year for 806GBP. The stinger sub is insane! Great content BTW. Keep it up 😊
Hello, Would you say that two Icoa 15 A speakers and two Stinger 18 A G3 is a good set-up?
Have you heard the Icoa 18 sub and if so, how does it compare to the stinger sub? I have the Icoa 18 but looking to sell them and get the Sting 18.
Yes the 18 stinger is good but I tried the 15 and limit light comes on quickly.
That mixing was 🔥🔥
I ended up buying 4 of the 18” subs & 4 15” tops these speakers are the QSC killers
agree. the ICOA 18 sub definitely kills the QSC KS118 sub. Had both, was very disappointed with the QSC sub when it came to modern music with low frequencies around 50Hz and below. the ICOA handles modern music lows much better
@@iwillnevergetone5Good to know. 👍🏾
@iwillnevergetone5 what about the weight. How heavy/ cumbersome are these compared to the qsc equivalent? I thought that's why qsc kw181 was so popular. They fit in a mobile DJs car and still sound good.
@@j03franks they are heavy I’m not going to lie & they don’t have wheels… but man do they bump
Qsc k12.2 in Italy costs about 900€ while the icoa 12a costs less than 400€. and they are SUPERIOR.
That really tells a lot about what Americans define as “good quality”
Just sayin…
First, I am truly appreciative of your channel and the content!! You're very good at what you do. I am glad to finally see some good reviews on this line. Would you consider comparing this sub to the Alto TS 318S. It is a few hundred bucks less and spec for spec is a bit better. I am biased as I have been team Alto for years. Soooooo many compliments on my sound. So what is your experience with the Alto products?
Unfortunately my experience with Alto has not been a good one. I never run my gear into the red and I had to replace the woofers in some alto speakers in the past because I blew them up and not even sure how I did it. I didn't even have them a year. Once I replaced the woofers, I sold the speakers and got ZLX's from EV. Now, I'm very loyal to LD Systems.
@@djtravismcguire I gotcha! I’m interested in switching over to the column style system and am very interested in this LD line. Im not into rubbing with the fad/big names. I need quality and portability and style.
@@djtravismcguire Alto had that design flaw where the volume knob peaks at 12 O’clock, then goes into Line input. So many people blew their speakers not knowing why. I think that’s why they have such a bad reputation. I’ve had a set of 112TS that I still use to this day. Just picked up the ICOA 18 Sub to do a Gymnasium Prom. I came here Looking for tips on how to break it in. Great Video!
Cheers really appreciate the detailed review been trying get a real world review on the ld systems icoa range its one thing to test them in the store n to use them at a event
8:33 Power consumption it's not 1800w, or 3600w for the QSC, 1000w for the JBL :))) You measure the voltage (220V in Europe) X Amps which is 1.7A for the QSC K118 = 374 watts power consumption @ peak/max volume. An RCF 912a has 300W power consumption at max volume.
Thanks brother, Does the total system sound better then our LD 44G's? I've been looking at these but still love the look and sound of our 44G's. I also brought those lights you have, Still new in the box hopefully I'll find time this summer to break them out with over 150 weddings booked.
I notice yorkville doesn’t get mentioned in hardly any speaker review videos.
ok great now can you do a review of the 15” version.
But how does it actually sound? Speed, pitch definition, freedom from boom, one note bass and cabinet resonance? This is the kind of stuff that separates good subs from the mediocre ones. It's not just about how loud or how low.
Can u feel the subs on your chest when using 2? (Or maybe already 1 ) ?
Question on the back of the subwoofer the digital display were the number 1- 2 is when the bass hits its a line going up to another line is that the limit an have you ever push them that hard?
Hands in the air ymca word play 😮
I basically felt the same way to my harbinger speakers, the two v2312s and one pair of the v4112, so I highly recommend keeping my Harbinger speakers and get two pairs of LD 12 inch speakers 🔊 🔊 🔊 🔊 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Good video of how these 18” Icoa speakers work with other brands, and they look good too, it would be interesting how does these compare with blastking 18” sub, it’s in the same price range
Ive got a B52 Matrix 2000 that im thinking of upgrading 18" sub and 2x 10" satellites ..The B52 is such a beast . Not sure if im going backwards swaping for LD 2x15" powered tops and 1x18" Sub..
Hi, I loved the video. Could you tell me what the lights are at the set up your using cheers
LUV🙌 those LED strips on the speaker tripods ypu got.. where do you buy them at PLEASE🙏🙏🙏 INFO....
Nice mix 👍🏾
His Travis i gave my two QSC k12.2 to my youngest he normally runs parties for 100 poeple max i thought about getting him one QSC KS118 but @ $2.,000 i wonder if one LD ICOA 18A could do the job for him.
Wat are the lights your using on sub pole those are dope
Those are the Laluce Natz 3in1 100W Bar Light. I'll furnish a link.
a.co/d/cj5iDzn
Nice bro!!
Do you have your subs on a different output are daisy chained
Mixer to sub, sub to top. Daisy chained.
Last question I just received 18sub what is your sub settings on for best results
@@jahvin4951 I have my crossover set at 100hz, +3db on the gain.
Did the tops do fine one person said the start clipping
The Spec says: Frequency response: (-10dB) 29Hz Preset depending..
Did you have issues with your tops overheating i had everything flat 0 db an i check the temp it was at 100 degrees 😳 wasn't on long at all
I personally haven't experienced any overheating of any kind.
I want to buy some of there All white speakers too just wish LD made a White Sub to go with there white speakers
I definitely agree.
18 just seems for me I am just restarting my Dj career after decades and I am thin I just start with the 15abt for tops
Hi, Nice video and great. selection of songs. I have been hearing a lot about the brand and the quality per price. I think I'm going to get by summer. Thanks again for the insight. One question, those light you had on your sub pole. I like them. Where could I find them so I can add to my gears.
They are the Laluce-Natz 3in1 100 Wash bar. Big bang for your buck. Here is the link.
Wash Light Bar LaluceNatz 40 100W 12 LED 3 In 1 RGB Stage Light Bar Aluminum alloy Beam Lights Sound Activated Up Light DMX Controlled for Halloween Christmas Wedding Church Party DJ Stage Lighting a.co/d/e7NoxNh
Hi, I am thinking about buying from this brand... How does it compare to HK and Electrovoice? Thanks for your help!
what is that lights on speaker stand called? can you share me details on that led lights?
I love Ld and it is lighter and cheaper but at 2400 watts seems less powerful than the Qsc K118 Granted the Qsc is double on price but I’m not sure it’s better
Wattage doesn't equal sound output. If you look at the stats I provided, the QSC is the most powerful, but on paper it is the worst performing out of all four comparisons, including the ICOA's. All that power to only get down to 41hz. Ouch! Where is all that power going if is not going to the low end.
@@djtravismcguire I get it , I have a couple Ld products , I can’t dispute the price but sound test is the key k118 in that range delivers the most Pop I’ve heard , be curious to see the Lds in action
@@djtravismcguire I do like the fact that besides the price they are lighter .. those K118’s I have require a weight belt in most cases lol .. at least they aren’t my Yorkvilles lol
The new alto ts18s $699 137slp does 29hz‼️
Yeah, and will probably blow after a month of use. Alto are some of the worst quality speakers on the market. There are guys in my market that had to replace woofers in the Alto speakers after their second use.
What tops are you using with these cabs?
The ICOA 15A BT
Are they better then the Mackie thump series 18 " subwoofers
Yes, without question. I have a pair of the Mackie 18"s
Hello how are you? I wanted to ask you where I can buy the rear osrte wheels for the ld Systems icoa 18a subwoofers...?? thank you.
Have you tried Harbor Freight hardware?...
Can it fit inside a midsize car backseat, I’m totally blind I’m a blind, DJ
If anyone installed casters, please share the link. Thanks!
It is not the sub, it came from the lights you attached to the sub and the tops. The connection is not stable. I love those Jmaz though.
But: the icoa sub is massiv. You nearly cant Transport it in a regular car anymore
They have smaller ones
I just don’t understand how they got the price that low, makes me worried about the long term durability. Corners had to have been cut somewhere(?)
My experience so far with LD Systems as a whole is that their stuff holds up better than some of the more popular brands. For example, I'm still transporting my Maui 44 G2 subs without covers for a whole year, not even a scratch.
They're a no gimmicks company set to challenge the competition with their spectacular performance and low price. Good stuff doesn't have to be expensive.
Excellent quality build but too heavy for some independent musicians.
You can get two for under 2k
You just need a better mic bro and problem solved i ve seen a lot of videos with 4 subs etc and i didnt heard this type of distorsion in the video
ur intro sounds like abc mouse
Haha, does it? I'll have to check it out.
one word .... audiocenter ea5118
im too much of a weak ass to lift 18s lol
Bro you got them 808s now you’re fine :)
You absolutely have no clue what frequency response is.
icoa 18a:
-3db: n/d!!!
-10db: 29hz up to n/d!
jbl srx 818sp:
-3 dB: 35 Hz - 120 Hz
-10 db: 29 Hz - 150 Hz
QCS KS118:
-6 dB (not 3!): 41 Hz - 98 Hz
-10 db: 35 Hz - 111 Hz
EV ETX-18SP:
-3 dB: 33 Hz - 150 Hz
-10 db: 28 Hz - 180 Hz
So from what we have here
icoa 18a goes as low at -10db as srx 818sp and etx-18sp.
That means nothing.
Why? Couse the paper will take everyting.
This numers mean nothing if you do not have any data about mesuring methods.
Max spl means also nothing without any data about mesuring methods.
And even RMS power means nothing.
Also you should know that -10db at frequency respones is relatve so when one sub is louder from the other it will produce more for example 29hz even if both have the same frequency response (but ofc they will not have).
There is so much stuff going on behind this that i don have time to explain.
From the demo I can hear and measure that you had no low end at this gig (50hz is at -10db and everything below is not present). So if you listen to that video you have response down to 50hz at -10db and you are talking about 29 buahahhahaha
You can compare 5:25 with ua-cam.com/video/wnJ6LuUFpMo/v-deo.htmlsi=n5bCvwzHbb1WHnnQ&t=35
mi gente have pretty flat swipes betwin 38hz and 70hz
It sounds like you don't have subs at all, at least on the video but that can mean nothing couse i don't now anything or I know almost nothing about this room acoustic, speaker placement, crossover, mic placement and mic response. Most possible you placed the camera mic at the power valley that you made by splitting the subs or this subs are actually shitty as hell.
Nothing perchance
I was thinking the same thing, it's misleading to use the icoa -10db response then give the -3 db response for the others.
Thank you for laying it down... I wonder how people just say these things and make other manufacturers look like they don't know what they are doing. There are many things going on into getting proper and adequate sound. Some people prefer higher SPL vs lower frequencies. Additionally, what dB are does frequencies playing at etc. There are just too many variables. In my opinion people need to listen to these speakers by themselves before pulling any trigger and be wary of some of these opinions without listening to them first.
ik zie geen 300 gasten hooguit max 70 subs hoor ik bijna niet??