Peavey Escort Complete Portable Sound System

Feature:
I compare this to similar products in this field by Fender, Yamaha, and Kustom. This is the best. None of the others offer much in the way of EQ in this price range. All the Fender Passport offers in this price range is a glorified tone control--not true EQ. Although Yamaha offers two-band EQ per channel, it does not offer any master EQ. In addition, the Peavey is much easier to transport that the Passport 250. I should know because I owned a Passport 250 for three years before trading it for the Peavey Escort. The wheels on the Escort make moving it from den to car to gig and back much easier on the back and shoulders. The speaker stands, while not the sturdiest, have been adequate. The Pvi microphone which comes standard, easily sounds better than the P-51 microphones Fender provides with its Passport systems. I upgraded to the PVi2 microphones which really brings out the sound.

Quality:
I've used Peavey products for over thirty years--my first sound reinforcement system was a small Peavey. Their products have a well-earned reputation for being built for road use and this does not disappoint. The quality of the case is top-notch. Once I dropped it while moving it from the house to my vehicle on the way to a gig. I had visions of having to replace it--but when I set it up and plugged it in--it was, as my pilot friends say, "three in the green." For further proof of its quality--I've had it for seven years now and it's still providing great performance.

Value:
This is definitely worth the price compared to comparable units from other manufacturers.

Desirability:
While I would not say this has sex appeal, I would say this is the definite solution for an acoustic soloist, duo, or trio who need a portable sound system available when a smaller venue might not have one.

Sound:
When this unit was first released in the market seven years ago (when I bought mine) it was announced that it was designed for acoustic musicians who had to provide their own rigs for small venues such as coffeehouses, small clubs, small churches. With that announced intention for the product, Peavey delivered everything it promised. I've used mine in churches for revivals, small coffeehouse gigs, and musical programs at a local nursing home.

Ease of Use:
This is easy to set up and take apart for transport. While the manual provided is helpful, operation is very intuitive. Peavey's proprietary Feedback Locator System makes it easy to tweak the EQ to eliminate any feedback.

Support:
While I've never had to use warranty service on this unit. I only had one occasion to use warranty service on the Peavey I owned in college. It was more of a cosmetic issue (the plastic logo on one of the speakers broke off), but when I called Peavey to see about ordering a replacement and offered to pay for it (the warranty had expired), Peavey's service dept just laughed, told me to save my money for college and shipped me one for free.

Overall:
When this unit gives out, I will definitely be looking at purchasing another.

Feature:
Feedback Limiting System, PVi mike, and all-in-one suitcase, interlocking package! .

Quality:
Excellent, rugged construction and ease of transport with the two rollerblade type of wheels.

Value:
For the money this PA is one of the best in it's class. Definately beats the Fender Passport 150's. Now, if Peavey only made and 250 watt system...

Desirability:
Would like to see the PA "head" be more easily removed, it's held down with several screws into the plastic case. I would also like to see the speaker stands go a few more inches higher, they are about 4.5 feet high. They are the right height for a seated audience and if you were on a stage, would be high enough for a standing one. The mic and speaker cables could be 5 more feet longer as well, just a hair short. Still over all will work in most settings.

Sound:
Clear highs and impressive low ends. FLS is some of the best features that Peavey has put into most of their systems.

Support:
Never had to deal with them... products always worked good as long as I've owned them.

Overall:
Problably for a few years. This PA is going to (and already has been) used for a monthy meeting that has live music and speakers. I will also use this for rehearsals with a small 3 piece band.