Samson XP200 Expedition 2-Way Powered PA Speaker

Feature:
You have to understand that this is not the 300 series.It does not have a mixer.but it is not supposed to.And the price reflects this.It does have two separate amps a crossover a volume knob and xlr mic. type input and outputs.power meter battery meter. great wheels and a retractable handle,The battery feature is great.It makes up for the short handle.more on that next.I did take away two points for it not having a phone jack small or large for an input.

Quality:
They are very well built.NO rattles what so ever feels very solid but not to heavy.Even the grill is very sturdy and seems like it would take a lot to push it in.there does not seem to be any cheaply made parts in the construction like loose volume potentiometers or crappy meters.I have a cover but rarely use it.It still looks great after a year of lugging it around.

Value:
The reason for the ten is quite simple.It does everything I wanted and it stands alone.There are a couple other active monitors out there like Carvin and Pyle but they don't even come close to volume or sound quality period.And As far as the fender system It is a little different of a system so I am not using it as a comparison.actually I've never heard it anyway.

Desirability:
I have pretty much covered everything about it other than looks.I have to say it looks good too.It really fits in anywhere.far cry from a carpeted plywood box. Don't be afraid of buying these used.the limiter feature will keep them from clipping and there is no difference in volume when it is used so there is a very good chance that the previous owner always used this feature as recommended by Samson in the instruction manual.

Sound:
I have to say that these sound great.I use them from everything from playing mp3's out by the pool.As a monitor for my drums from my bass player we also scoot one with us with the battery to power my daughters music for her ty kwan do xma competitions at colleges that are very large and loud and it works great I always have other parents asking what it is and where to get one.I just use an xlr male to 1/8 trs plugs right into various mp3 players.as far as loud my neighbor came over from six acres away to see what it was that he could here with his windows shut.I turn it and the mp3 players all the way up with the limiter button on and it works perfectly.barley hits the red meter light like it should. great highs and the bass is a lot better than expected.

Ease of Use:
By use I am also rating the wheels and handle because they are there.The wheels work great and they are tight.I read somewhere that the wheels would vibrate on the but I think that was an older model (xp20)and they certainly don't rattle on my xp200's. The problem is not that the wheels are in the wrong place they are located perfectly.The problem is that the handle is to short when pulled out. So have a short person tote it.My other gripe is the lack of input jacks that would have cheap enough for Samson to install,(They are on the 300 series).So you have to make or find xlr plugs for compact audio such as an mp3 or compact disc player.Or even a lager type jack for an instrument which I was very surprised was not present.

Support:
No long waits on hold very friendly.I only called to ask if they offered a xlr to trs cable and never got a direct answer. If you plan to use this as I do.Search for part number hosxvmy that's the one you want. it is a male xlr with a 1/8 trs jack and it is balanced meaning both channels converted to mono if only using one speaker.

Overall:
The only thing I would change is the length of the handle,Add 1/8 and 1/4 inch input jacks.Not really much to complain about for the price.Is it the loudest? No,Is it the best sounding? Probably not. But it is loud and it sounds great and it is inexpensive for what it is.If these were to disappear I would defiantly replace them. bottom line.If you need DC powered active speakers You have found them!!!

Feature:
While the spaker offers casters and an extentable handle, the ballance of the speaker does not lend it's self to rolling around on the casters

Quality:
Well made. Solid consturction. Takes road handling just fine

Value:
Good value. Good sound, low cost, good power. I bought one to use as a stage monitor, and got a second one to expand a smaller KJ/DJ system for use in smaller venues

Sound:
Good sounding. I use them as stage monitors with my larger system, and as main speakers in my smaller more portable system. Light weight, relativelly small, a good value.

Support:
Haven't had and experience with service