Would you consider buying this sort of item?

[carmenaw]

My husband has rcently become a marriage celebrant and need a small portable PA system to use at weddings. To buy them retail in stores is upward of $800. I have found some on ebay for around $200 and am wondering if it is worth trying one of them out? I would obviously use paypal so if ther were any problems I would have some protection, but just wondering if you all think if it is worth the risk?

[*new2vintage]

I would be suspicious of something that's only a quarter of the retail price. If you buy a $200.00 PA system and need to return it keep in mind you'll need to pay for postage which may be expensive.

[fred_fred_2004]

It would be a tax deduction any way so I'd buy the more expensive unit and anticpate a longer life and better support

[putney32]

if I was paying your hubby to be my marriage celebrant and he turned up with some tinny elcheapo PA system (prob. meant for kids to play with at school). I'd be very upset, as would my wedding guests.

if he wants to make a career / parttime career of this he needs the correct equipment, which as pointed out is a tax deduction and deprecationable anyway

[carmenaw]

Not overly concerned about returns as they are based in Sydney (no drop shipping) so not far from me but good point.

[carmenaw]

Of course, great point, just don't have a lot of money to outlay right now given he has just paid for registration etc. but in the long run think it might well be better to get a quality system.

[carmenaw]

The systems we are looking at are the exact same ones he uses now (he borrows the protable system from work), I am not sure what you are thinking of but it is something like this unit - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/310373549994?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[cq_tech]

If that thing puts out 60WRMS of audio power, I'll run around the block naked. 🙂

Also, being of cheap Chinese manufacture, I'll almost guarantee that the internal shielding is totally inadequate and the amplifier will be subject to appalling distortion and feedback at high output levels through its 5W speaker.

This is clearly not an item which should be purchased sight unseen, and should be physically checked for fitness for purpose before you outlay any money on it (just my subjective opinion as an electronics tech with over 40 years experience).

[patchoo78]

I agree with CQ. Go and buy one where you can see it and perhaps even get a demonstration of sound quality

[*new2vintage]

Fortunately CQ will not become cold during his run...... 😄