I received my new Maui 5 powered PA speaker yesterday. I put about three solid hours on it and here are my initial impressions. All of my testing (so far) has been with Genos EQ set to flat.
First, I'm really glad I ordered it!
After trying several powered speakers, including the Genos 2.1 system, two different pairs of expensive studio monitors (Yamaha and Focal), and the $5,000 Bose F1 system, I believe this is the first time I've truly heard what my Genos is supposed to sound like. I feel like I'm finally hearing the Genos I heard in all those early demos that made me want one in the first place. It's inspiring.
The Bose F1 certainly sounds awesome with the Genos, but I've only experienced using it in larger venues, which is a different animal than playing at home, at a house concert, or an intimate venue like a coffee shop, that's where I've always felt things were lacking, at least for my style of playing, which requires tight, punchy bass, warm midrange, and clear, non-piercing highs.
Those are all kind of technical terms, but what it really comes down to for me is the feeling when you really dig into the keyboard. When I'm playing piano and grab an octave in the lower register with gusto, I want to feel it in my gut, big and round. Same with the drums. Feel and groove are really important to me, and so far, the Maul is delivering.
The first thing I tried was piping my phone in via Bluetooth. The bass was there but I wasn't impressed. It didn't seem to produce the proper solid low end like I've heard a thousand times in small, unimpressive subs. However, when I hooked up the Genos it was a different story. Nice!
The only negative I've noticed so far is the midrange can be harsh and screechy at times, like with brass sections and strings. I'm sure a little EQ tweaking will take care of that. I'll let you know.
While it's possible my opinion might change over the next couple of weeks, it sure doesn't seem that way so far.
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Let me share a quick point of interest regarding my purchase.
There was nowhere for me to see or hear this speaker. I only became aware of it thanks to wonderful users here on the forum.
Due to this fact, it was important for me to know the policy of the dealer I was going to purchase it from.
"What if I get it and hate it? What's your return policy?"
I'm used to dealing with Sweetwater where they'll take back anything I don't like immediately, no charge. They send a return label and I'm done. Sometimes they send UPS or FedEx to me and pick it up! I've been used to their service for more than two decades. Unfortunately, Sweetwater doesn't carry the Maui 5.
It was recommended I try Audio Works CT. Their policy was I pay the return shipping PLUS a 10% restocking fee. No thanks.
Then I tried Guitar Center. The Maul 5 is on their website but it's not stocked in the store. In response to my question the salesman literally said, "They're yours." Really?! Okay, not ordering from you.
Due to a freak accident, I found that you can buy LD Systems on Amazon all day long! And at the lowest price, and it's on Prime (free two-day shipping), with an option for an affordable extended warranty, and I can return it if I don't like it. DING! DING! DING!
I ordered my Maui 5 in about 3 minutes and it showed up two days later. Awesome!
Dang it, why did Amazon have to be the best music store for me in this instance? I would have preferred to support a dedicated store...oh well.
If you're considering the Maul 5 and want to ask some specific questions I'd be happy to get on a Skype call and help you however I can.