Transcript
Kam ZP15 Speakers & KBA15 Amplifier For this review I'll be checking out a complete sound system made up from Kam's new ZP series speakers and a KBA amplifier. As both the speakers and amp are available separately, I'll start by looking at each component individually and then move on to considering the combined system. The ZP series is a range of six passive speaker cabinets, of varying sizes, aimed primarily at the budget end of the DJ PA market. For this review I'll be looking at a pair of the ZP15s, which are full range cabinets each combining a 15" woofer with a
piezo tweeter. If you're looking for something smaller, the series also includes ZP8, ZP10 and ZP12 models, which are similar speakers, based around 8", 10" and 12" woofers respectively. On the other hand, if you're looking for something bigger, the ZP215 is a full range cabinet featuring a piezo tweeter together with a pair of 15" woofers. The final unit in the ZP series is the ZP15 Sub, a dedicated sub-bass cabinet with a 15" driver and inbuilt passive crossover. When I first picked up the ZP15 speakers, in their full colour printed cardboard packaging, I was actually pleasantly surprised by their weight. Don't get me wrong, at 17Kg they aren't exactly as light as feathers but, for wooden cabinet full range speakers of this size, that's pretty good. The ZP15s have a nice and smart appearance, which is becoming more and more important for business-minded mobile DJs. They are finished in black felt with a black metal grille to protect the speaker cone and reinforced corners also (you guessed it) in black.
ZP15 Speakers - SSP £109.95 ZBA15 Amplifier - SSP £249.95
69 Pro Mobile LEDJ Stage Wash U.V
Kam ZP15 Speakers & KBA15 Amplifier Pro Mobile 69
www.kam.co.uk
Reviewed By John Fisher
On the bottom of the cabinets there are large rubber feet to grip the floor and provide a sturdy base. Alternatively, the units are also fitted with 'top hat' mount sockets so that they can be lifted up onto stands or poles. The ZP15 cabinets are also fitted with a pair of recessed carry handles, one at either side, which help with lifting the speakers onto stands as well as moving them around.
For the KBA range of amps Kam have gone for a very straightforward casing design, which, considering that amplifiers are 'behind the scenes' pieces of gear, makes a lot of sense. The case takes the form of a 2U rack mountable unit with carry handles fitted to the front plate. It has a solid metal construction, finished with black powder coating and white text labelling the controls and connections.
Connections are provided on a recessed panel at the rear of the speaker cabinets in the form of 1/4" jack input and output sockets. My only compliant regarding the ZP15s is the lack of speakon connections, although I guess it is important to remember that these are, after all, budget units.
These connections are provided on the back panel in the form of two 1/4" jack plug input sockets and two speakon output sockets - simple, but effective. Note the speakon sockets on the amp designed for use with the ZP15 speakers, which I think legitimises my earlier compliant regarding the lack of speakon connectors on the ZP15s.
The ZP15 speakers are rated at 200 watts RMS at 8 Ohms and, considering their price, offer a good standard of sound quality with both depth and clarity. They are ideal for anyone who is just starting out as a mobile DJ or for an established jock looking for a backup system, second rig, or a budget-conscious replacement for existing full range speakers. It doesn't matter how good your speakers are if you don't have a decent amp to drive them, so now it's time to turn to the KBA15 amplifer. Like the KP15s, the KBA15 is one of a range of four stereo amps, the others being the KBA8, KBA10 and KBA12. It doesn't take a technical genius to understand the thinking behind these names; each amp is suitable for powering a pair of the similarly titled speakers. The KBA15 has a rating of 250 watts RMS at 8 Ohms (380 watts at 4 Ohms) per channel, making it ideally suited for the ZP15s. As the amp is rated a little higher than the speakers, there's a bit of headroom, however there isn't so much excess that your speakers are likely to be damaged if a drunken punter manages to get to the controls and try to "turn it up to 11"!
The front panel features an equally basic, but adequate, set of controls and status LEDs. There is a mains power switch, together with separate rotary level controls for each channel. Separate 'signal' and 'clip' LEDs are also provided for each channel as well as general 'power' and 'protect' indicators. The amp's protection circuit engages if a short circuit is detected or if the unit overheats, although a cooling fan is provided to help prevent that from happening. Overall, the KBA15 is a simple 'no frills' power amp that does what it needs to do without any 'bells or whistles' to push up its price. I've used it for a couple of gigs and found it to provide plenty of power and I haven't experienced any problems. Combined together, a pair of ZP15s and a KBA15 make a good functional PA system that provides adequate power and quality for most mobile DJ requirements in pubs and small function rooms. If necessary, the addition of a pair of ZP15 Subs and a further KBA15 amp would provide a significant PA system suitable for larger venues.
70 Pro Mobile Kam ZP15 Speakers & KBA15 Amplifier
