Time for new speakers, huh? I can hear the questions now: "What should I get?" "How much am I gonna have to spend?" "Should I get subs, too?" (To me, that's a stupid question!) Well, relax, people. I'll give you some choices and direction as you prepare to shop for loudspeakers.

From my years as a Pro Audio Sales manager for Sam Ash Music in New York City, I have heard all the questions before. I know it's a big endeavor, but let's face it. It's time to replace those nasty sounding wooden boxes you call speakers. Just for the record, subwoofers are absolutely required. I mean, be serious; if you are DJing at the local home for the elderly, do you need subs? Probably not, but for all you other jocks I urge you to consider purchasing subs. Nothing sounds like the combination of a sub and a clean, loud top box. So, for what it's worth, I'm gonna give you some choices and options in shopping for speakers. Whether you are that DJ spinning at the rest home or throwing crazy raves, there is a system out there for you.

One of the main questions I always asked my clients before setting them up with gear was: "What do you want the equipment to do?" Of course, the most important part of shopping for DJ equipment is having a realistic understanding of what you're trying to accomplish. "Do you want to rock a block party?" "Are your gigs for over 50 people?" "What type of music are you spinning?" Once you figure out what you want from your rig, the choices become much clearer. Remember: There are usually 12-inch and 15-inch versions of the units I will talk about. As for subs, I like an 18-inch sub or usually a double 15-inch if possible. For the big daddies out there, we'll look at a few double-18 bad boys.

Even if you are just getting into DJing as a paying gig, you'll want your gear to sound great. One of the most economical and good sounding systems is the Club Series from Buena Park, Cal.-based Yamaha (www.yamaha.com). It's been a popular line of speakers and subs for years. The S115IV, a 15-inch, 250-watter with a two-inch horn, is packed inside a sturdy cabinet. It's not too heavy and, if you add the SW118IV sub, which is an 18-inch, 250-watt woofer, the package is hard to beat for the money.

The Waveform Series is another kicking system from Yamaha. A couple units you might want to check out include the WF215SB double-15 sub whopper, the WF115 15-inch two-way speaker and the WF115 15-inch, two-way speaker.

Another system that is affordable, yet sonically sound comes from Meridian, Miss.-based Peavey (www.peavey.com). The company's popular SP Series includes the SP5G, a trapezoidal-shaped box with a 15-inch, 250-watt woofer that handles a nice punch and yet has the brilliance of a clean, high-end speaker. It's not light, but that only means it's built to last. By adding the Subcompact 18 to the top, you form the basis for an energy-packed, fat sound that won't break the bank.

Spain's D.A.S. is a newer player in the DJ audio market. Distributed by Lyme, Conn.-based Sennheiser, D.A.S. has targeted its PF Series for mobile jocks. The series includes the Sub 15 300-watt-RMS subwoofer, the PF 215 (500-watt, double-15 speaker) and the PF 115 (300-watt, single-15). (DJs looking for a good powered unit might look into the company's 150-watt DS-15 Active Power speaker.)

Other companies worth looking out for include Barrington, Ill.-based Bag End (www.bagend.com), which makes the whopping ELF (Extended Low Frequency) subs and the tight TA-2000 trap system. San Diego-based Carvin (www.carvin.com) offers the TR1801 800-watt, 18-inch trap sub, the SW1802 double-18 sub, plus a large array of top boxes. Niagara Falls, N.Y.-based Yorkville Sound (www.yorkville.com) offers a wide variety of tops to go with its 300-watt PS18 sub and the Y118 PW Performance Series sub. Denmark-based Martin Professional (www.martin.dk), distributed in the States by Hollywood, Fla.-based Martin USA and best known for its dazzling lighting, offer its MACH Series of subs and tops. The line includes the TX12 and TX 15 tops (12-inch and 15-inch, respectively) and the TXS15 and TXS18 subwoofers (15-inch and 18-inch, respectively).

England's Celestion (www.celestion.com), distributed here by Farmiingdale, N.Y.-based Group One, offers its 400-watt Substation and the durable Road Deries

Beginner systems are offered from Carteret, NJ-based Gemini Sound
Products (www.geminidj.com), N. Kingstown, R.I.-based Numark Industries (www.numark.com), Phoenix, Ariz.-based MTX (www.mtxaudio.com), Bronx, N.Y.-based Gem Sound,
Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Lineartech (www.glipro.com), Los Angeles-based American DJ (www.americandj.com) and numerous others.

Moving onto other systems, it's always been my opinion that Chester, Pa.-based Community (www.community.chester.-pa.us.com) had one of the best-sounding units for the money. The CSX-40S2 _ a double 15-inch subwoofer, 250-watt cabinet with a pole outfitted to it _ makes sweet music with either the CSX-35S2 (15-inch) or CSX25S2 (12-inch) top. Also check out some of Community's XLT Series. They have any combination you'll want _ power, punch and pop.

It's impossible to discuss subs and speakers without talking about Northridge, Cal.-based JBL Professional (www.jblpro.com). The EON Series comes in powered versions and unpowered units and in both 10- and 15- inch configurations. It can handle 125 and 250 watts respectively. The Eon PowerSub is a fat-sounding 15-inch, 400-watt fatty that can definitely kick. I also like the TR-225 tower, a double 15-inch woofer that can handle 400 watts easily.

Now that JBL's MR Series has been changed and upgraded a bit, check out the MR-925 with the MR-918 sub. Though not a pole-mounted system, the boxes easily stack on top of each other. I'll talk more about some of JBL's bigger units as I get to the top-of-the-line gear.

Now I'm off to Buchanan, Mich.-based Electro-Voice (www.electrovoice.com), which offers the affordable, high-quality S-Series. Both the S-12 and S-15 boxes are capable of handling 250-watts and both are two-way systems available in 12- and 15-inch configurations, respectively. The S-18 sub goes down low for those sub-sonic frequencies, handling anything to 35Hz, while kicking live with 300 watts. Designed specifically for mobile sound applications, E-V's Eliminator top/sub combo features 300-watt power from the top, 400-watt power from the sub, a built-in crossover and the company's Ring-Mode Decoupling technology, which allows for cleaner sound.

E-V's System 2000 is another interesting possibility. Long a popular choice among DJs who needed a good sounding system that was small and compact, the SX-300 and SX-500 two-way loudspeak ers and SB180 Sub make a great combo. If you are into plastic boxes, these are the ones for you. Make sure you check the SX-500 _ as they say, size does matter.

The units I am about to talk about naturally stretch the sound barrier, along with your wallet. Though not cheap, you'll find unmatched sound with most of these boxes. Since we were just talking about Electro-Voice, you need to understand just how impressive the E-V T180 high-power sub is. This is a killer box. Throw on the T351 for a top and you can't match its punch for the price. The T351 is a 15-inch, three-way system that is unusually warm for a three-way. [Some three-way boxes are kind of squeaky in the midrange, since it has an additional speaker to handle the mids, instead of the usual combo between the woofer and the horn.]

Off to Simi Valley, Cal., where Cerwin Vega (www.cerwinvega.com) has long been a major player in the sub cabinet world. Though they no longer make the classic L-36 sub, they have improved and changed it into a newer cabinet called the T-36/750. It's a strong, 750-watt cabinet with a single 18-inch woofer that pumps some serious bass. Combine the sub with the T-250 full range and you have a butter combo. A three-way, 450-watt screamer, the T-250 and T-36 sub make for an impressive sonic display. That sub is their top-of-the-line thumper, but Cerwin-Vega makes other subs that rock including the SL-36, as well as other full rangers like the V-Series and ProStax Series. I had always liked the 802 Platinum System from Framingham, Mass.-based Bose (www.bose.com). With a series of tiny speakers enclosed in a study, pole-mounted cabinet, the 802 top, along with the 502BP sub and the "system controller," you can't go wrong. It can handle the deepest 808 kick to the cleanest, pristine sound of jazz. FYI: The system controller is nothing to be afraid of. It's really only a "smart EQ." It gives a boost/cut to frequencies that makes the system sound better. It also acts as a crossover. The tops are small and lightweight, though the sub seemingly weighs a ton. It's amazing how a 12-inch sub kicks bass like that. Check it for yourself. Back to JBL: The SR-Series features a wide variety of boxes. All of the woofers in the line are sure to handle 600 watts. One of the most ass-kicking rigs you can put together is the SR-4732 and the SR-4719 sub. The 4732 box is a double 12-inch that stands about four-feet tall. It's got a sweet sounding, vibrant punch that sounds unbelievable when you add the double 18-inch, 4719 sub. It's not easy to move, but these huge speakers will never disappoint. There is even more bass and low-mid available if you get into the SR 4733, which is a double 15-inch box. Perfect for a DJ who has a big van (or a small bus) and wants to impress his whole town, the SR Series of speakers is a sure winner.

Whitinsville, Mass.-based Eastern Acoustic Works (www.eaw.com) is, in my opinion, practically the best system a DJ could have. It's not real mobile for an urban jock because the units, no matter the size, are of some serious poundage. You could imagine that this will set you back some serious dough, but it's for the serious DJ who won't skimp on quality. A dream system would have to consist of an EAW LA-325 full range box and the LA-128 double sub. These boxes are rated somewhere around 600 watts per woofer, but I've seen them take more, no problem. The sub is thick and sounds as if the kick drum is in your face no matter where in the room you are. The LA-325 is a three-way box with two 15-inch woofers, two seven-inch mids and two two-inch high frequency drivers. You can't imagine what this sounds like until you hear it.

Visit your local music retailer for a demo on any of these or other systems. There are some other things to consider when purchasing a speaker system. Make sure you are familiar with the inputs (1/4, Neutrik, banana, XLR) on your speakers. For heaven's sake, buy some new speaker cables when you buy speakers. There's nothing worse than seeing a DJ with a cool rig and crappy wires that crackle and hum. Inspect the amplifier you are using and make sure your cables and connectors are right. Try and avoid putting two 25-foot speaker cables together with a connector just because you have one. Buy the proper amount of footing. I always told my clients not to skimp on connectors, cables and cases. You are dropping some major loot on your equipment. Try not to save a few bucks on the accessories. If you are thinking about bi-amping, a crossover or "system processor/controller" is vital.

So that's about it. Hopefully, I have given you a head start on shopping. Remember that the best system is the one that meets your needs and keeps you from becoming homeless. Try researching the purchases you make at your local retail stores, on the net, or through industry catalogs. There's no such thing as a stupid question, so ask whatever you are curious about. (To all those retail clerks out there _ sorry!) Happy Shopping!

If you have any questions for Scott Rubin, please e-mail them to (djtimes@testa.com), fax them to 516-944-8372 or send them to DJ Times, 25 Willowdale Ave., Port Washington, NY.n