Column Speakers Compared
19-12-24
We tested and compared 3 of the most popular Column Speaker systems!
The LD Systems Maui 44 G2, Electro Voice Evolve 50 and Montarbo Nettuno 10 are among the best options in compact array systems, but how do they compare to each other?
Connections
The LD Maui 44 G2 is the simplest of the three in this respect, it contains a stereo pair of XLR/TRS inputs and a stereo pair of XLR outputs, there is also Bluetooth on board with TWS, this means that you can connect two systems wirelessly via Bluetooth and therefore only need a power outlet to get sound from your speakers in stereo.
The EV Evolve 50 comes in two versions, a 'simple' one with two XLR/TRS inputs, an RCA input and Bluetooth (without TWS), and a 50M version that is equipped with a full mixer with 4 mic/line XLR/TRS inputs, two XLR/TRS line inputs and Bluetooth. Both Evolves can be controlled via an app that gives you volume, tone and effect control and each has an XLR output to link the speaker to another. Finally, the Nettuno 10 has 4 mic/line XLR/TRS inputs, 2 TRS inputs, a 3.5mm stereo input and Bluetooth (without TWS) and control of tone, volume, effect and dynamics via their app! The top speakers can also be used as a stereo pair thanks to their speakon connection on the back!
Power and sound
- The LD Maui 44 G2 has a 1500W class D amplifier on board and delivers up to 132 dB SPL (peak) this is in between the other two in terms of volume, this has like all these speakers a dispersion of 120* and therefore plays very wide, so you can reach a wide part of your room with one system, the subwoofer is a 15 inch in size and therefore plays nicely deep. Sound-wise this is very personal, but we thought it sounded very good, slightly less detailed than the EV.
- The Evolves have a 1000W class D amplifier on board and have a max dB SPL (peak) of 127 dB, the same horizontal dispersion of 120*, and a 12 inch subwoofer, this plays slightly less deep than the Maui, but nicely tight. So you clearly get a little less volume from this, but a very nice, detailed sound. Finally, the Nettuno is an outsider because it can be used not only as a column system, but also as a stereo set with one subwoofer. The amplifier has a peak power of 2000W with a max SPL (peak) of 132.5 dB. The dispersion is also 120* horizontal and it has two 12 inch woofers in the subwoofer. The sound is good and tight, but if you set it up as a stereo set, it comes into its own, an excellent stereo image with nice detail and a lot of power behind it.
Accessories and options
The Maui comes with covers and a roller board as an option, but these are not included as standard. There is also the option to add an extra sub, so you can put the subs in cardio mode (they will then play directional, not omnidirectional).
The Evolves also come with covers available separately, as well as a rolling case for the sub. You can even get a wall or truss mount if you want to mount it to a wall or truss!
The Nettuno comes with a 35mm pole to M20 thread to mount a single top on the sub, 2 speakon cables to connect the tops in stereo and a transport bag for 2 tops, the pole and cables.
Price
The prices can be found below per item:
Conclusion
The best system depends mainly on the use, in our opinion the Evolve is mainly the most elegant and finest in sound while the LD Maui is mainly the most powerful. The Nettuno is the most versatile of the three.
Come and listen in our showroom and decide for yourself!