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PA Speakers & Systems

PA speakers and systems here include active speakers with a built-in amplifier, passive cabinets for an external amplifier, wedge stage monitors, sub and column sets, a line array, trolley-style portable PA units, and 100V line column and ceiling speakers for fixed installations. Examples include the Citronic CASA and CUBA cabinets, QTX QUEST active cabinets with USB/SD, FM and Bluetooth, and the Adastra F40V column 952.244UK, which is EN54-24 certified for voice alarm.

Choosing PA Speakers & Systems

Decide first whether the speaker powers itself or needs an amplifier, then match it to the room and to how it will be carried, flown or fixed.

Active or passive

An active speaker has its amplifier inside. The Citronic CASA 178.112UK has a class D amplifier, a DSP with 5 selectable profiles, a USB/SD player and Bluetooth. The QTX QUEST 178.512UK, a PA option for DJs, stage performers and presentations, adds an FM tuner and an output for a passive speaker to make a 2-speaker PA system. A passive cabinet such as the CUBA 178.713UK needs an external amplifier, and its 2 parallel Speakon inputs let it link on to additional speakers.

Monitors, sub and column sets, arrays

CM-series wedges such as the 178.693UK are built for stage foldback, with a concentric titanium tweeter. The Monolith mk3 171.237UK pairs an active subwoofer with a pole-mounted column, while the Neolith mk2 171.238UK connects its column through the mounting pole, so setting up takes seconds. For longer throws, the C-208 171.208UK line array cabinet can be flown or floor mounted from the optional C-FRAME and partnered with C-118S subs.

Portable PA

The QTX 178.840UK is a trolley-style unit with a retractable handle that runs from mains or its internal battery for up to 8 hours, with a VHF wireless neckband microphone and a VCV voiceover feature that lowers background music when the mic is used.

Installation speakers

The TOA TZ-50-EB column has selectable 100V line taps of 50, 25 and 12.5 W, a 20 Ω option and IP55 protection for covered outdoor areas. Adastra SC series columns such as the 952.242UK are slimline aluminium units for indoor spaces where discretion matters. The Penton RCS4FT/ENC is an EN54-24 ceiling loudspeaker for monitored voice alarm circuits.

TypeExamplePowerFeature
Active cabinet with DSP178.112UK280W RMSBluetooth, USB/SD
Active cabinet with FM tuner178.512UK720W peakRear wheels
Passive wooden cabinet178.713UK400WM8 flying points
Active wedge monitor178.692UK300WBluetooth, DSP
Line array cabinet171.208UK600W RMSRibbon tweeter
Portable PA unit178.840UK50WNeckband mic
Voice alarm column952.244UK100VIP66, EN54-24

Related categories

Add low end with subwoofers, drive passive cabinets from amplifiers and mixers, and mount them on speaker stands and brackets. For fixed systems see ceiling speakers and outdoor speakers; replacement drivers are in speaker components, and set-up advice is in our Help & Support guides.

Brands we stock in PA Speakers & Systems

Adastra, Axis Communications, Bosch, Bose Professional, Citronic, Clever Acoustics, Dahua Technology, Hanwha Vision, Hikvision, JBL Professional, Netgenium, Penton, QTX, Signet, TOA, Vanco and Zenith.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy active or passive PA speakers?

Buy active if you want the amplifier built into the speaker, and passive if you will drive it from a separate power amplifier. The Citronic CASA 178.115UK is an active 15" cabinet with 350W RMS, DSP and Bluetooth, while the CASA 178.116UK is a passive 15" cabinet at 400W RMS. The passive CUBA 178.713UK is recommended for use with Citronic PLX, D and H-series amplifiers.

Can I play music to a PA speaker from my phone?

Yes, with a cabinet that has a Bluetooth receiver. The CAB series 178.012UK, for example, pairs with a smart phone or tablet and can link wirelessly to another CAB series speaker as a stereo pair, carrying the Bluetooth signal only. The CASA 178.108UK and the QTX QUEST 178.510UK can also play from USB or SD media.

What is a wedge monitor used for?

A wedge monitor is used for stage foldback, so performers can hear themselves. Active Citronic CM-series wedges such as the 178.695UK 15" have Bluetooth and a 5 profile DSP, and passive ones such as the 178.691UK 10" are 8 ohms. The 178.692UK can also serve as a compact PA cabinet on a stand, using its 35mm pole mount socket.

Is there a portable PA system with a wireless microphone?

Yes, several QTX trolley units include one. The 178.840UK 10" unit comes with a VHF wireless neckband microphone and runs from mains or its internal battery for up to 8 hours, while the QRPA 178.848UK has two VHF handheld wireless microphones included, a Bluetooth receiver, and a retractable trolley handle with rear wheels.

What does 100V line mean on a PA speaker?

It is a speaker fitted with a line transformer, such as the Adastra SC series 952.240UK, whose integral rotary switch selects the tapping. The column also has a white metal grille and is supplied with mounting brackets. The TOA TZ-50-EB can run either way, with 100V line taps or a 20 Ω low-impedance option.

Which speakers are suitable for voice alarm systems?

Choose speakers certified to EN54-24. The Adastra F40V 952.244UK outdoor column is EN54-24 certified and IP66, with a 95°C thermal fuse, and the Penton RCS4FT/ENC ceiling speaker is EN54-24 certified with a capacitor for DC line monitoring. The JBL Professional CBT 50LA-LS column is EN 54-24 compliant when installed with its included MTC-PC2 panel cover.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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