The S-1203 had my interest from the time I saw it reviewed by 2 Dudes Audio on YouTube, and if you're familiar with that channel, you know what I am talking about! I am a solo performer (keyboardist and singer) who uses backing tracks that I play on top of when performing live, and currently I use a standard "point source" PA system consisting of two Mackie Thump 12" on tripod stands and a 12" EV sub in the middle., (Tip Jar on top of that). This system works great for me as I can fill a good medium sized room, and not pass "unity" (12'oclock) on all three speakers. The two Mackies are rated at 125 SPL and the EV is 129 SPL.
My Interest in the S-1203 was brought on by researching "Line Array"/column systems that are compact, and promote better sound "dispersion" across the room. The S-1203 has a 120 degree (horizontal) dispersion by 60 degree vertically in the top column speaker that houses 8-3" full-range drivers. I was skeptical about the "bottom" end on this unit, but after setting it up after it arrived, I was pleasantly suprized! It's got some "low end guts" to it with the 12" sub in a well built cabinet. And for the rooms I anticipate using this in, it will be well suited. Aesthetically, it's got the standard "tripod stand" beat, as it hides your cabling. During my test at home, I set up my mixer and played some of my stereo backing tracks "summed" out from the mixer to the "line" input on the S-1203. Turned the S-1203 up to 12 o'clock, and slowly turned my mixer output to unity and the 1203 got pretty loud and clear with a lot of headroom left. I kept the EQ on the mixer at "flat" cause I didn't have to touch it. I did add a little bass EQ on the mixer to give the low end a little more, and it didn't distort to my ears.
So now I want another S-1203 and found out from Exoton that the model has been discontinued, and they won't stock anymore on the website. I found one on the web for more than I paid at Exoton and I have a request in to them to see if they would price match since the uniti out of production. The S-1503 with a 15" sub is more than I need, (and heavier) or want at this point. I will use my S-1203 next weekend in a LIVE setting and will follow up here with how it faired. GREAT DESIGN!
