12" or 15" Powered Speaker?

Whatever you do, dont buy the Eon series from JBL. Period.

It’s a personal preference, but I suggest hunting down a pair of Mackie SRM 450. The first model, not the V2’s because those arent as reliable. I can’t speak to any other powered monitor right now. But I have experience with the SRM-450 and I’ve driven them very hard and they’ve held up wonderfully (Although, during one emergency when I had to drive them harder than is advisable, I did have to walk around with a bucket of water and use a damp rag to wipe down the amplifier at the back so they didnt overheat), I digress, I’ve had a pair of those, Loved them to death, reliable, they’re 12″ great quality, great bass response if you’re using them without a sub. And you can pick up a pair for about 750-800 give or take depending on where you look because they’re an old model. I’m getting another pair of them for $700 (Steal!!) because I’m buying old stock from Sam Ash. But look around, no shame in buying used as long as they’re in good condition.

Well 100 people means you need at least around 1000W of output (sinus output not peak performance!).

For reference:
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/04/beginners-guide-to-pa-systems-part-1-basics/

Start looking with those indicators. (And yes I would go 15s for that size audience and probably add a sub or two.)

To be honest bro. Save up sum of money like $400 or so, go to Guitar Center, Sam Ash or any place that sells a decent selection of sound equipment, go there and ask to see speakers in your price range, and test them out for yourself. Do some general research on speakers in your price range, google some reviews, then talk to one of the professionals at the store. Write a list of candidates, then go home and do more research on them (Frequency response, more in-depth reviews etc.), then when you think you’ve chosen one or 2 final choices, go back and listen to them a second time.

Remember it is important to use songs in good quality Mp3 (Lossless Preferably) for your sound test. And MAKE SURE that the song has a good dynamic range in order to run the speaker through its paces and hear how clear every frequency sounds. I suggest using Dub/Reggae for your sound test because it goes from sub bass, bass, kick drums, bass guitar, low and high pitched voices, piano, guitar, hi-hats and drums and horns. Basically the whole frequency range without the song becoming too busy. You dont have to use reggae, thats just my preference based on the dynamic range and the fact that I’m Jamaican and I grew up around old-school sound system style lol. Alternately, test the speakers using the genre of music you intend on playing

After you’ve done your sound test, then pick the best performing speaker. If you’re still undecided. Flip a damn coin lol, because if you’re undecided and your sure of the relative quality of both speakers then it wont matter which you choose either way. Most importantly, when you buy them, take care of them! and they’ll take care of you 🙂