In an era where convenience is king, the days of piecing together a live rig component-by-component are fading fast. For today’s working musicians and venue owners, “plug-and-play” isn’t just a preference—it’s a requirement.
We sat down with a panel of industry experts to discuss how the latest PA system packages are bridging the gap between technical complexity and professional performance, and what that means for your bottom line.
What is your brand’s top-selling PA System/Live Sound Package, and what makes it a strong performer at retail?
Lance McCord: For us, it comes down to two platforms that consistently perform well at retail: the QSC KC12 and the QSC K12.2. The KC12 has been a particularly strong seller because it removes much of the uncertainty from the buying process. It’s essentially a complete system—a three-way powered column speaker system with mixer, and Bluetooth—all in one. Customers immediately understand what it is and what it does, and that clarity helps retailers close sales faster. It’s also incredibly quick to set up, which you can demonstrate on the floor in seconds, making the value click instantly.
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Cap: Lance McCord, Director of QSC Audio Sales, US West]
The K12.2 is a different kind of strength. It’s a well-known powered loudspeaker in the market—high output, great sound, and extremely reliable. What makes it so effective in retail is how easily it can be built into packages. A customer can start with a pair and grow into a full system with subs and accessories. That flexibility gives retailers plenty of room to meet different budgets while keeping the customer in a QSC solution.
At the end of the day, both products sell because they remove friction. They’re easy to explain and demonstrate, and they deliver right away.
[JBL_EON700_Family_Group.jpg] Brandon Knudsen: JBL EON700 Series is one of our top‑selling portable PA packages, and its success at retail comes down to delivering professional performance at an accessible price point, paired with exceptional ease of use across a multitude of applications.
JBL EON700 Series strikes a compelling balance between output, sound quality, and smart features. The series uses JBL’s latest acoustic science and transducer designs, premium cabinet materials, and advanced DSP and control technologies to deliver extraordinary performance in a fully professional, highly flexible, easy to use, portable system. All without the weight, complexity, or cost traditionally associated with professional systems.
What ultimately drives sell‑through is the EON700 Series price‑to‑performance advantage. The system delivers professional‑level output and functionality at a cost that remains accessible to a broad range of users, making it a capable and versatile solution across many applications. For retailers, that balance translates into a product that fits comfortably within most budgets while still meeting performance expectations.
Nick Kochanek: The PreSonus CDL12P is currently our best-selling loudspeaker and continues to grow in popularity every year. It is a constant curvature array that has wide coverage and is easily scalable. The crossover point is 420hz on the CDL, which is lower than usual for biamped speakers, but the result is incredible vocal clarity. People who have mixed on them always comment on how effortless it is to get the vocals to sit right in the mix. The CDL12P and the smaller CDL10P excel in small to medium-sized rooms, providing exceptional sound quality with an attainable budget. Customers often pair these with one of our StudioLive Series III consoles or one of the StudioLive ARc mixers. Series III and the ARc mixers are also both great recording solutions that come with Fender Studio Pro, as well as Capture software to make live recording easy. Additionally, the Fender Passport is a best-selling, industry standard for someone looking for an all-in-one, easy to transport PA system.
Ray Wilson: The top-selling product is the Yorkville YXL12P, based on sell-through data. It is a 12-inch powered PA speaker priced at approximately $539 MAP. It performs strongly at retail primarily due to its accessible price point, lightweight design, and ease of use. The inclusion of Bluetooth is also a major factor in its popularity, as it allows for quick and simple connectivity. Overall, it is one of the most affordable and versatile options in the Yorkville line, making it appealing to a wide range of customers.
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Cap: Andres Franco, Sr. Product Marketing Specialist, Yamaha Pro Audio]
Andres Franco: Our top‑selling PA systems come from the Yamaha D Series powered loudspeakers, a versatile series of loudspeakers designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers and applications. From cost-efficient models that deliver great sound with simple, plug-and-play operation to flagship solutions engineered for demanding venues and large-scale concerts and events, D Series offers scalable performance at every level.
Within the lineup, the DBR Series performs very well at retail, known for professional sound quality at an accessible price point, lightweight design, and proven reliability. With the introduction of the new DXR mk3 Series in April 2026, Yamaha has enhanced D Series offerings with a revolutionary level of quality that is truly best in its class, delivering exceptional power, clarity, and advanced processing and app control for users who demand uncompromising performance.
What types of customers are currently driving demand for PA systems, and how can retailers best position products to serve these segments?
BK: Demand today is driven by a wide range of users as portable systems become more versatile. Gigging musicians, bands, and DJs can use PA systems as their main PA speakers or floor monitors to deliver consistent sound night after night. The speaker has a rear yoke mount option, as well as M10 mounting points, which can serve as connections for fixed installations, like houses of worship, schools, and corporate A/V users who prioritize intelligibility, reliability, and ease of operation.
Retailers can best serve these segments by guiding customers toward the right performance tier, like the JBL EON700 Series for entry‑to‑mid‑level users who want professional sound with minimal setup complexity, or the JBL SRX900 series for users requiring maximum SPL and system scalability for larger venues or production environments. Helping customers understand not just price differences—but how performance, durability, and control scale from one series to the next—is key to driving satisfaction and repeat business.
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Cap: Nick Kochanek, Technical Sales Lead at Fender Studio and PreSonus]
NK: It really depends on where you’re located and what your local market is like. We see a demand for PA systems from all types of customers, but the main driver varies so much from one region to another. Down South and in the Midwest, we notice it’s mainly houses of worship driving the loudspeaker business. In big cities, there’s a high demand for our AIR XD loudspeakers with DJ’s and corporate AV. Vacation and tourist destinations often have a thriving live music scene with tons of gigging musicians. There’s also a consistently growing demand for PA speakers for competitive marching bands and indoor drumlines. PreSonus has been a leader in that market for several years as the CDL has become one of the most popular choices. It’s also important to understand there’s seasonality to each type of customer as well. We always see a bump from houses of worship before Christmas, Easter, and other religious holidays. Mid-to-late spring, and even into early summer, we get a lot more musicians and rental/production companies buying as they prepare for warmer weather and concert season. At the end of June and early July is when we see a lot of school purchases as that’s when their fiscal year usually ends and starts. As a dealer, you need to know the verticals that have the highest demand in your area, which requires understanding your region, your customers, and how your customers are using products.
AF: Demand for PA systems is driven primarily by gigging musicians, DJs, houses of worship, and small corporate AV users. These customers value reliable sound, easy setup, and portable systems that can adapt to different performance and event needs. Retailers can best position products like the D-Series loudspeakers by presenting them as versatile, ready-to-use solutions that work across music, worship, and speech applications. Organizing systems by common use cases helps shoppers quickly identify the right option and improves purchase confidence.
[yxl12p.jpg] RW: The primary customers driving demand are what can be described as “weekend warriors.” These are typically casual users who need a PA system for occasional use, such as backyard parties or small events. They are not generally professional production companies or full-time performers. These customers are looking for products that are battery-powered, lightweight, and affordable. Retailers can best serve this segment by positioning PA systems as simple, portable, all-in-one solutions that are easy to set up and use without technical expertise.
Having a solid reputation for bass, DJs flock towards our PA systems whether it be battery powered, A.C powered or unpowered. We have offerings of all kinds. The weekend warrior also benefits from our equipment because of the ease of use. These customers are looking for products that are battery-powered, lightweight, and affordable. Retailers can best serve this segment by positioning PA systems as simple, portable, all-in-one solutions that are easy to set up and use without technical expertise.
[Pic: KC12_Duo_BW_Above[3].png] LM: What we’re seeing right now is a broad mix of customers, but they all share one thing in common: they want professional results without overthinking it. That includes gigging musicians, mobile DJs, houses of worship, production companies and a growing number of corporate and presentation users. Each group has slightly different needs, but they’re all looking for systems that are reliable, easy to use, and sound great without a complicated setup. Where retailers really win is when they shift the conversation from specs to real-world use. Instead of talking about wattage and dispersion, it’s more effective to say, “Here’s how quickly you can set this up,” or “Here’s how this will sound in your typical gig.”
When customers can picture themselves using the system, and feel confident it will work for them, the decision tends to come together quickly.
How can retailers effectively demonstrate and merchandise live sound packages in-store or online to increase conversion rates?
NK: Customers need to be able to hear the product. It needs to be set up, ready for demonstration, at any time. Using well mixed, and high quality audio tracks is also key. Avoid using low quality mp3 files, streaming off Spotify, or playing a YouTube video. Also, keeping accessories like cases and covers in stock is important. Customers don’t like to have to buy from more than one place, so if you don’t have the accessories, they’ll likely go elsewhere to get it all from one place. The challenge with selling speakers online is obviously that people can’t hear them. Getting reviews of the product on your site along with pictures of customers using the product makes a big difference and instills confidence when someone isn’t able to hear it in person before buying. We also make demo and tutorial videos on our products that dealers are welcome to use on their websites.
AF: Retailers can increase conversion by demonstrating PA systems in simple, real-world scenarios such as vocal and acoustic instrument playback or DJ-style music. Hearing the system immediately builds confidence and shortens the decision process.
RW: Retailers can increase conversion rates by focusing on simple, immediate demonstrations. Battery-powered systems are particularly effective because they eliminate the need for wiring, allowing for quick setup. In-store, some retailers use full PA demo walls, while others rely on a single powered speaker setup for demonstrations.
LM: Honestly, the most important thing is to let people hear it. In-store, a simple demo with vocals or a familiar track goes a long way. If you can put two systems side by side—say, a column system and a traditional speaker—and let the customer hear the difference in coverage and clarity, that’s often when the sale happens. It’s also worth showing how quickly these systems come together. Watching something like the KC12 come out of the box and be ready in seconds is a very real, tangible benefit.
Online, it’s about simplifying the story. Customers don’t want to piece together a system from five product pages. If you present complete packages, such as, “everything you need to perform” or “everything you need for a DJ setup,” and back them up with short, clear demo videos, you remove a lot of hesitation. The more straightforward you make it, the better your conversion rate will be.
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Cap: Brandon Knudsen, Product Manager for PPA for JBL Professional]
BK: The most effective demonstrations focus on letting customers hear the difference.
Using high‑quality source material routed through a switcher allows customers to seamlessly test speakers against each other through A/B testing, in which customers can immediately recognize differences in clarity, low‑frequency response, and overall balance. While many customers will ultimately make purchase decisions based on specs or features within a certain price point, those who come into a store want to listen—and a proper demo often seals the deal. Retailers should also showcase real‑world use cases by showcasing a wide range of speaker configurations, demonstrating onboard DSP presets, and highlighting app‑based control where applicable. Online, this translates to clear system bundles, application‑based recommendations, and video content showing setup, tuning, and performance in real environments.
What key selling points or product features should retail staff emphasize when helping customers choose between different PA systems?
[DXR tops DXS subwoofer, DXR in wedge config .jpg] AF: When helping customers choose a PA system, retail staff should emphasize sound quality, ease of use, portability, and reliability. Customers want systems that sound professional right out of the box and can be set up quickly without technical complexity.
BK: Retail staff should focus on a core set of considerations when helping customers choose between different PA systems, emphasizing how each option aligns with both immediate needs and long‑term use. Sound quality and output are foundational, as customers expect consistent coverage, strong low‑frequency performance, and clear intelligibility across a range of volume levels. Explaining how design elements such as waveguides, transducers, and integrated signal processing contribute to a balanced and reliable sound can help customers understand performance differences between systems.
Ease of use is equally important, particularly for users who may not have extensive technical experience. Intuitive onboard controls, built‑in presets, and app‑based system management can significantly reduce setup time and minimize frustration, making a system more approachable and efficient in real‑world use. Durability and reliability should also be emphasized, as PA systems are often transported and used in demanding environments.
Scalability is another key factor, especially for customers who anticipate growth. Systems that can expand from a single speaker to a larger setup with matching subwoofers and networking options provide flexibility as needs evolve. Finally, retail staff should address long‑term value, explaining that investing in higher‑tier systems, such as JBL PRX900 or SRX900 Series, can reduce the need for frequent upgrades as performance requirements increase. Helping customers balance their immediate needs with plans for future growth is often the deciding factor in selecting one PA system over another.
LM: The most effective sales conversations tend to stay focused on a few key points.
First, consider the sound. Does it immediately sound clear and balanced, especially in the vocals? That’s usually the first impression that matters. Second, how easy it is to get up and running. Most customers don’t want to spend time figuring things out—they want to plug in and go. Third, make sure they’re getting the right amount of power and flexibility for what they’re doing today, while also leaving room to grow if their needs expand. And then there’s brand trust. QSC has built a strong reputation over time, and that reputation really does come into play. When a customer hears the name and recognizes it, it often removes the last bit of hesitation.
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Cap: Ray Wilson, National Sales Manager, Yorkville Sound]
RW: Retail staff should focus on features that directly impact ease of use and flexibility. Battery power is one of the most in-demand features and can be a major differentiator. Bluetooth connectivity is also highly important, as customers want to easily connect their phones and play music. Additionally, having multiple inputs allows users to plug in a microphone and an instrument, such as a guitar, directly into the unit without requiring additional equipment. These features collectively support convenience and all-in-one functionality. Ease of use, convenience, sound quality and most importantly, our rock solid warranty sell our products in comparison.
NK: {CDL-12P-Front.jpg] The key is to qualify the customer before you start trying to sell them on a product. You need to understand what they’re trying to achieve or what problem they’re looking to solve. Of course, we have our universal selling points like six year warranty on speakers, exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and affordability. However, you need to know what the customer cares about before you know what specs and features will resonate with them. A church that wants their congregation to hear clearly wherever they are sitting will care more about the 120 degree horizontal coverage of the CDL than the easy rigging system. A rock band trying to keep stage volume down will care more about the cardioid mode on the AIR XD subwoofers than the built in Bluetooth. An Event/Rental company will probably be more interested in the Bluetooth on the AIR XD than the cardioid mode. A wedding DJ who needs to be able to mix multiple zones will care more about the Flex mixes on a Series III console than the 32-bit floating-point DSP processing. The key selling points/features of each product is going to change depending on who you’re talking to.
What tools, training, or support does your brand offer to help retailers successfully sell and support live sound packages?
RW: The brand provides a three-tiered support system for retailers. This includes in-house product videos that cover features and functionality, a team of sales representatives who travel across Canada to provide training and live demonstrations, and a dedicated product specialist focused specifically on PA systems. This combination ensures that retailers have access to both educational resources and hands-on support when selling and supporting live sound packages.
LM: We place a strong emphasis on making it easy for retailers to sell our products with confidence. That starts with training, both in-person and online, so staff understand not only the features but also how to position the products in a real-world context. We also provide a full set of marketing assets—images, videos, and merchandising support—that help bring the products to life both in-store and online. Beyond that, the products themselves are designed to be intuitive. That reduces friction at the point of sale and minimizes post-purchase issues, which is just as important for the retailer relationship.
And of course, we back it up with strong customer and technical support. When retailers know they’re supported, they’re much more comfortable putting our products in front of customers.
NK: The sales team and our sales rep force are constantly out visiting dealers, doing demos, and training. I like to get out and visit dealers with the reps as well, so we can always arrange a more in depth training if needed. I’m easily accessible via phone or email as well to help answer any questions or help with system designs and provide Ease Focus plots. I love gear, so I’m always happy to talk about our products and find solutions for customers. On the back end, PreSonus/Fender has a great tech support and service team that is quick to respond and help resolve any issues. Additionally, we have a very comprehensive YouTube channel with plenty of training and how-to videos.
AF: We support retailers with product training, sales enablement materials, and clear application guidance to help staff confidently recommend complete PA solutions. This includes product videos, setup guides, and use case examples focused on real world customer needs.
BK: JBL Professional provides a range of tools designed to support both retailers and end users. Retailers and customers have access to online training resources, product documentation, and application guides through the JBL Professional website, along with an extensive library of how‑to and product overview videos on the JBL Professional YouTube channel. These resources help users of all experience levels get the most out of their systems. In addition, JBL Professional’s products are designed with consistency across product lines, making it easier for retail staff to explain upgrades and cross‑sell complementary products such as subwoofers and accessories. Combined with JBL Professional’s global support infrastructure and long‑standing reputation in live sound, retailers can confidently stand behind every sale.
