Comparing quasi 3 way to smaller 2 way with subs

[scuf]

How would these two simple setups sound in comparison.

Setup 1 - One Peavey SP4 3 way speaker powered by Behringer EP2500 bridged at 2400 watts 4 ohms

Setup 2 - One JBL JRX 2 15 2 way cabinet paired with older Peavey DTH concert subs (2x18) Both powered by Behringer 2400

Im not sure about much juice would get to each cabinet in setup two because im not sure if each cabinet could handle 2 ohms if they could each cabinet would get 1200 watts.

How would the two setups compare to each other? I know the SP4 is a bigger speaker that can handle more power but would the JBL coupled with the 2x18 box be similar on high end with way more low end due to the subs? Or would the more wattage powering the SP4 drive the dual 15 black widow drivers in the SP4 enough to be comparable low end of the older peavey subs? I was hoping the newer technology of the SP4 speaker given more power would produce similar results but am considering both setups currently. Without being able to hear these myself any opinions would be greatly appreciated thanks!

[GZsound]

The general view from a lot of other forums seems to be that most prefer using two way speakers rather than three way.

There is also an apparent preference for smaller tops, even 12" when matched with subs.

I would suggest the JRX tops coupled with the subs.

[TimmyP1955]

No matter how good the bass response of your top cabs, if you get them up where they belong (with the horns over folks' heads) they will never give the bass performance of a comparable cabinet on the floor. Not only does the floor "mirror" the cabinet, having the cabinet off of the floor causes a notch in the frequency response (unless the tops are at least 8' off of the floor - and below the ceiling). Here'e the poop:

2 feet will notch at ~140Hz
2.5' at ~112Hz
3' at ~95 Hz
3.5' at ~ 80Hz
4' at ~ 70Hz
5' at ~ 57Hz
6' at ~ 47Hz
7' at ~ 40Hz
8' at ~ 35Hz

See http://www.peavey.com/support/technotes/soundsystems/boundarycancellation.cfm and http://www.padrick.net/LiveSound/CancellationMode.htm