The local American Legion just built a new hall (the old one was destroyed in a fire last year). I was asked for input as to what kind of PA system they should put in and how much it would cost. I'm not sure what to tell them. They will have some live bands on occasion but most of the time the PA system will be used for bingo games and wedding receptions. What would you recommend that wouldn't be overly expensive?

For the cost and quality, a JBL PA system should do the trick. They have many models,

Things to think about: does the venue need a powered mixer or unpowered? JBL mostly makes powered speakers- there are pros and cons to both.

Buying powered speakers and an unpowered mixer (for instance, purchasing some QSC HPR powered speakers with an unpowered mixer) could save money by not having to purchase a power amplifier to power those speakers.

Your friendly neighborhood music shop should be able to help with the specifics; these points are meant to be a starting point in the conversation....

Hope it helps!

Thanks, poptart. I don't know why I never think to just go down to the local shop and ask. They have some excellently trained staff who actually know what they're talking about so it's a resource for me.

Fender makes a couple of relatively inexpensive systems, the Passport, series as does Yamaha. The Yamaha EMX512SC-BR15 PA Package has two, 500 watt amps, 4 AKG Microphones, speakers with 15's and tweeters,speaker stands, a 12-channel mixer with effects, cables all for street price of roughly $1,200. But I agree that checking with your local music store or sound rental people is starting point. Most non-musicians don't have clue what they are looking for. Two years in a row, a brass band I played in played at a local outdoor July 4 fest. The first year, the promoter brought one of those kid's karaoke machines. The next year, he "upgraded" to a Radio Shack stereo system with microphone and two bookshelf speakers

To expand on what poptart was saying:

If you do decide to go the passive speaker route and hook up your monitor's (for speakers and bands) to an amp, be sure to talk to your local music shop's live sound guy. Tell him about your venue, have him explain ohms(impedance), amps(current), and voltage to you. Although plugging any speaker into any old amp or mixer will usually work, give it a year and your gear will be burnt out.

Matching a system to a room, speaker to a mixer, and monitor to an amp is a big deal whether for a stadium or small bar. Take your time and get very well informed - it's a big investment!