Speaker(s) for jam nights, small venues, etc

HAL9000

Always only done guitar in the past, but might perhaps, possibly, maybe getting involved in setting up a local blues/jam night thingy which would need me to do some vocals, talking, etc.

I’m completely new to this so would appreciate some forum wisdom. Ideally I’d want to keep the price, weight, and complexity as low as sensibly possible but without going cheap and nasty.

Is an active speaker (I’m thinking RCF 310 or 710) the way to go? If yes, then do I need a pair? And stands? Or would chairs or tables suffice?

Or should I be looking at a small PA system like the Yamaha Stagepas 400? Although, right now, I’m not really thinking of needing any kind of mixing capability - guitar would be through an amp and vocals through whatever I end up getting.

As always, thanks.

RickLucas

A Stagepas works for me, but struggles a bit if things get loud.

maltingsaudio

In this situation I would suggest you look at decent aged PA systems which are at bargain level prices second hand. A peavey power amp and a pair of laney Ev Carlsbro Hz speakers all could be had for a couple of hundred quid and will do the job albeit not subltely but if it’s a jam night that’s not called for.