Audio Systems: small auditorium, stereo amplification, light travels

Question
QUESTION: we have an over 55 dev. which has an auditorium for gatherings. this rm is approx 40'x40'x20'h the ctr of the rm has a cathedral clg. but the 4 speakers are in the lower clg at 10ft. our problem is that when we have an affair the speakers sounds are too loud for people sitting and too low for the people dancing. the middle of the room has a hardwood flr and it is surrounded but carpet.we would like to remove the 4 recessed clg spkrs. and install speakers on the walls over the ctr of the room aimed at the dance floor. what kind would you recommend? i am an expert also with allexperts, but not in sound.

ANSWER: Hi Tony,

I guess before I can make any recommendations, I have a few questions.

How high is the cathedral ceiling?

What kind of amplification is being used on the speakers (brand / model)? Is it stereo amplification or monophonic?

How large is the actual dancing area?

What's the budget?

Cheers!

PS - what's your expert subject matter?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the cathedral clg is at 20ft, the dance floor is about 25 x25 and the amp is a 800w stereo system off the shelf. i believe it is Sony brand or something close to it. we don't have any problem with getting enough power it's just that the people sitting can't talk because the clg speakers are aimed down. i thought that by putting directional speakers in on the walls of the rise up to the cathedral clg would be better because we could take the wiring off the clg spkrs and use them on the directional ones. I'm not sure this will be any better, but we need to do something.
My specialty is Lighting design. so i know that sound waves and light travels in the same way and have similar directional issues.
Thanks
Tony C

Answer
Here's a few options that should point you in the right direction... all of these should function and perform well for what you're trying to get done.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/341332-REG/JBL_CONTROL_126W_Control_126W_I

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753845-REG/Electro_Voice_F01U170823_ELX112

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/368652-REG/Mackie_C200_C200_Passive_10_2_W


I hope this helps!