Audio Systems: PA System / Microphone Output, shure beta 57a, acoustic guitar amp

Question
I recently purchased a 10W Crate Acoustic guitar amp and an EV condenser mic.  For home/practice use only, what type of all-in-one amp/monitor should I be looking for with the mic.  Not sure if I need  a PA system or a powered monitor.  What does a PA system offer? Or is it over kill?

Answer
If the microphone is truly a condenser then it will need 48v phantom power (unless it uses an internal battery which is rare). You need to look for a PA with phantom power. In my experience as an engineer you need to know what your doing when mike ing  an acoustic guitar using a condenser mike. I generally recommend a dynamic mike instead like the Shure Beta 57A or even two.

A PA system is designed just for that (Public Address). Unless you are playing for an audience it is really unnecessary. If you want to record the guitar for yourself and own a computer then you could use a computer software package. If you are not looking to be releasing a CD for public consumption there is a piece of hardware that lets an iPod record.

I come from a background where I record in $10M plus studios. Today that's overkill. Technology has made most of those studios a dying breed.