QuestionI am looking to put a sound system in my basement, below a rancher house roughly 45' x 70', that hosts very large college parties. I am looking to get an amp and some speakers that make some loud noise at low cost. Can you help me?
AnswerLoud system at low cost is a contradiction of terms!
I would need to know alot more about what you want to do in order to give you an intelligent reply. You said "sound" system, but in reality, with college students you probably will be playing music. Music systems are quite different from PA systems. A good music system can, also, be a good pa system, but a good pa system is never good for music.
And, live music is still different.
However, the least expensive way to go - for any of the above mentioned systems - is either eBay (used equipment) or Radio Shack. Radio Shack has a nice amp with mic inputs and all the features you would want for under $100. They have a super duper one at $250 with 250 watts output.
If you want stereo and for music playback there are similar stereo amplifiers for around the same price.
Speakers come in all sizes, shapes and price levels. For voice reproduction to shout over a crowd you can get fairly cheaply. But, for music reproduction you want reasonable high fidelity units and probably a subwoofer to tuck into the corner of the room. Expect to spend much more on the speaker systems than the amplification electronics.
So, think it over and let me know more about what you want to do. Or, you can select your own system design once you know what you want to accomplish. There are many places on the Internet where you can search for products that will fit your needs. A good starting point is froogle.com and from there narrow it down to specific products that you like.
http://proaudiomusic.com/sound_systems/PA_equipment.htm
http://www.activemusician.com/Live-Sound-and-PA-Equipment--c2384
http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Live-Sound-PA--2713
www.soundprofessionals.com/publicaddresssystem.html
The above might have some good ideas for you.
Cleggsan
