I love this question and I am excited to hear responses from members who have experience with this.
We entertain 4-6 times a year. Nothing huge, 30-60 guests, but dance music and karaoke is always featured and appreciated.
The main area of the house is open, about 50x50, but segmented just enough that music in the living room makes conversation difficult, but doesn't over power the kitchen, dining, open areas.
The main consideration for me was the ability to put up and tear down, so I just used stuff I had lying around that wasn't being used.
Kef Q300 speakers, Crown XLS 2502 amp, dac of the day. If I want extra punch I add a Rel sub or a pair of diy subs and another 2502 amp and take advantage of the built in cross-overs. I DIY'd speaker cables so I could make game time decisions on length.
All in with everything this is probably half your budget. I've considered upgrading the speakers but honestly I think I am the only one who would care or notice. And I don't feel the need to protect the speakers from enthusiastic guests. There is plenty of volume, plenty of bass (especially with a sub), midrange and the upper end doesn't run out of juice.
That's what works for me, and it is easy to pack up and put in storage.
BG
We entertain 4-6 times a year. Nothing huge, 30-60 guests, but dance music and karaoke is always featured and appreciated.
The main area of the house is open, about 50x50, but segmented just enough that music in the living room makes conversation difficult, but doesn't over power the kitchen, dining, open areas.
The main consideration for me was the ability to put up and tear down, so I just used stuff I had lying around that wasn't being used.
Kef Q300 speakers, Crown XLS 2502 amp, dac of the day. If I want extra punch I add a Rel sub or a pair of diy subs and another 2502 amp and take advantage of the built in cross-overs. I DIY'd speaker cables so I could make game time decisions on length.
All in with everything this is probably half your budget. I've considered upgrading the speakers but honestly I think I am the only one who would care or notice. And I don't feel the need to protect the speakers from enthusiastic guests. There is plenty of volume, plenty of bass (especially with a sub), midrange and the upper end doesn't run out of juice.
That's what works for me, and it is easy to pack up and put in storage.
BG