Powered Speakers - minimum wattage

[agomes]

Im part of a pretty loud three piece, currently writing new songs, and playing a few shows here and there sans vocals. We are hesitant of adding a singer, (even tho we get multiple offers after each gig) as we have such a tight vibe and sound with just the three of us. So we decided we should just get a band PA and between the three of us handle whatever vocals we can fit into our songs.

Since we are mostly concerned with our playing, and vocals come second in this band, im not trying to spend much... (would rather drop $$$ on bass gear)

I already have mics, and a passive berhinger 8channel mixer, so im thinking the only missing link is power and speakers.

Im really attracted to the idea of two powered speakers that are loud enough for vocals, (and possible a keyboard, acoustic, or kickdrum) and can be used as monitors later if i decide to upgrade the PA. - rather than an amp and passive speakers (at this time anyway)

my question: what is the minimum wattage i should be looking for per speaker?

-thanks!

[Slowgypsy]

What sized venues are you thinking of playing? Indoors or outdoors?

[agomes]

smaller shows, <200 people max, out doors would be rare and only include back yard kegger bbq type stuff.

hoping these two powered speakers would be loud enough for the above, and quality enough to use as monitors later down the road

[JohnMCA72]

"Wattage" (i.e. power handling or producing ability) has nothing to do with the final sound level produced. It should only matter to you when you're matching speakers & amps. It's a meaningless number for your purposes. The good news for you is that the designers of powered speakers have already done the math for you & have matched the amp(s) & speaker(s) in the package, so you don't have to worry about it.

Use your ears. Evaluate speakers according to what sounds good to you, and not by arbitrary numbers. If you must look at numbers, look at max. SPL (how loud they'll go) & frequency range (how much of the sound range they can cover). Favor stuff that looks well-made & likely able to take abuse. If you can find somebody out playing in circumstances close to what you expect, take note of how they sound & what they're using (both good & bad examples). Narrow down to a few makes/lines/models & ask people (preferably others whose use should be similar to yours) who have used them about their experiences.

[ric stave]

I would just say that I'd look at 12" or 15", not 10". And then I'd get as powerful as you can afford (after looking at different options).

One's I've used:

Yorkville
Mackie
JBL

[agomes]

fore reference:
http://chico.craigslist.org/msg/1887549353.html
300watt (150/channel i assume)
if i wanted to go powered mixer/passive speaker route, would this be enough to hear vocals over a half stack and peavey mark III thru 410/sob and pretty loud drummer?