I am in the process of starting a small acoustic concert series. I will need
to purchase some sound system equipment and thought I would poll the group
for recommendations. This is going to be a non profit venture, so I need to
keep the budget as small as possible (but I don't necessarily want to buy
the cheapest of everything because I don't want to waste my time with a
bunch of junk that doesn't work). I'm trying to stay under $5K for the
entire system.

Performers will be mainly solo or duo acoustic acts with a small number of
instruments. Performances will be held in a room with very high ceilings
(actually an old church sanctuary that isn't being used for church services
anymore). I don't know the dimensions of the room, but let's say it is
small for a church sanctuary but not tiny.

I did some research and have more or less settled on the following
equipment:

* Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer
* Behringer FBQ6200 EQ
* A number of Behringer XM8500 mics

I will also need, of course, speakers and monitors (see my earlier post on
where to by used equipment); amplifier(s); a few DI boxes; and assorted
accessories such as mic stands, speaker stands etc.

The Onyx mixer might be slightly overkill for this application, but I want
to run an opening act and the main act on separate channels and I don't
want to run out of inputs. The 1640 should have everything I will ever need
for this application. I also want to eventually record the shows live, and
the Mackie FireWire card will make that a relative piece of cake.

Is there a rule of thumb as to how big the mains and monitors should be? I
don't want them to be too small, but I don't want to overpower the room
either. Also, how much amplifier power should I be thinking about?
Depending on what I can find on the used market locally I may go with
powered mains and/or monitors. I am looking at the Behringer EP1500 or
EP2500 amplifiers if I go with passive speakers.

Would I also be wise to pick up a few condenser mics for situations where I
need to mic an instrument such as a guitar or piano? What are some good
value DI boxes for acoustic guitars? Is there any other equipment I should
consider (an effects processor, for example)?

Thanks in advance.

Monty