A couple of the social societies to which I belong thought it would be a good idea to get a simple compact amplification system to avoid speakers having to shout at meetings - lunch/dinner events with 50 - 100 people.

Thinking this would be a simple job of getting a microphone, small amplifier and a couple of speakers, I volunteered for the job.

SIMPLE ? Not on your life !! The radio shops offer me amplifier/mixer systems costing over 400 euros and enough volume for the Albert Hall or karaoke/home cinema systems which are cheaper but apparently need to work through a TV making the system very cumbersome.

Is there some kind knowledgeable soul out there who could help me change my nightmare into my simple dream ?

How about this Roy? There's VAT on top of the price.

How about a small, battery operated megaphone?

Roy, be carefull what you buy and remember the old saying "You only Get what you pay For "

Try this site I have used these systems for our local church and other meetings that I am connected with.

http://www.cybermarket.co.uk/ishop/923/shopscr3562.html

Good luck in your search.

Thanks for your help guys.

The megaphone is not really suitable but the other web-sites seem to hold possibilities. Interestingly I found identical items considerably cheaper on lazerblazers suggested site compared to cybermarket.

The system theoretically most suitable would appear to be the TXA-400 Wireless Amplifier System - anyone any experience or comments regarding this.

The one I suggested has the same theoretical output power (depends how it's measured!) is half the weight, a lot less expensive and comes with a handheld, headst and lapel microphones. The TXA-400 has a UHF radio which is less prone to interference.