I asked a similar question on another user group about 6 months ago. Application was for a duet doing acoustic music with 2 voices and a mix of 6 and 12 string guitars mandolin and Irish bouzouki. Also wanted to be not far over $1K.

After evaluating many responses and going to several stores to find sales people who knew a bit about sound, I went with the Berringer powered head, Yamaha S-112 (?) speakers and AKG D-880 mics. Was going to buy a Macke head, but for the price diferential and the reports I got on this specific Berringer it was worth the gamble.

We are delighted with the set-up. Very clean sounding, yet plenty of volume. We also came in way under our budget. We run the amp in bridged mode and the speakers in series. Seems to be the best combination for clean sound. This came from the audio expert who sold us this. Don't skimp om cable. Forget the cheaper thinner gauge and go with the fattest stuff around.

The mics were cheap but sound at least as good as Shure Beta 58s to my ears. Also have a few older SM-58's and SM-57's for back-up. All the instruments have pick-ups, however I usually mic the mandolin with an SM-57.

Larry