I'm leaning toward powered speakers.  I'm willing to pay for quality.  I was looking at the Yorkville NX-55Ps, but they seem to be overkill.  I list them just to give a top limit of what I'm willing to pay for speakers.

Do you have a sub teamed with your NX55Ps?

Same is true with a stereo amplifier.    If half blows, you still have the other half.

Same is true with a stereo amplifier.    If half blows, you still have the other half.

Hi, just stumbled on to your post.  I might have a sound system that I would like to sell that is about what you are describing.  The speakers are Bag End TA-15s, with a QSC850 amp.  It's a 15" speaker with a horn.  These cabinets have enough low end that you won't need subs at the volume you plan on using.  I have tripod stands for the speakers and a really good Audio Technica wireless mic to go with it.  
It would be perfect for your family gatherings indoors or outdoors.  I will even color code the cords to make the system fool proof.   It is a used system that was in my church, but there wasn't enough funding, so the church closed down.  I kind of inherited the system, but don't have much need for it.  I also have a digital key controller that allows you to change keys of songs from any soundsource.  I saw your range of $1500-$3000, and I could easily sell it for $1500.   It would include the labled cables, amp, 2 speakers, stands, digital key controller, and wireless mic.  I have tested everything to make sure it works.  Let me know if you're interested.  

thanks,

Jason

I don't have to build it all at once but the 1,500 to 3,000.  If I can keep it lower, I'd be happy, but I understand you've got to pay for quality.

I'm primarily interested in the speakers, because I have access to a computer with a M-Audio Project Mix I/O audio interface/controller.  Although I don't know if the Sonar Producer software installed is really usable for live mixing/dsp.  Is there another piece of software for making a live digital mix?

Thanks.