Thanks all for the tips! My Crate has done a commendable job but it is starting to scare me....no need to stress over whether the amp is going to crap out on me during a performance...

Fran - thanks also on the insight on the BA-330. I have the KC-110, but on batteries it is only 20 watts as I understand it. I am used to more power on the beach - during last night's wedding we had 20 mph wind off the Gulf, but the Crate carried the sound all the way to the condo's north of the beach. So I am hoping to stay in the 30-50 watt range. In terms of weight, my Crate is 31 pounds. I can lug it a good ways and last night had to carry it down and back up 32 beach steps....

Montuno - thanks for the insight as well on the S1 Pro! Definitely on my list to consider! And congrats on getting such a great deal on the Bose speakers - they are wonderful and very practical speakers for sure!