If the system is only for background music. This is an option. Also before you dismiss the idea, if you add a crossover but bypass it, then if you do get some subs (shouldn't need any for background music) but if you wanted to add some for a bit more oomph. Just bypass the crossover until that may or may not come. JBL have the control ones. (I swear by them for any low/medium volume music in any sized venue).
There are also good value for money, reliable, simple and good quality.
There are two models, the normal one, more for home but not necessarily.
100W RMS with a peak of 200W
228 x 155 x 139 (Millimetres)
Bass frequency response is 80 - 20,000 (Good for a 5" driver)4
MORE IMPORTANTLY - 8 Ohm Impedance (Why this model might be beneficial than the professional one)
This means that if the amplifier used is rated for 4 ohms per channel say for 300w or so (will discuss power later). Then because each speaker is 8 ohms. Two connected in a daisy chain, makes 4 ohms. Or they could be connected through a speaker switcher unit. So that part can be isolated from others.
Ie. If you had the main bar area with say bar on one side wall. You could have 1 of the multiple amplifiers, wired up so that say. Channel 1 was speaker 1/2. Located on front left and right corners of bar, then using switcher. You could have just left on or right. Then have amp channel 1 as the front of bar. And so on....
Anyway, if you were to choose the 'professional' model. There really isn't much difference.
The Pro model is:
Rather than a titanium tweeter , it's plastic.
Marginally bigger 235 mm x 159 mm x 143 mm (9.3 in x 6.3 in x 5.6 in)
Slightly different built in passive crossover.
4 Ohms per speaker meaning that unless you find a 2 ohm per channel amp you wouldn't be able to have more than 1 speaker per amp channel. That ends up in a lot of extra cost (double the number of amps) and space.
The Pro model is also designed to handle a little bit more power, but don't sound as good as the normal model. Your choice what you would rather sacrifice.
That is my speaker recommendation. As for amps, there are multiple options. This is what I might do:
Go for quality, but pick a range that doesn't rip you off.
Ensure amp is more than capable of powering speakers. An amp near clipping sends a distorted signal that ruins quality of sound and damages speakers.
Don't let all the staff near the amps (Place on racks in cupboard etc..., only keep the mixer open so that amp is not turned to max thinking it will make everything louder. It will but mixer will need eq ing..??. To re adjust so sound hasn't got too much treble/bass/reverb/gain etc...
I would suggest a four channel amp. More speakers in the same size also cheaper than buying 2 two channel amps.
Example amps: Regarding Impendance. I have found a few 2 ohm amps so you could have three speakers per channel (if you wanted)
QSC CMX300Va 2 Channel, 2 ohm per channel so three 8 ohm speaker per channel max. But amp copes with 4 and 8 ohm. So you could just have one speaker per channel. But is a bit powerful for less than 2 per channel.
QSC RMX 1450a 2 Channels, 4 ohm per channel. Powering 400w. So 2 speakers on each channel would be closely matched. But don't turn amp all the way up, remember that the amp is at the top scale of the speakers capacity.
Or the same amp just a different model RMX 850a. You could connect three speakers to each channel at 2 ohms. Giving 430w per channel. This would be better matched because the amp has plenty of power but not enough risking damage to the speakers.
Hopefully from the information I have given, you should be able to maybe to a little more research into the matter of matching speakers to amps.
For 2-3k I'm not even sure where I would start. Is that supposed to include labor?
You could look at something like the JBL Control 25 or Control 28. I can't really think of a cheaper commercial speaker.
Maybe a 70volt Mixer/Amplifier. It wouldn't go very loud, but it would sound decent and should work fine for background music.
As Scott said a 70 volt system is also an option and work well when a good quality system is installed however can be a pain if not done properly.
A friend recently did out his bar area sound system and installed a big sonos system, the connect and connect amp rather than the little play 1, 3, 5 etc.. He has been pleased with it, giving you zones etc.... However, 2-3K wouldn't get hugely far paying for sonos.
You have to remeber that it is your decision and everyone can only advise you. Be sure that it is right before you buy it. Depending on where the bar is, some companies like jbl/qsc. Do a try it before you buy it service, might be an idea??!!
If all you want for inputs is a 3.5mm jack input from tablet/mobile device and maybe a tv sometimes. Here is my suggestion:
http://www.altoproaudio.com/products/zmx862Inputs for the two listed inputs plus space for a bar tender mic just incase/birthday/special event.... etc.
Don't just plug tablet into tape in input though, this completely limits how you can change sound because you lose all the eq adjustments. If you can find a decent 1/4"jack to 3.35mm jack cable then use that. If not Use a 1/4" male jack to twin female rca. Then plug a twin male rca to 3.35mm male jack cable into that.
I don't know what audio outputs are on the tv's. But I would use the same jack to rca female cable and then depending on length, if you are connecting into a headphone jack on tv, then same setup as for tablet. Or if it is twin L/R RCA Phono output, then connect a twin male phono to twin male phono cable into the 1/4" male jack to twin female rca cable. Again this way or you lose functionality. Especially on a tv source. That will need a lot of editing.
And maybe a graphic eq to finalise sound. Either a 15 band stereo or 31 band would do. Alto do good mixers and equalisers!
Anyway, I'll keep looking into it for you and get back to you if I have any other ideas. But me know how you get on. Good Luck
Regards Max