Powered PA or other suggestions

[Donearlsto@aol.com]

Hello All, 
Did a little looking on list, but was hoping to get new input.    
My set up is:   Upright bass - BBE Maxcom- DBX 266xl - rocktron prophesy-- echoplex.   Usually at this point the sound guy DI's my rig into their system.    I am hoping to be a little more self sufficient in this regard, particularly in an effort to play more venues without sound systems. 
I have been considering a powered pa speaker (like the eon's), but have heard a variety of complaints about hiss, on a variety of models.

My questions are:
1.   Based on your experience, which powered PA speakers   have minimal hiss and might work well in my situation? 
2.   Would it be better (for sound, hiss etc.) to simply put a power amp in my rack and use a passive speaker? 
3. Is there a third, better, solution which I haven't considered. 

Thanks for all of you input, 

D




**************
Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.
     (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002548)