My first system in 20 years!!! Help!

[Phrank]

I am replacing a 20 year old system- Optimus receiver and speakers which performed REMARKABLY well (and I've heard some expensive audio equipment). I am using this only for music, mostly at parties. The room is very awkward for audio...stone floor and 1 wall is basically glass (bar room) with a bar going down the center. The room is around 30 feet long by 10 feet by 9 feet. The stereo is going at one end of the 30 foot area.

Now for equipment!

I decided on a Harman Kardon 2.1 (the HK 3485) receiver and a HSU subwoofer (the VTF-2 MK3). I still have an old pair of Fischer speakers that work and they will be my B speakers...but I'm looking for a pair of A speakers now. My price range is $400 or under for the pair. I'm thinking of buying the HSU HB-1 because they are in my price range, have pretty good reviews, and I'm making the assumption are pretty well matched with their subwoofer.

What are your thoughts on the "A" speakers? Would you go with a different speaker?

 

[gus6464]

I am replacing a 20 year old system- Optimus receiver and speakers which performed REMARKABLY well (and I've heard some expensive audio equipment). I am using this only for music, mostly at parties. The room is very awkward for audio...stone floor and 1 wall is basically glass (bar room) with a bar going down the center. The room is around 30 feet long by 10 feet by 9 feet. The stereo is going at one end of the 30 foot area.

Now for equipment!

I decided on a Harman Kardon 2.1 (the HK 3485) receiver and a HSU subwoofer (the VTF-2 MK3). I still have an old pair of Fischer speakers that work and they will be my B speakers...but I'm looking for a pair of A speakers now. My price range is $400 or under for the pair. I'm thinking of buying the HSU HB-1 because they are in my price range, have pretty good reviews, and I'm making the assumption are pretty well matched with their subwoofer.

What are your thoughts on the "A" speakers? Would you go with a different speaker?

You will get more speaker for you dollar if you go with bookshelves in your price range. These are a couple that you might like:

ERA D4
http://www.signalpathint.com/index.php/Design-4-Series/

Usher S-520
http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded

B&W 686
http://www.hometheaterstore.com/B_W_686_2_Way_Bookshelf_Speaker_p/686.htm

Epos ELS3
http://www.epos-acoustics.com/product_view.asp?name=els3

I would go out and at least try to audition these 4 speakers as I am sure you will find one that you will like between them.

 

[Tomorrow]

I find these (see link) to be a great value. They've been selling for <$200 per. Roughly $350 plus shipping on a pair would make a dynamite, neutral, dynamic, and powerful front setup for you. The C2 centers channels are also fine values. You can get them in birch, black ash, and cherry.

http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-L890-4-Way-Dual-8-Floorstanding-Loud-Speaker_W0QQitemZ160193775720QQihZ006QQcategoryZ14993QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Even though HarmanAudio lists these as refurbished, it is my experience that they are fresh and brand spankin' new. You can probably still audition these models at CC or BB.

Happy hunting.