HSU HB / HC-1 Speakers - Opinion

[avliner]

Hi guys,

is there anyone here at the forum who owns such speakers willing to chime in about their general performance, etc??

Thanks in advance!

 

[william]

I recently auditioned a 5.1 all HSU configuration for 30 days. It included:
Front L/R: HB-1
Center: HC-1
Surround L/R: HB-1
Sub: Hsu VTF 3.3

The HB-1s and HC-1 offer high value. To me, the HB-1s / HC-1 sounded very good with movies. They demonstrated a very large dynamic range and handled loud movie peaks and dynamics exceptionally well for their low price.

I compared the HSU HB-1s with Ascend CMT-340s in the front L/R positions and found that I preferred the Ascends for music. The Ascends had a more forward sound and seemed to create a better sound stage image in my room. The CMT-340s were more expensive, but to the me the difference was worth it. I returned the HB-1s and HC-1 to Hsu and purchased the Ascend CMT-340 SE center and CBM-170s for surrounds. I am very satisfied with this configuration for both music and HT. I kept the Hsu VTF 3.3 - great subwoofer!

If you are contemplating the HB-1 and HC-1, you should give them a try. They might just be perfect for you.

 

[avliner]

Thanks William,

quite useful info; however it seems not fair to compare the HB-1 against the 340SE, as the latter plays on a different league though.

IMO, a fair comparison would be stacking the HB-1 against the Ascend CBM170. Anyway the HSU seems to be a tremendous bargain, right?

Is there anybody else willing to chime on this subject?

 

[william]

True. My evaluation was not an A/B comparison of same priced speakers as I indicated in my post. The Ascend 340's are about twice the price of the HB-1s and even the CBM-170s are more expensive as long as HSU continues to offer their excellent $125 introductory price. If your basis for value is how they compare with speakers in their same price range, I can can not offer you any advice as I did not compare the Hsu's with any other speakers in the same $125-$160 price category. If your basis for value is that they sound "as good as speakers at twice the price," I can say that they sound very good, particularly for home theater; but that I preferred both the Ascend CMT-340 SE and Magnepan MMG over Hsu for both music and movies.

 

[wdf13]

HSU HB-1s

I just auditioned a set of HB1s as center front speakers. Unfortunately they couldn't hold a candle to my existing Magnepan MMGs. I was dsiappointed as I wanted the wider soundstage of the HB1s, which they do have, but they lack the quickness and precise imaging of the Maggies. I have had a Hsu VTF-2 sub for eight years and it's great. The Hsu speakers are extremely well built and a fine company to do business with. Just didn't work out for me.