I know! 500 bucks, and I think the kid thought he was getting the better of me. The funny thing is, the kid I bought the speakers from was WAY more interested in talking about the motorcycle I was helping him buy. These speakers were bought by dad for mom's study, stayed there until he moved out. He made clear he didn't think much of the speakers cause he wanted spine tingling bass (I believe the craigslist ad said "they sound alright, look alright). They sound perfect and have maybe three tiny, shallow scratches on the top of one. I'm ecstatic! Any idea how I can tell what generation of Beethovens these are?
The 2.1 idea is one I've had before, and I think that's what I'll do for now at the very least. I'm goiong to add a REL sub--the range is confusing, though. I'm really not clear at all on the differences between the ranges--Strata, Stadium, etc seem pretty clearly in the same lineup, but what are the Q and R series? I'll be watching TV with these, but music is the more important use. They seem like pretty exclusive subs--hard to find and expensive when they do come up. Ideas on the best match with these speakers would be really appreciated, irrespective of price--but also, the smallest I might get away with ideas, too. :)
The HK receiver I've got is rated @ 75 WPC, but HK is supposed to be pretty conservative in their ratings, and the Beethovens are rated @ 200 W. Nobody's mentioned it, so I guess I'm probably fine with that--nothing to add?
Lastly--cables? All my HDMI and RCA cables are high quality, but the speaker cables are just the most expensive stuff Best Buy had on the way home with my speakers in the van. Any suggestions there?
And Jgiacalo: Thank you for the setup instructions! They've been helpful so far and I'll be referring to them for a very long time. I've got a lot of listening yet to go!
William