Hsu CCB-8...What Have I Done?

I don’t think you necessarily made a mistake and I really doubt you’ll regret buying them after listening to them (after a good amount of break-in of course). As others have said, Dr. Hsu knows what he’s doing. I think especially if these were for home theater they could be an outstanding value given their dispersion characteristics, and being able to position the speaker horizontally as a center speaker is also really nice.

That said, if they’re only for stereo there are other speakers in that price range that would have me second guessing a little. Specifically, the Wharfedale 11.2 or 11.3 (see Crutchfield) get nice reviews as does the excellent Silverline Minuet Supreme Plus just to name a few. All of these are in the same price range and, at least IMHO, are better looking speakers if that at all matters. But for sound quality in particular these speakers — especially the Silverlines — would be very stiff competition. Not trying to be a d*ck here, but since you mentioned the Hsus are returnable I just wanted to mention some viable alternatives in case they also may offer something attractive to you and to help potentially avoid the dreaded buyer’s remorse. I will say that if off-axis listening is a priority the Hsus may well be the best choice of the three. Best of luck.

The Hsu’s look like they have a pretty stout driver, definitely larger than the LS50’s, but my question is how would they compare?  I’m thinking LS50’s are more picky about associated equipment and I imagine the HSU’s will have more bass / more slam which LS50’s lack...

What model Velodyne subwoofers are you using.

I have 2 of the HSU HC-1 MK2 center channel speakers that I use as bookshelf speakers in my office setup driven by a Primaluna Dialogue integrated HP hooked up to a Sim Moon 360D CD player, I stand them upright and they sound great they are on 26" heavy steel stands about 14" from the back wall and 24" from the side walls and I'm about 8' from them. They are spaced about 10' apart.
You might want to try your placement somewhere around those dimensions to start with.I also have the HSU VTF-3 MK5 HP sub about half way between them.If you decide you don't like them you could always send them back and try a pair of the HC-1 MK2 speakers instead at half the price.

soix:

I will say that if off-axis listening is a priority the Hsus may well be the best choice of the three. Best of luck.

I've been doing fairly extreme toe-in with my JBL Studio 590's in my surround rig, so I'm pretty much all in when it comes to that.  And thanks!
b_limo:

I imagine the HSU’s will have more bass / more slam which LS50’s lack...

That's what I'm hoping.  Slam, bass and effortless dynamics, both of the macro and micro varieties, are all high on my list.
m-db:

What model Velodyne subwoofers are you using

. A pair of DLS-4000R's from about '06.
Another thanks to all for the help and advice!