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I've got tons of advise, but I'll keep mine to one point:
Mating the speaker to the correct amp/receiver is important. I'll toss out the "rolled-off sounding electronics should be mated to bright speakers and vice versa". In the end, it's very difficult to tell WHAT one really enjoys until they've owned the system in their own home and familiarize themselves with the system.
My point is POWER. I find that, more often than not, speakers are hardly every used to their full potential because there simply isn't enough power in the sub $800 receiver range to power many of the towers. The reason I'm using $800 as a reference point is because many of these receivers don't have pre-outs for adding an outboard amp later on.
Tossing out the more "critical listening" terms like "smoothness, air, etc.", basic characteristics like "controlled and focused bass, full bodied mids, dynamics, and less distortion" are the main things for a first time buyer to concentrate on. These three characteristics are the basic attributes of a good speaker and the proper amount of power should be applied. Later on, when their ears become more critical, considering upgrading the receiver to a pre/pro and then even a better amp is always a logical step up.
Of course, when considering sub/sat systems, many of the above points become moot. For those considering a long term HT set up with larger speakers, I would try demoing the speakers with at LEAST TWO sets of amps/receivers in different power categories so as to hear how much the sound can vary on the speakers that he/she is considering.
Much of this applies to the large electronic store customers who are restricted to the often improperly set up systems in the demo rooms.
Elbert
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