A reciever has an amp, preamp and a tuner in it. I assume since you said receiver you will want to listen to the radio?

Athena or Axiom speakers. Given the size of the room, taste in music, budget - I think these would be best. Both are very efficient you don't need much power) will go loud and deep.

Try a Cambridge Audio, NAD or Marantz receiver. Anything over 40 watts will be plenty for these speakers. Even in a big room with loud music

Athena F2.2 - will go lower in room than specs say. GREAT deal right now in Audio Advisor - $400 a pair
If you want larger go for the M60 or M80 Athena

Try Ebay as well as looking for new

The tone of your question leads me to believe that these alumni you mention will not likely be sitting around in this listening parlor drinking Harvey's Bristol Cream marvelling at the imaging of the string quartet pice that is being played.

Hi Fi gear tends toward the "destructable" end of the electronics range. A lot of it is even too temperamental to hang in an audiophile's listening room, let alone hang tough without breaking in a party style situation.

I would recommend you hit some pro-audio stores and sites to get a more bullet-proof list.

Our gear will probably disappoint you in the performance realm you're looking for.

If there's a Guitar Center store in your area, head on in and chat the salesman up. I bet that will be more valuable than 100 audiophiles talking about delicate treble and fleshed out midrange tones.

Cheers!

Look in Pro Sound here. http://www.partsexpress.com It won't be audiophile stuff, but for little money you can get a big sound to fill that big room of yours. The alum will be pleased.

The MTX speakers, an Audiosource preamp, and a couple of Audiosource 5.3 monoblocks should make for a killer party setup under $1000. Add a 5-disc CD player on random and away you go. If it isn't enough, add another pair of speakers and monoblocks.

Jackfish! Thanks!

I had forgotten about Parts Express. Great recommendation!

Take Jackfish's advice, that's a good website. You can even talk to them on the phone. They're a good company.

Cheers, Jackfish!

In selecting speakers, the greater the sensitivity the easier they go loud without the need for high powered amplifiers. A very inexpensive way to get loud volume.

If you can find something around 94db, you should be able to create your own earthquakes.

Klipsch LaScalas, something like 104 db / watt.

I've owned a pair for near 30 years and they will part your hair with some dandruff to spare .

Available new for something like $5,500 or can be had on Ebay for probably under $1,500?

http://www.klipsch.com/products/lists/heritage.aspx

Quote:
A reciever has an amp, preamp and a tuner in it. I assume since you said receiver you will want to listen to the radio?

Athena or Axiom speakers. Given the size of the room, taste in music, budget - I think these would be best. Both are very efficient you don't need much power) will go loud and deep.

Try a Cambridge Audio, NAD or Marantz receiver. Anything over 40 watts will be plenty for these speakers. Even in a big room with loud music

Athena F2.2 - will go lower in room than specs say. GREAT deal right now in Audio Advisor - $400 a pair
If you want larger go for the M60 or M80 Athena

Try Ebay as well as looking for new

Cerwin Vega Lease Breakers would do the job nicely.

Sure spec efficient, BUT it only goes to 51Hz ? +- 4 dB !! And top end is only 17kHz....121 dB SPL capable, but it sure don't...specs put it somewhere in teh BLOSE category, mid bass is not bass. Highs read very limited, but it sure will play LOUD with no watts. As it says it is unchanged since the early days, thus it has pretty poor specs. It's a PA speaker actually. Total power capable is pretty limited also. Speakers have come a long lon gway, these do seem stuck in teh past. Probably good back in teh 50's and 60's. Actually PA speakers have improved check out www.slsloudspeakers.com Ribbons baby, without Ribbons there is no highs