You can get by with a moderate amount of amplifier power if you go with one of the Klipsch speakers that has super-high sensitivity.

The Klipsch RP-250F is only $299 each and has a remarkable sensitivity of 96db per watt! Those would be your best bet.

The Sony STR-DH130 receiver has plenty of power for those speakers, sells for $150, and even comes with a remote control unit.

Sound level is inversely proportion to distance, and the laws of physics apply everywhere. Your best bet is to place the speakers as high as you can, possibly on some strongly mounted wood shelves.

Be sure the screws go into the studs at least 3 inches. Put screws through the shelves into the speaker cabinet for earthquake safety. There are normally threaded inserts in the bottom of the speakers you can use to bolt them to the shelves (intended for spikes...).

...would be my preference. You may want to consider having your students being enveloped by sound from each corner, as opposed to cranking two towers from the front of the studio (which would also take up floor space), especially in a 30' x 30' laminate-floored room with (gasp) compressed music. ;-)

Sound from two pairs of mounted bookshelves (or even outdoor) speakers in the corner better address requirements #3 and #4 than a single pair of floorstanding speakers. Of course, you'd have to get a sub (or two), but you'd be able you to tuck it away if you use a wireless model (or a wireless subwoofer kit.) There are a LOT more options with the smaller speakers in your budget. (Plus there are even in-wall options for speakers and subs.)

In our home gym, I put in two pairs of Polk Audio Atrium5 outdoor speakers with a sub, and power them with a re-purposed receiver. Even my WIFE loves the sound down there!
(NOTE: I recommend a receiver because in addition to a remote control, they offer more features and connectivity than almost any amp. If you get a receiver, I HIGHLY recommend DLNA-supported features if you can connect it to a network.)

I always start with Crutchfield for my searches, and recommend you do the same:
http://www.crutchfield.com/g_37900/Bookshelf-Speakers.html
http://www.crutchfield.com/g_12400/Outdoor-Speakers.html

Here is a wireless sub:
http://www.polkaudio.com/Home-Audio-Subwoofers/l/705

...or you can get a wireless sub kit like this one:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-link-xr-24-ghz-wireless-audio-transmitter-receiver-system-for-subwoofers--300-580

Look at all of the features you could get from this Harman Kardon AVR1510 for only $180 (including DLNA!):
http://flash.newegg.com/Product/9SIA08C3EB3167?icid=WP_11_02222016

(Side note: FWIW, Klipsch tend to be a little too bright for my tastes!)

Do let us know what you decide.

That Harman Kardon AVR1510 does NOT have a connection for a second set (aka "B") speakers. So unless it has some sort "all channel stereo" DSP mode, you won't be able to get quad sound from it.

Apologies for the oversight.

sundragonyoga wrote:

commsysman, thanks! greatly appreaciated. Does it make more sense to go with a reciever as opposed to an amplifier?
I'm checking out the Klipsch right now :)

Well, with a stereo receiver you get a free AM / FM tuner; can't hurt.

Welcome! Sun Dragon

match a Pioneer Elite receiver to compliment your dvd/cd player.