HB-1 MK2 Speaker
- Regular price
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$179.00 - Regular price
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$199.00 - Sale price
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$179.00
The HB-1 MK2 is an affordable and compact speaker known for its wide soundstage and fatigue-less listening experience.
- Most affordable and smallest speaker in the HSU lineup
- Horn loaded which provides more efficiency in high frequencies
- Controlled directivity horn allows for a smoother, more musical, off-axis response that lessens the impact of the room on the sound
- When toed in properly, the constant directivity horn provides a very wide soundstage
- Though horn loaded, the speaker is not harsh at high frequencies, reducing ear fatigue even after long listening periods
- Smooth satin black painted finish
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HB-1 & HC-1 Overview
More Product Details & FAQs
How we distinguish our products from others
What distinguishes HSU from the rest is that we are an engineering driven company. This is reflected in the quality of our products.
It is common for other companies to focus on cosmetics and marketing gimmicks. They follow the marketing adage to "sell the sizzle, not the steak". HSU is different. We focus on pure audio engineering and on building a better mousetrap. We obsessively concentrate on product performance and reliability. Each HSU product is carefully engineered by Dr. Hsu to provide "high-end" sound in its specified room type. High-end means the best of the best. We hope you will agree.
Attention to customers is another differentiator. Dr. Hsu, founder of HSU, consults privately with customers on a daily basis. This demonstrates his commitment to product quality and home integration. There are few companies who can make that claim.
30-day Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you have 30 days from receiving the item to begin the return process. The customer is responsible for organizing return shipping and ensuring the safe transit of the product(s). We will refund the complete purchase price, minus any shipping charges, after our technicians review the return. The refund happens under four conditions: (1) all items must be in "like new" condition, (2) there must not be any missing items, (3) the product needs to be in transit back to Hsu Research within 30 of delivery (4) you must call us to receive an RMA number. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the item being refused, or you may be charged a 15% restocking fee. In the event that the item(s) returned arrives damaged, the customer is responsible for filing any claims with their courier. Package Orders: In the event that you receive the unit(s) damaged, a replacement unit(s) will be shipped out at no cost to you. However, if you decide to return the entire package, you will be responsible for all shipping and handling charges both ways for all returned items and the same terms as stated above will apply.
If the shipment is rejected, or if the item is sent back to Hsu Research due to failed delivery, by no fault of Hsu Research, the customer will be responsible for shipping both ways.
Hsu Research reserves the right to modify the 30-day tryout policy without notice.
Fast, insured FedEx Ground Shipping
Products are normally shipped with low cost, insured, FedEx Ground with signature required to any destination in the lower 48 states. Due to the cost of the item, we do prefer to send with signature required. However, if the customer would rather send the item with no signature required, the customer can request that in the comment section.
Note that for no signature required:
1) Once the package is delivered, Hsu Research no longer assumes responsibility for the package.
2) Due to the value of the package, it is ultimately up to the FedEx driver's discretion whether to require a signature or not.
We cannot modify the signature requirement after shipping. If you want to have the signature requirement removed, you would need to inform us, in the comment section, when you place the order.
Depending on the location, many items shipped can be held at a nearby FedEx Print & Ship Center. Please contact sales@hsuresearch.com or check the FedEx website to find the nearest location to you.
Shipping times within the 48 states are typically 1-5 business days depending on the location. Note that shipping and delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Hsu Research is not responsible if the shipment is delayed. The day your order is shipped, your FedEx tracking number will be emailed. For online orders, we also update your tracking page with the tracking information. If you do not receive it, be sure to check your spam folder, as some emails tend to end up there. If you are unable to locate the tracking number, give us a call or send us an email at sales@hsuresearch.com and we will be happy to provide you with the tracking info.
For orders shipped outside of the contiguous United States, there will be an additional shipping and handling charge. Email sales@hsuresearch.com for a shipping quote.
It is strongly recommended that you inspect the item as soon as it is delivered. If the item has arrived damaged, Hsu Research must be notified within 21 days of receiving the item.
Do you offer a local pickup option?
Yes, we offer local pickups. If you would like this option over shipping, please give our office a call. It's important to note that for local pickup, you won't be able to pay using PayPal. But all other forms of payment are acceptable.
Industry Reviews
Charles Starrett, Uncrate"Every once in a while you come across a product that isn't just a good deal, but offers quality so far above and beyond what you'd expect for the price that you find yourself recommending it whenever you get the chance. That's the case with these Hsu Research Hybrid 3 Speakers"
Jay Luong, Audio Bacon"During the review, I kept forgetting these are only $699 a PAIR. Their Hybrid 1 2.1 packages with the VTF-1 MK3 subwoofer is only $1,069. Given the fact some of us spend this much on a USB cable, the amount of value you’re getting cannot be understated. The HSU Research CCB-8s are dynamic monsters and image better than some much pricier speakers I’ve heard. There’s also a visceral impact and nuance I can’t experience with my own Omega Compact Alnico 6″ woofer. I also enjoy the thicker tone and warmer sound of these speakers.Keep in mind, this incredible sound comes from cheap speaker wire from Home Depot, a 20-year-old CD-player, and a consumer-grade AV receiver. I think my current nearfield rig exceeds $40,000. Although much more resolving and textured, it does provide a moment of reflection. It also sparks a curiosity as to what it could do for the CCB-8s."
Andrew Robinson, Home Theater Review"To say that for a sub-$200 speaker the HB-1 MK2's neutrality is rather staggering would be an understatement. More impressive, it's the first horn-loaded speaker I've heard that didn't sound "shouty" at volume. In fact, the HB-1 MK2's high-frequency response is practically the very definition of smooth. Does the HB-1 MK2's tweeter sparkle and shine the way many newer, more esoteric tweeters do nowadays? No, not exactly, but in not sounding like (or should I say chasing) what others are doing, it manages to be unique in its own right and the result is nothing but natural - not to mention non-fatiguing.
The HB-1 MK2's midrange is a real treat, for it is virtually without color and as close to neutral as I think I've heard at this price point and even several clicks above. The upper midrange is so organic and textural that it manages to put to shame a lot of other quality bookshelf speakers costing three and even five times as much. The HB-1 MK2's midrange performance, especially with well-recorded vocals and dialog tracks, is absolutely sublime. Speaking of sublime, the HB-1 MK2's soundstage is stunning and better in my room than even my reference Bowers & Wilkins. The air, detail, dynamics and three-dimensionality found in the HB-1 MK2's soundstage is simply amazing and one of the speaker's best attributes. Equally impressive is the level of detail and delineation that can be heard within the soundstage. While I've heard speakers with better focus, the HB-1 MK2 gets so much of the equation right that you'll come out of pocket a lot more before you begin to improve upon what the HSU's provides you out of the box."
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Jeff Van Dyne, Home Theater Sound"I’ve heard many speakers costing several times the price of the HB-1 that don’t do nearly this well.... Very impressive.The Hsu Research surround system of HB-1 Mk.2, HC-1 Mk.2, and VTF-3 Mk.3 is outstanding by any measure. When you take into account the price, it becomes an astonishing value. The speakers look and sound like nothing I’ve previously encountered in this price bracket. More important, they breathed life into whatever I played through them, which is what it’s all about. Budget-conscious shoppers owe it to themselves to give this system a very close listen."
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Juan C. Ayllon, Ayllon Media"Adds a whole new level of visceral experience to the viewing"
"handles delicate passages or those demanding speed and accuracy with ease. Bottom line, it really works in my system and is fit company for the likes of Von Schweikert, LampizatOr, and Mark Levinson equipment whether playing music or presenting action movies. Therefore, I am heartily recommending it and buying my review sample."
Todd Anderson, Home Theater Shack"On to the Best Real World Gears award, with 'Real World' meaning gear that's not only highly affordable but a legit performer. Without question, this award goes to the incredibly gracious folks at HSU Research."
William Schuchard, Stereomojo"It's easy to create a loudspeaker. It's hard to create a great loudspeaker. It's darn nearimpossible to create a great loudspeaker at a great price. Somebody must haveforgotten to tell Dr Hsu about this when he designed the HSU HB1 MK2."
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