Hi Bill -

I don't have any direct experience in this particular market but I can at least give an opinion based off of what I've heard while at bars/gyms/places.

The best I've consistently heard are from JBL.

Why would I say this - well - typically if I am at a place and I hear the music and it either is surprisingly good quality of sound I'll look, or if it is ass I'll look. JBL for me have always tended to surprise me at the quality of sound. Both in bars and gym.

Just thinking out loud - but I would suggested getting some receiver or amplifier with tone controls. It will probably be cheaper to reduce the highs that way than put up dampening material around your bar. And remember you can always add to or subtrack bass by the distance the speaker is to the rear wall.

Good luck - sounds like a fun project - let me know what you decide on - and where's the bar? I think it is beer 30, right?