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Buying Without Audition

Surely I'm not the only one with the dilemma of living out in the boonies with no audio equipment dealer (other than Walmart) within 100+ miles.  How does one choose among the many speakers offered in any given price range without listening to them before buying?  The reviews are often skewed by self interest and, in any event, what you hear and what you like is completely subjective and the prosaic descriptions in the reviews mean different thing to different people.  After all, you really can't accurately describe in words what someone else might hear. The problem is compounded if you wish to buy "used" from a private party as there often is no right of return, and when there is, the cost of shipping both ways is a significant consideration, especially when looking for floor speakers.

Any educated suggestions?
larstusor
larstusor OP
59 posts
 
2 1/2 hours North of Atlanta, GA;
2 1/2 hours East of Chattanooga, TN;
2 1/2 hours West of Asheville, NC.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
Well, you're not in the boonies.
I am pretty sure Atlanta has a few good shops that would make it a day trip.
Come on guys, let's give larstusor some help.
perfectpathtech
236 posts
 
Hi, I am not a shill, troll, only wish to share my experience, I would recommend calling Walter at underwood hifi, Bought from him last fall, there was a problem down the road with the piece of gear  I purchased, his customer service was beyond A+. I am pretty sure
he offers home audition on almost all of his product lines. He also owns Emerald Physics Speakers. Good luck with your quest! 
michaela
314 posts
 
I'm late to the discussion here but wanted to chime in to say, yes, you can buy without audition. I have bought probably 10 pairs of speakers that way. I always make sure I narrow down a list of a few I am interested in after reading reviews and/or the many audio forums out there. I make sure I buy them with the original boxes, packing and manuals and with patience, at a good price. If I find the speakers aren't my cup of tea, I resell them usually for around the price I paid. I have gone through many sets of speaker brands that way. I know this won't work for everyone, but for me, I've had no problems.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
Well, the last two posts show you two different ways to pursue you goal.
You can either find a dealer in a large city and make time to audition all the speakers you think you will like, or, you can take a 'best guess' at the sound you like, based on reviews. Should the speakers not turn out to be your 'cuppa', just sell them and keep trying.
IMHO, if you are new to hifi/audiophile stereo, I would make an effort to find dealers close to you. Spend time and listen. When you get a sense of what you like, then you can make a more informed decision on speakers you have yet to hear. 

I did this in my 20's, and it is something I can honestly say still carries into today. I know what I like and why I like it.
Once you have that information, then you can make educated decisions.

I don't mean to be didactic, but only want you to gain a skill set, before buying speakers based on others reviews. In my opinion, it will save you a lot of time, money, and disappointment. Also, you will get to meet other people who love and enjoy listening to music.
All the Best
Bob
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