Comparing speakers at home questions


When looking for a new/replacement pair of speakers how do you compare them at home?

I have my current speakers and another pair that I purchased to try out at home in my system. So do you think it’s better to A/B them back to back, like play a song and then switch and play the same song again. Or is it better to listen to one pair for a day, or two, or a week and then switch and listen to those for an extended time? 
I feel like switching between songs gives you an immediate sense of what’s different because you just heard the same song but will listening for longer periods to each speaker allow your ears to adjust to each and give you a better idea of how they will perform long term? Or should I do some of both techniques, quick switches between and longer periods between switching?

mattldm

I think that you are not doing a science experiment. Play one speaker for a couple of days, see how much you ENJOY listening to them, and of course how much fatigue you suffer. Then switch. Do the same.

The goal is not to put together an Excel spreadsheet but to ask what level of comfort and enjoyment suits you most at the end of the day.

Don't try to convince yourself about imaging or details.  Just see what you like and want to hear more of.

BTW, more than one audiophile has discovered they get bored with a single sound no matter what so they've learned to keep a couple of pairs of speakers and/or amps around so they can enjoy the best of them at different times.

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While one is obligated to do a quick A/B or two, just to check for glaring differences. After that. I recommend maybe a week of listening then switch for a week. Try not to listen to the speakers... just listen to the music. Then try to forget when you swap them. This will bring out the real differences... this longer term comparison shows the big differences... in overall presentation, tonal balance.

If you do quick A/B you will use your minds eye (ear) to focus just on one instrument and sound type at a time... it is so limiting and is incredibly confusing. Best to do long term switches and the differences will become very obvious.

 

Good luck.

 You should have a good idea of what your current speakers sound like and are capable of. Just play the new ones with familiar recordings and decide if they're better for you.

If I were comparing I would pick one and listen to them for several days getting to know how they sound then switch.  In my experience, A/B switching doesn’t work well for me.  Unless the speakers are glaringly different, in which case A/B testing could prove useful, listening for an extended period will make even the subtle differences more apparent imo.  I would also suggest making some sort of playlist that covers the genres of music you like and use that for both extended listening periods.