It is hard enough buying new speakers, let alone older speakers to use as an upgrade

Afer reading some excellent contributions on this forum such as the ones by prof or this recent one by duckworp

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/a-brief-review-of-15-high-end-speakers-on-home-demo-including...

the full extent of my laziness when it comes to checking out loudspeakers has gradually dawned on me.

For years I just checked out magazine reviews and made no effort to get out there and listen. Apart from one show in Manchester 10 years ago and a short trip to hear the Naim Ovator S 600 (with it’s BMR driver) I had done nothing until last weeks show in Leamington Spa.

However my experience there only confirmed my worst suspicions. I know it’s been said thousands of time before, but it’s undeniably true - in the end you have to listen for yourself. No amount of reading can give you anything more than a rough pointer (I guess it’s similar with cars).

But jperry’s advice could also be a great alternative strategy providing you have the space, time and resources. If I did, then I would keep my favourite speakers and just buy and try replacements in a second system.

As things stand I need to get out and listen to a few SOTA designs like Joseph Audio speakers, Linkwitz Labs 521s, or TD Eclipse 712z’s, and maybe something by Boenicke Audio. Even if I wasn’t intending to buy, I’m sure the effort would be worthwhile and memorable.

Sometimes the only way to hear a cerrain loudspeaker might be via private sellers who welcome an audition beforehand.
Dealers can often only usually stock a handful of similar sounding models.

And definitely catch a few shows or launch next year.

@cd318 I strongly recommend a visit to Midland Audio X-change, in the fairly quaint village of Belbroughton, a little southwest of Birmingham.  Fine listening space, and loads of hi-end speakers.  You could easily spend the day.

shkong78, what do you drive your Lansche with ?

I bought discontinued speakers (SF Auditor M’s) last year based on the strength of the reviews of users here on Audiogon. I’ve never heard them before buying although I had an idea on what to expect. I’m quite happy with how they sound in my house - either I’m lucky or not that picky.

I enjoy reading speaker reviews on forums but sometimes it’s difficult to understand whether the reviewer’s recommendation can apply to you. The difficulty of course is trying to unravel the confounding variables of personal preference and room acoustics.

Duckworp’s journey highlights this problem. He found a solution that worked for him but that’s not to say his choice would work for me or his other considerations would not work for someone else. Without question, his thoroughness allows others to narrow their selection and maybe that’s all you can hope for.