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Not Enough Options for Auditioning Speakers

am in the market for a great two channel music system. They will be set up in a dedicated listening room that is 12'x17'x9'. The room is carpeted but not treated.

My budget is around $15k-$20k for speakers, wires, amp+preamp (or integrated).

I prefer towers as I like the full range and have had bad luck with integrating a sub. I started my search with B&W 805's and Sonus Faber Olympica I's (which are still on my short list)

My problem is that most of the dealers in my area do not carry very many brands, so it is hard to compare. I cannot even find one that carries the KEF reference.

I am leaning right now to the Sonus Faber Olympica III's but also really like the B&W 803 D3. I wish I could hear them side by side. The dealer with the SF's is great and has let me do home testing with several speakers and he is recommending the Olympica's.

I read a lot online about auditioning several different speakers but cannot find any place in central Florida that has most of the lines they are suggesting. I know if I pick the SF Olympica's I will be very happy, but I have not even heard the III's! I am just a little frustrated that the consistent advice is to listen to a lot of others, but I can't.

Am I the only one with this problem?

Thanks!
-Mobius
mobiusmu

Showing 6 responses by inna

inna
7,711 posts
 
No you are not, most of us are in the same boat. Even in New York area it is difficult. That's the main reason, I think, why many end up with wrong or not exactly what they want equipment, especially speakers and turntables.
Your budget is pretty good even if you are talking new pieces.
inna
7,711 posts
 
However, this doesn't mean that there is nothing we can do to help. If you describe in details using an advanced language what you would like to accomplish and what your priorities in music and sound are, some people with a lot of experience, not me, might be able to point the way for you. Write a short essay not just say you want this and that.
Another thought. When auditioning insist on the very best source available, and electronics too if possible. The source will set the pace and rhythm. I heard systems with supposedly excellent speakers and amps but inadequate source, and the other way around.
For $10k new you should be able to find excellent speakers but don't expect too much, it will still be a modest level of performance.
When auditioning I first pay attention to the pace rhythm clarity and dynamics of the system, then on how it represents space, then the tone and textures. If it doesn't pass the first test I don't want it even if it has a tone of Amati. Also, the distortion that you may hear could be mostly in the recording.
inna
7,711 posts
 
Something like this? What do others think?
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-in-cherry-2017-08-26-speakers
inna
7,711 posts
 
JM Labs Focal/Allnic or VAC is another well-known match. Vienna, I think, needs poweful solid state, I didn't hear that particular model only a few lower models. What else?..Pass/ Dynaudio, Gryphon/just about anything, Atma-Sphere/Classic Audio, Lamm/Kharma or horns and many more.
inna
7,711 posts
 
I'd say I don't need home auditioning for relatively inexpensive set-up, I would not expect much anyway. If dealer's room is good enough I will hear whatever there is to hear. But $20k speakers - yes, definitely home audition unless the dealer's room is very close to mine, which would not be very likely.
As an additional note, I think building great speaker is very challenging so no wonder that those with excellent hearing and high expectations reject most of them.
inna
7,711 posts
 
soundsrealaudio and gdhal - exactly.
That's why this forum can be so valuable, theoretically. Also, people should be able to write well to describe their impressions in details.
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