Specifications VS Sound Quality

Ages ago I relied heavily on specifications; that was when I was into SS. Once I discovered how much better tubes sounded, even when SS had better specs, I quit relying so heavily on specs.

Impedance is a very important spec for apparent reasons. Presently, I have plans on the drawing board that I don't think will include auditions. In the past, auditioning would have been the first step. Now that high end salons are no longer an option, I'll be relying heavily on past knowledge of "sonic signatures"; such as the difference between CJ and ARC, instead of auditioning; also the "Stereophile" reviews will mean a lot; preferably only "A" ranked equipment. All of that of course will depend on an "A" ranked bankroll, which is pending.

Since auditioning is absolutely out of the question, I will rely heavily on past knowledge, plus reviews, and only the most important specs. I've noticed that within a certain price range, specs are very close.

Fortunately, if the pending bankroll does not materialize, I'll remain comfortably in place. As a footnote, I noticed everything I own costs over twice as much now.

Speakers are the riskiest purchase without an audition, and specs will not tell you what a speaker sounds like. I've heard many of the best speakers that are discussed here, and they are all over the place when it comes to how they sound. Since I like the speakers I got, and I have back problems which makes wrestling with heavy speakers out of the question (setting them up and sending them back) The only option I have is to buy and keep, or leave them alone.

orpheus:

Looks like you've answered the question I'd posed to millercarbon.
The "crux of the biscuit", as F. Zappa might say, appears to be this: 

"Now that high end salons are no longer an option, I'll be relying heavily on past knowledge of "sonic signatures"; such as the difference between CJ and ARC, instead of auditioning..."

I'll assume you've gained this "knowledge of sonic signatures" by listening. 

Speakers are like acoustic guitars, I guess. Last fall, I spent nearly $1000 for shipping a handful of boutique acoustic guitars out here (CA) from various shops back east. Didn't like any of 'em. Got fed up and decided to just keep my mid-level Martin. If I ever upgrade my Silverlines, it will be to the current version. At least I know what sort of sonic signature to expect. 

Thanks for your helpful posts.

This thread has made me aware of the fact that these are some "strange times"; I was considering a Herron phono, but they're no longer being manufactured.

Since I can't audition speakers, and I'm familiar with "Thiel" speakers, I was considering them, but they are no more.

Recently, I received a DAC that was DOA, and they charged me a restocking fee when I sent it back. Maybe my best bet is to just be content with what I have.

Yes, I'm quite familiar with both CJ and ARC; I like CJ pre amps, but I like ARC power amps better.

The best audio I've ever heard in my life was quite simple, it was all top of the line ARC electronics including ARC "CD" player, with top of the line Theil speakers.

This was in a "high end salon" where they had a small theater that was professionally treated for the best acoustics. (who knows how much that had to do with the sound)

This was in 91 or 92, it was before the vinyl craze. I chose the CD, Santana's "Abraxas". I bought that LP in 1970, and wore out many copies since that time, so to say that I was familiar with the music is an understatement.

On this occasion, I heard sounds and music that I've never heard before nor since; it was like being on the set while it was being recorded and being in the same space with the musicians.

Since this was in 91 or 92, that shouldn't be too hard to recreate now, but I got a feeling that the room set up and the people required to do it might cost more than the equipment.