the big one: how do you choose speakers? By what features, data?


I am curious how the experts choose speakers when upgrading? What are the priorities, what would make you stretch your budget?

Based on e.g....

  • brand/company’s reputation
  • price
  • sensitivity
  • crossover frequency
  • compatibility with existing amp, etc.?

I don’t have buyer’s remorse for my last pair but I sure made some stupid choices until I got there, that I could have avoided if I had known about this forum sooner.

 

grislybutter

@mijostyn what are "these physical characteristics"?

That's what I am looking for, quantifiable things that show up in the specs.

@grislybutter , its an important factor, no one wants to spend XXX amount dollars on something and its ugly, you have to stare at it.  For me sound will be sound, how detail and refined will also depend on the amp and souce.  Call me shallow and maybe its me.  I have enjoyed listening to my speakers, the Silverline Sonata II are growing on me each day. 

@webking185 

I think there is more to looks than just looks. Everything (or 90%) is encoded in the looks. The company's DNA, priorities attention to detail, the type of sound they want to accomplish, etc. Unless it's a DIY speaker, I think it's like wine, you can tell the region where it's from based on the looks, and the year.

@grislybutter , like anything in life.  Its the price point that make people wonder.

< 500, no one cares

>2500, people are reading reviews and studying for the SAT

>5000, they need to ask their wives for permission

>10K, buyers remorse

>25K who cares, they look awesome

>50K, doesn't care on anyone's opinion as is probably not reading these forums.