When choosing new Speakers, what matters most to you?


When auditioning new speakers have you ever listened to a pair you thought you really liked only to realize you didn’t like them at all after seeing their measurements/specifications? And I’m not talking about speakers that would be too difficult for your electronics to drive but rather, you just didn’t like their waterfall plot, or their frequency response or some other measurement even though subjectively, you loved the way they sounded? Conversely have you ever listened to a pair of speakers you did not care for only to change your mind after seeing their specs?
 

Assuming speakers can be easily driven by your home electronics, in other words, no compatibility issues related to sensitivity or impedance, what is the single most important thing you look for when finding speakers you’ll enjoy listening to? How do you go about confirming the speakers you buy will be enjoyable to listen to in your home system?

128x128ted_denney

A well known brand for sure. American made is great but not a deal breaker. We make very very good speakers in USA but you all know this. Matching the amp I have to the speakers, synergy is a must. If it is not smooth, efficient, non-distortion at high levels, etc... I move on quickly. The British brands have a few nice products . I wish I could try some quad amps and speakers some day, so good! 

I bought the speaker that I liked and then built my system around them. I know the sound I like and as soon as I heard Vandersteen’s I stopped looking. I then went on the journey to put the rest of the system in place. We all know the journey never ends and is a wild but fun ride. Never forget to find the time to enjoy the music!

@cindyment

 

Why did you have to ruin his day by telling him the truth about all the foreign cars he had purchased and drove.
I grew up in a GM town, went to school and am good friends with all the union assemblers and I will tell you that I never have and never will buy a vehicle that they had their hands on.

Even they will tell you that 75% of gm vehicles are now built in mexico and canada in non union plants.

 

I called up the chick with the Stradavarius….said I’ ll have what you got, but in Audi Phantom Black Pearl…

Another in a series of agenda driven, self serving questions… 

BTW, while i own 7 pairs of speakers, my favorites measure great, win awards and come from a reputable made in USA company in business since 1977. 

They have to sound like live music..... and horns do that for me.    Don't really care about specs.... how do they sound is more important