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What do in store listening tests prove?

Please don't take this as the next swipe at retail HT stores. No hidden agendas to boost my ego or salve my conscience. Just a question that I know you all must have more experience with.

When you demo a piece in a theater or studio at a store, what is it really telling you? My instincts suggest to me that all you are really able to validate is how you like the products' sound or performance relative to the the other components it is attached to and the acoustical qualities (or lack thereof) of that particular room setup.

Is there any way to make some educated interpolation of how a product will sound in your own personal listening environment based upon how it sounds in the showroom, short of taking it home and demoing it?

Thanks.
rogocop
stne418
91 posts
 
The two biggest variables you will encounter relate to software and room effects. These are even more significant if you are purchasing full range speakers. You can minimize the software variable by taking your own CDs/LPs, but you probably can not duplicate your room. Some dealers have very good rooms and others have horrible setups. Once you have shortened your list via in-store auditioning you will need an in home audition. Taking the piece(s) home over the weekend while the store is closed is best for the dealer as he/she can not sell if the demo unit is not in store. I do not think trying to do comparisons between similar prospective components at home the first weekend is wise. You may not have enough time to carefully absorb the differences. Be sure and get the unit(s) warmed up too. Take one piece home one weekend and the other the next. Take notes. Maybe do a "shoot out" on the third weekend?
In-store listening is to narrow your list to what you want to listen to at home at best.
foreverhifi
229 posts
 
If the set up is right, and associated gear matches well, you can at least get an idea of what you're dealing with at a store. Still ultimately, trying in your own home/system is ideal.
jsteigert
14 posts
 
A savvy dealer can put together some pretty nice sounding equipment combinations. Recently heard a pair of Quad 989s paired with a Plinius SA 102. Wouldn't have missed this for the world. Killer combination. Bought it for VERY fair money.

I visited a very accomodating dealer last year who swapped an entire line of CJ tube preamps (4) into a system that included a pair of speakers I own. Couldn't believe the difference between the 17LS and the 16LS (although I should have realized that the doubled sticker price has to buy you something). I count this among the most valuable listening sessions I have ever had. The salesman earned my loyalty, and his store my strongest endorsement. My only regret is that this shop is not closer to where I live.

However, I note TWLs post in another thread: "I would rather go to the dentist than walk into a high end audio dealership". I have had this experience as well.
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