Buying Without Audition

I buy things that are like things I like. 

Harbeths are like Spendors and I like Spendors. 

So I've bought Harbeths unheard many times and never regretted it.  

I've gotten burned a few times buying speakers that are popular that I ended up hating.  

Though I gave you advice to seek out a dealer earlier, I realized later that I didn't take my own advice recently.
On a whim, and with some persuasion from another Agoner, I bought a pair of Zu speakers, based only on word of mouth. As others have said, buying used saves you lots of money that will not be recoup-able should you decide to sell later on. Since, I have my other equipment pretty well set up (as in: I'm not going to change anything soon), I felt taking a chance on these speakers was okay- If I hate them, I'll sell'em and hopefully not loose too much on the deal.

Though you haven't stated it, I am assuming you don't have any other equipment (amps, preamps, etc). In which case, I think you will be best served by making an effort seeking out a dealer and spending some time listening and getting acquainted with the brands out there. To be honest, it was the most fun part of getting a stereo system.   

I'm located in Louisiana and Hi-Fi shops are few and far between.  I started researching speakers and a picky audio friend said that I should audition OHM speakers as he inherited a pair from his brother and he was sure that I would be more than happy with them.  After reading everything I could find on OHM, I took the plunge and ordered a pair of the micro-talls.

The speakers took about 60 hours to break in, and the end result was so impressive that I ended up sending them back and upgrading to a pair of OHM 1000's.  It cost me $95.00 to ship the micros back but I didn't care.  I needed something that could handle a bit more power.

My advice to you is to research all the companies that will allow you a home trial.  Ohm offers a 120 day trial period.  Also, do your homework and read up on as many speakers as you can to see what the owners say, positive and negative about them.  That helped me make my decision.  Good Luck

Joe

Same here, I'm in a 'no audio' zone. I generally buy used gear, some local and some not. All I've really gained from buying local is saving freight and making sure everything worked- the actual judgement happened at my house in my system. 

This group is generally very helpful and searching the past threads should give you a rough idea of how a product performs and sounds. I've leaned toward products that had consistent themes throughout the threads and have been happy with most purchases. Local or not- I read up, and if I can't get a good gut feel I steer clear.

As some have told you already, if you buy preowned your downside risk is limited. Also, return shipping can be pricey, but it's good option to have if you buy from a dealer. I've read about shows and would love to attend, but have also read the show set ups are not always the best gauge of performance for various reasons. 

My advice is do the research, read and ask. You will generally find more written on products that have been around for a little while.

Good luck,
gary

It's a tough one, but I think the advice so far is quite sound.  Best Buy Magnolia, which is relatively easy to find, carries B&W, Sonus Faber, and Martin Logan.  They also carry McIntosh electronics, so if you find yourself near a Magnolia, you can get a taste for these easy to find and high quality brands.  I suppose if I were you and I had my mind on a particular brand, gearing up for a purchase, I would read every review in print, study the company design philosophy and methodology, and if possible, take a trip to a dealer to listen to a couple of the models.  At that point I would search for a great deal, on agon, or at a dealer, and take the plunge!  Worst case scenario, you'll have to live with them for a while and sell them, hopefully for about what you paid.  Good luck!