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Buying Without Audition

Surely I'm not the only one with the dilemma of living out in the boonies with no audio equipment dealer (other than Walmart) within 100+ miles.  How does one choose among the many speakers offered in any given price range without listening to them before buying?  The reviews are often skewed by self interest and, in any event, what you hear and what you like is completely subjective and the prosaic descriptions in the reviews mean different thing to different people.  After all, you really can't accurately describe in words what someone else might hear. The problem is compounded if you wish to buy "used" from a private party as there often is no right of return, and when there is, the cost of shipping both ways is a significant consideration, especially when looking for floor speakers.

Any educated suggestions?
larstusor
facten
2,881 posts
 
I'm the exception to the other posters, being in a similar situation where there are no local dealers I've repeatedly purchased without audition, and with the exception of  one integrated amp, haven't been disappointed, nor have I found "synergy" to be a problem.

Not saying this is the approach to follow, just saying that haven't personally suffered angst over this. 
goose
696 posts
 
There a lot variables.  Do you already have the electronics and source devise?  What kind of expenditure are we talking about?  Does your taste run to more of an analytical, resolving type of sound or do you like a warmer sound.  What kind of room are we talking about.  The larger the expenditure the more I would be inclined to travel to listen.   
waterzlife
139 posts
 
Audition at other audiophiles homes til you find speakers you like...then work backwards toward the source components...listening at friends homes....or nearby audio nuts you meet thru Audiogon and other sites.
meerzistar
232 posts
 
A collection of reviews can be helpful if options are limited. That and try to choose newer equipment in good shape and that's favorable among the masses so turning it over again wont be as much trouble. Youll have to eat shipping fees but its not as painful as getting stuck with something you really didn't want.   
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
423 posts
 
bcgator is spot on. I bought a pair of Snell Type B's in 1993. I can't even remember what source factors contributed to that decision. When they arrived, I set them up and to my horror they sounded terrible! BUT, I was forced to listen to them because I was stuck with them. Over one year, I threw everything at them I could get my hands on from cables to CD players and different positions in the room. What a pay off it was! I've been a Snell fan ever since. 
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