Buying Without Audition

I don't mean to be didactic, but only want you to gain a skill set, before buying speakers based on others reviews.

I'm not a newbie and have been playing around with hi-fi equipment for over 45 years.  The nearest "big city" is Atlanta which used to have several high end gear shops. With the advent of the big box stores and mp3 music, the small shops have gone by the way side.  I made the trip down there and found a very limited range of speakers to audition.  Many of the brands one reads about on this forum and others are not represented by any dealer in the area.  Hence the dilemma.

,,just listen to me......Vandersteen speakers.  Every one in their price point is excellent for their category.  Call John at Audio Connection in New Jersey, and they'll guide you properly (a very large store with lots of brands, up to date knowledge, and they care)

Larstusor, thanks for the clarification, if you do know what 'sound' you like, then you are half way there. In that case, I think it would be okay to buy speakers that you have read about and think you may like. As others have said, reviews must be take with a grain of salt. But, with 45 years of experience, I think you will be okay.

Maybe you should start another thread.
List the characteristics you are looking for in a speaker, the music you listen to, and the kind of room you listen in. I am sure there will be many suggestions that you can then investigate in detail. 

Stringreen, +1 for the Vandys. They have been my Grail speaker for decades. Also, a very +1, for Johnny R at audio connection (a Agon member), he wouldn't steer anyone wrong.

Purchased without auditioning:

Magnepan MMG and MMG Bass panel (new)
Magnepan 3A
Counterpoint Clearfield Metropolitans
Von Schweikert VR2 and VR4
Magnepan 1.7
Thiel CS2.3
Thiel CS3.5

Quite simply put the direct to consumer offer for the MMG's at $599 was too enticing to pass up. $599 with a one year trade up policy?  I took the risk and...thus the 1.7's later on. I love Magnepan.  

My curiosity with Von Schweikert compelled me to buy the Metropolitans which, compared to the 1.7's were huge - and heavy, though way more efficient. The size of refrigerators - and not a college dorm refrigerator.  Compared to the Maggies they struck me as reserved. Got weary of moving them, or trying to.  Good in their own right. 

I'll spare everyone the IMHO details on the others mentioned but in general it was my curiousity that guided me. And my budgets which swing throughout the years. I've stuck since with Maggie and Thiel.  I've never regretted any purchase, each model had/has its own virtues with my associated gear, Pass Labs, McIntosh, Primare, Audio Research...too many to list here. 

Recently I bought a pair of Maggie .7's AFTER auditioning the new 1.7i's - and I'm adding a Rythymik L12 sub to complement them. I still have my Thiel CS3.5's. 

Yes,. I'm nuts. Ain't we all?

Oblgny, I would love to hear your impressions of those other speakers-Non Maggies. Perhaps a PM to me?