Not Enough Options for Auditioning Speakers


am in the market for a great two channel music system. They will be set up in a dedicated listening room that is 12'x17'x9'. The room is carpeted but not treated.

My budget is around $15k-$20k for speakers, wires, amp+preamp (or integrated).

I prefer towers as I like the full range and have had bad luck with integrating a sub. I started my search with B&W 805's and Sonus Faber Olympica I's (which are still on my short list)

My problem is that most of the dealers in my area do not carry very many brands, so it is hard to compare. I cannot even find one that carries the KEF reference.

I am leaning right now to the Sonus Faber Olympica III's but also really like the B&W 803 D3. I wish I could hear them side by side. The dealer with the SF's is great and has let me do home testing with several speakers and he is recommending the Olympica's.

I read a lot online about auditioning several different speakers but cannot find any place in central Florida that has most of the lines they are suggesting. I know if I pick the SF Olympica's I will be very happy, but I have not even heard the III's! I am just a little frustrated that the consistent advice is to listen to a lot of others, but I can't.

Am I the only one with this problem?

Thanks!
-Mobius
mobiusmu
I'd say I don't need home auditioning for relatively inexpensive set-up, I would not expect much anyway. If dealer's room is good enough I will hear whatever there is to hear. But $20k speakers - yes, definitely home audition unless the dealer's room is very close to mine, which would not be very likely.
As an additional note, I think building great speaker is very challenging so no wonder that those with excellent hearing and high expectations reject most of them.
Mobius, I hope you come out of Irma OK. There are problems and then there are PROBLEMS. God bless.
Certain speaker brands are known for mating well with a wide range of amps and being easier to drive. Canton, Pro-Ac, and Vandersteen are among them, I think.
Also Primare amps and integrateds are not sensitive to speaker loads.
I doubt that you'll find a place to audition Cantons, though.
Get in touch with John at AudioConnection in NJ....He sells everything and is very willing to give advice.  Look up his phone number and give him a call...you won't regret it.
+1 for Johnny.
He won't try to sell you something.
-Only give you good advice.
For free.
B