$20K to spend on speakers…. . wait! There’s a catch!

@ggc > go with op one as it would be more value.

Blindjim > I’m fast coming to that point of view, despite the spkr I feel I would prefer based on no tangible exp with it/them.

Never heard them. Never even seen them in reality. Postulating on pure articles and owner accounts and spec sheets.

Yet, I still think to myself, hey now, those should be great!.

Amazing. Huh? Damn near stupid when you stop and think about it.

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@gsmith5 > “…Go To Audio shows $600 ticket and $500 room is small price to invest in a $20,000 decision

Blindjim > Absolutely golden!! Very nice.
It seems a very logical and prudent direction if one is gonna get that deep into the pond.

Albeit as well, or in addition following that would be to see the item desired if not shown at an audio convention.

This is the most logical path. Even if it meant spending $5K in travel exp. Given amp (s) could be in order for someone too.

Likely chances are both desired items, speakers, and or amp (s) won’t be at the same place at the same time. Of course. Most o’ the time it just be’s that way.

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@stargazer3 > commission a 3rd party expert to put it all together and then check his or her results out.

Blindjim > that is indeed original and fantastic input. Thanks so very much!

My issue with that is I would have to completely DIVORCE myself from my own ego.

Chances are as well, honing in on exactly what I want esthetically and sonically could be a pretty extended ordeal.

Taking ‘ego’ out of the equation would be most difficult.

> “…one can take a gamble or an educated gamble and buy the second hand speaker blind based just on reviews”.

Blindjim > yep. That is the number one answer IMO so far. Adding in owner commentary and their exp with past speakers.

I’ve done that trip more than a Little with other gear and the results thehn were regularly very good. Albeit, it was with items under $10K retail. Always.

As much as option 2 leads the pack, the ‘travel’ factor makes just as much sense. If not more in an attempt to settle the mind’s intermittent second guessing free floating onslaughts that will fly later on.

I would never trust anyone to choose speakers for me or even do the initial selection. 
It is often difficult to interpret the reviews because before doing it one must 'interpret' the reviewer. Usually I think I can do it with Michael Fremer. The review of the Venture speakers posted here tells me that they are quite indifferent even cold speakers, something that I personally would never choose. If the reviewer is right and honest, he probably is.
Now, Lansche and Focal Utopia are very different. Gut stringed guitar or metal stringed guitar ? It depends, both good.

Yes, forgot to mention, Lansche plasma tweeter should be replaced every 5000-7000 hours, I think.
I have never seen used any Lansche model for less than $20k, though their entry-level $30k + model should be less than that if available.

@Inna
Agreed. Although the plan was original. Using other ears to satisfy my own is problematical. Likely extensive. Unpredictable. Like the toss of a coin. Maybe, maybe not. It would depend then too on the resources of the ‘expert’ as to what he could haul in or arrange elsewhere.

Agreed on knowing more of the hand holding the pen correlates better to what is said in a review. For one, Art Dudley has yet to steer me wrong. I seem to have agreed with a couple others more often than not too.

I would not be above building or hiring someone to construct crates and cutting insulation to fit at these prices.

Thanks very much for the tweeter input.
I’ve been wondering on that tweeter longevity since reading that expose on the 7. Sounded fabulous.

In fact, it arose another thought on driver life too. Surrounds. X overes, etc..

Sorry, this is well off topic but germain to the 7s and other options listed herein.
Do you know how much overall height of speaker plays a part in adopting them to a particular room with standard 8.5 to 9.5 high cielings? I can’t imagine getting another place with ceilings very much higher than that.

never bothered to investigate the relationship of tall speakers to ceiling heights. Always stuck to units of 48 inches or less. Mostly 40in. +- usually.

Go to RMAF. Confirm your initial impressions.