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How to shop for speakers?

OK, I've got the upgrade bug. My problem is how to evaluate speaker auditions given the limited local choices and the inevitable differences in amplification, room, etc. I have a local dealer who will let me do home audition, but he does not carry 4 of the 5 brands I am interested in after attending RMAF. He is even getting the mfgr to send a pair for my audition. My problem is how do I judge the various speakers given the variability in listening environments and the time lapses between listening. Buying used for home auditioning and selling what I do not like does not seem practical to me given the price range I am looking at - not much available used in this range and too much potential for significant loss with each transaction. Besides what if I sell one I later decide was the best.

My short list after attending RMAF:

B&W 800d or 802d - not so impressed after dealer demo
Dynaudio Confidence C4 - waiting for dealer to get one for demo
Wilson Sasha or Sophia3 - was blown away by the soundstage of the Sophias at RMAF
I would like to audition Revel Salons or Studios or Sonus Faber Elipsa but local dealers are installers and do not have demo capability

My favorite at RMAF was JM Labs Maestro Utopia but they are out of my price range new.

Amplification is McIntosh MC501 ( this makes me a non-audiophile since I read in another thread that audiophiles do not use Mac equipment - I'm fine with that since I really like the music more than the equipment). But, I would like to hook up a MC275 during the hot summer months to listen at low to moderate levels.o

Not sure if this is a gripe or a request for advice, but I will appreciate any guidance that is offered other than the usual " you listen and decide" I already appreciate that.
altbrewer
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Use your own CD's to evaluate and compare each finalist with the same tracks. Use a variety of music. Do not be surprised if some things sound better on one speaker but other things sound worse. Try to go with a speaker that presents the sound from your catalog correctly balanced rather than what sounds overly pleasant - it is hard to resist a speaker with plenty of bass (all your selections have this in spades) but try to look for balance as it will be more rewarding in the long run.

The Revels are the more balanced speaker in everything you have mentioned so far but they might not impress you in a ten minute demo as much as something with heavier bass. However, they might be more rewarding over the long haul.

With a bit of experience you can tell what is room and what is the speaker behavior. A good speaker will sound the same at any volume but at high levels the room will come to life and get energized. Excessive volumes in a space that is too small will sound harsh and claustrophobic. Speakers nearly always sound better given more space (within reason of course)
altbrewer OP
24 posts
 
Stanwal, I proofread my posts but missed the error in this one. Of course, I meant to say I used the MC275 in winter, not summer. Also, I would not expect the MC275 to drive any of these speakers to loud volumes, but only for quiet, mellow listening.

To all other responders, thanks. I do believe that home audition would be the best way to judge a speaker, but it doesn't seem practical in this price range. I am not opposed to buying used, but I am not sure that I would feel I got good value if the trial and error process went on too long with, say, a 10% loss each time, for speakers costing this much.

I feel pretty good about looking at the listening room at the dealer and comparing it with mine to get an idea of how the speaker might work at home, but not so much with figuring the impact of the different electronics and cables.

I spent my entire career using objective data to formulate my work product, so I guess what I am looking for is a systematic method that will allow me to compare speakers in different locations at different times. Using a single set of music tracks is a good idea, and I am in the process of making notes about what I listen for with each cut.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
I'm reluctant to recommend a speaker to someone I don't know, but I kind of like Stanwal's recommendation if the JM Lab house sound appeals to you.
inna
7,296 posts
 
6550C, your approach is interesting but not, I think, without flaws. You really liked three very different pairs of speakers - SoundLab, Meridian and Mirage. They all must've had something in common in the way they presented music. Do you know what that was?
Altbrewer, I guess you are prepared to replace your amplifiers and cables to better match the speakers you very much like, just perhaps not right away. Because if not you will make your task even more difficult. Say, Revel and Sonus Faber are quite different. A number of years ago I heard both, near top of the line models, with different amplification and definitely preferred Revel. If I remember correctly, Revels were driven by Krell monoblocks and Sonus Faber by McIntosh. Revels had clarity, dynamics and balance. Sonus were too mellow and romantic and slow.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Maybe......spend the weekend in the nearest large city with dealers for what you want to audition. Have everything pre-arranged so stuff is waiting when you show up and you can get down to some serious business. Having Mac amps is almost a must.....and a PIA to bring with you, especially if you must fly.

Some speakers may eliminate themselves from the running and you can than concentrate on the rest.

I know of no way to decide other than by ear. I could say.....'Get Magnepan MG20.1s and be done with it.' Never saw your room and have no idea if you like panels. Your listed choices strike me as different, or maybe without a 'theme'.

Post back when you make a purchase....with a 'mini' review.....
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