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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
stickman451
553 posts
 
I would second the comment above on knowing your room; what size is your room and what limitations (if any) do you have on speaker placement? All of those speakers you mentioned are very good; very good in the right room...

Second, I also agree with trying used; you can get some really great deals on used speakers right here on Audiogon. Narrow down your choices to a couple of candidates then watch for the best deal on nice used pair.
altbrewer OP
24 posts
 
While I appreciate the specific speaker suggestions that have been posted - they have opened my eyes (ears?) to others I should consider - I am really looking for a methodology to evaluate speakers when they are auditioned at different times in different settings and with different electronics. I agree that the best evaluation is in my own listening room, and that is how I picked my current speakers.

Regarding the comment that there is no common thread in the speakers I listed - there is, but it is not an obvious audiological one. They are speakers I have heard briefly and liked, and have been well spoken of. I do not feel I heard them long enough or with music of my choosing, so I would want to audition them in greater depth before making a buying decision.

I would buy used if I wanted to use the hit or miss buy and sell method, but if I take up the dealers time and resources, I am more inclined to buy from the dealer. Still, if the dealer of the model I decide upon does not give good service, then I would hope to find what I want used.

Finally, my room is 19x17 feet with the speakers on the shorter wall. Currently they are almost 4 feet from the front wall and about 3 feet from the side, positioned by the Iron Chef Speaker Setup Protocol. I'm not sure my wife will tolerate this much longer as they are almost directly in front of the door from the garage and really need to be closer to the wall to satisfy her.
timlub
2,041 posts
 
Methodology????? A great thread on its own... My first impressions are based on tonal balance, is the bass tight, fast, full, boomy??? Is the mid range through the top end articulate, detailed and smooth? I've built alot of speakers in my time, I'm a stickler for drivers matching sensitivity and am annoyed by mis matches. Next, I listen for sound stage, I have recordings that I am very aware of. Is the stage as deep, wide, tall as I am used to, how is instrument placement on stage? Are these speakers dynamic? Yes/No, what amplification are they using and how does that affect the dynamics, warmth or lack of, dryness or sweetness on top or total accuracy. You get the idea, this can go on and on front end? cd? phono section, cables, yadda yadda yadda. Good luck, Tim
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,936 posts
 
The issue here is matching- you might want to look at this:
http://www.atma-sphere.com/papers/paradigm_paper2.html

IOW, If you know that you are wanting to use tubes (Mac275), you have to look at speakers that are friendly to tubes. Since tube power tends to be more expensive, I would reject speakers that have low efficiencies (less than 90 db) unless you are in a small room.

Its helpful to look at the designer's intention- does he use tubes or transistors? In many ways, that is the easiest guide to start with. Wilsons, FWIW, are tube-friendly. B&Ws generally are not.
hifitime
715 posts
 
Atmasphere,you are saying,get at least 90 db at 8 ohm speakers.If you get 4 ohm speakers,wouldn't 93 db at 4 ohms,for efficiency ratings,be a more comparable match? Or,would it be better just to shop for 8 ohm speakers to play it safe? There is a roughly 3 db volume drop(going by ear),using the 4 ohm tap instead of the 8 ohm tap of a transformer coupled amp.
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