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Have you ever used a separate speaker selector unit to audition speakers? Would you?

I'm anticipating a big "bake-off" between speakers competing for my affection. I have a tube amp that requires shut down, short break, between speaker changes. So, I'm thinking of getting a speaker selector box to do this. I don't want to spend a mint, but if the speakers are multi-thousand, it seems that spending a little money to really compare them might be worth it.

I know that such interpositions of wires and hardware degrades the sound. But this would be done to all speakers being compared -- so it would remain a level playing field.

Of course, if it trashes them all, then no comparisons can really be done.

Any thoughts about auditioning speakers at home with a speaker selector box?
128x128hilde45
mrklas
441 posts
 
I have only experienced a switcher in a store.

My general concern with "A" vs "B" comparisons is when listening to music our brains can 'color' the sound by adding memories to the equation.  Therefore, I've been more inclined to be introspective on what I hear and how I feel during the listening.  

And in the end I believe most of us like listening to music so I am comfortable with my decision being my decision because I'm sure that with enough time and effort I could realize my decision was merely good versus the 'best'.

In other words, enjoy your process!
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
I have more or less accepted the answer that "quick switching" is not the way to go.
By accident, I heard this said this morning by Hans Beekhuyzen — don't switch quickly to evaluate speakers.
https://youtu.be/idxT7VVYyxo?t=523 
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dbphd
1,630 posts
 
What about switching between amps driving a single speaker?  I use an Ayre VX-5 Twenty stereo amp to drive KEF Reference 1s, but would like be able to switch easily to Cary single-ended monoblocks on occasion.  Any recommended switches for that? 
jetter
3,035 posts
 
hilde45, if you can purchase a good switcher at a reasonable price I can't see how using it, along with other means of evaluating speakers, is anything but another tool to help.  I don't think there are many audiophiles who don't understand the emphasized treble and bass routine at this stage of their audio lives, so to bring that up is a bit elementary.  Also, hearing the nuances of the sound of one speaker in near time proximity of another can be interesting and informative.

I do whole heartedly agree that long term listening will always tell how wise a choice you made.

Lastly, you do not get your feathers ruffled to easily the insinuation was there.  You are very diplomatic.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@dbphd Is this what you mean? https://sites.google.com/view/pine-tree-audio/devices/transparent-selector

Thanks, @jetter  I do think you're right -- it's another tool to use. I guess what I've learned is that it's not to be considered a primary tool. 
That said, I have read some interesting things about the ephemerality of aural memory from sources which are bona fide scientific and rigorous. It's not just me, questioning what I just heard. It's well-documented that aural memory is subject to many physical and mental sources of error.
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