Free in-home testing?

@mlenow here are some I can think of off the top of my head. I’ve limited it to ones that will provide a full refund. There are some additional ones that will charge a restocking fee. You may be responsible for shipping in some cases, but I think that’s pretty fair.

• Magnepan allows for a home trial of some of their models.
• I offer a 30 day trial period on my Neko Audio DAC.
• Audeze has a 30 day trial period.
• HSU Research has a 30 day trial policy.
• Zu Audio has a 60 day trial period.
• Axiom Audio has a 30 day trial period.
• Ascend Acoustics has a 30 day guarantee.

There’s also Music Direct. They offer a 60 day satisfaction guarantee on most equipment and accessories and carry a bunch of brands.

You mentioned World Wide Stereo and they have a 60 day money back guarantee also. So you could choose to order something for delivery instead of driving 70 minutes. Although spending a couple hours driving in order to spend several hours listening to a bunch of different stuff at once seems like it could be well worth it. And you could then try a few items at home to decide for sure.

Likewise, I bet a bunch of smaller brands, particularly ones who sell Internet-direct, would be happy to accommodate you in some way if you’re upfront about wanting to try something out.

Fritz

Showrooms near me are getting harder


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If you do your research, , takes  time , you'll know what you are getting youeslf into. If its a keeper, BINGO, Loot winner, If the speaker turns out a  loser, 
Just how are you going to return a  pair of speakers weighing 200+ lbs??
can't. 
I just bought a  pair of  single drivers, going to build my cabinets. 
Over seas, Impossible to return, $1800, 
No gamble. 
Knew exactly this is what I wanted. 
So anyone in New Orleans area, feel free to stop in for a  demo. 
This  might be a  great option for speaker labs , set up home demos in every US city. 

No,   folks do not want a  return guarantee policy.
Shipping is a pain and expensive, Not doable.
AS I say, the more you research the less your risk factor.

The idea that you can really judge speakers in a dealer's showroom is foolish: the biggest single influence on the sound is the room.  Moreover, the dealer is probably not using the same source and same electronics that you will be using.  And you will not be able to listen for 15 days.

Magnepan offers a 60 day trial but you have to pay return shipping; Ohm and some other speaker manufacturers have a similar policy.  But if the speakers weight 100 lbs each this may not b practical.

Among the big online stores, I think Crutchfield has the best return policy: 60 day trial and they will send you a prepaid return label.  I have only returned equipment but the charge was $10 (now $12 I think).  They say the cost to return tower speakers is $75 each. 

If SVS is paying shipping both ways that is an amazing policy.