@oldaudiophile:
"I like to think I've acquired enough audiophile smarts over the years to be able to factor in variables like different sound rooms, different acoustics, source equipment, etc. I always make a point of controlling for as many of those variables as possible when I make appointments, to the point of specifically requesting which components I want the shops to use if they don't have something exactly like what I have. I even ask them, for example, specifically how I want speakers set up in the sound room. In short, I try to replicate or, rather, approximate as closely as possible, the conditions I have to contend with at home. In this last experience, the speakers I bought actually sound better under my roof than they did in the showroom".
Sorry for implying you might need assistance-- clearly, you know very well what you're doing !
I do a lot of research as well, largely due to the fact that my budget for audio is relatively modest, which means I often look at products from smaller, lesser-know manufacturers, as they may offer more for one's dollar. For example, I first read about Wells amps in a thread about Salk speakers and came across mention of Aqua DACS in a similarly oblique fashion. Jeff Wells shipped me a demo Majestic and Alma Music in San Diego sent me a demo Aqua La Voce. When research led to the conclusion that a SimAudio 280 transport was probably the best choice for my budget, I contacted the closest dealer, who refused to send me one. However, I was able to get one from a shop in Denver. In all three cases seller's flexibility in this regard led to my buying new units.
I have monitors, so I'm never going to be wrestling with 100 lb cabinets but I can certainly sympathize with the dilemma that demoing such units at home might pose. I lack your self-confidence, however, so I'd still insist upon a home demo, rather than listening in a showroom.
"I like to think I've acquired enough audiophile smarts over the years to be able to factor in variables like different sound rooms, different acoustics, source equipment, etc. I always make a point of controlling for as many of those variables as possible when I make appointments, to the point of specifically requesting which components I want the shops to use if they don't have something exactly like what I have. I even ask them, for example, specifically how I want speakers set up in the sound room. In short, I try to replicate or, rather, approximate as closely as possible, the conditions I have to contend with at home. In this last experience, the speakers I bought actually sound better under my roof than they did in the showroom".
Sorry for implying you might need assistance-- clearly, you know very well what you're doing !
I do a lot of research as well, largely due to the fact that my budget for audio is relatively modest, which means I often look at products from smaller, lesser-know manufacturers, as they may offer more for one's dollar. For example, I first read about Wells amps in a thread about Salk speakers and came across mention of Aqua DACS in a similarly oblique fashion. Jeff Wells shipped me a demo Majestic and Alma Music in San Diego sent me a demo Aqua La Voce. When research led to the conclusion that a SimAudio 280 transport was probably the best choice for my budget, I contacted the closest dealer, who refused to send me one. However, I was able to get one from a shop in Denver. In all three cases seller's flexibility in this regard led to my buying new units.
I have monitors, so I'm never going to be wrestling with 100 lb cabinets but I can certainly sympathize with the dilemma that demoing such units at home might pose. I lack your self-confidence, however, so I'd still insist upon a home demo, rather than listening in a showroom.