2. speakers
  3. 174968-168476

In home speaker demo- Wilson Sabrina with older McIntosh equipment-- how long to decide?

I have ordered from our local dealer a new pair of the older model Wilson Sabrinas (not X) and would appreciate others experiences on the length of time to keep them in the home to make a decision.  I love the sound of the Sabrina's, having demoed them in their shop, with my older original McIntosh equipment (2125 amp, C28 pre amp), but with a much higher end streamer (dcs Bartok) than I own (Sonos Connect)- but I am going to demo the Naim Nd5XS2.  We are some distance (four hour drive) from our Wilson dealer and have agreed on a plan where they bring up two sets of speakers-- one, a demo set, and two, a brand new set yet unboxed.  Our plan is to set up and position properly the demo set, and then let me listen for a couple of hours.  If I love them, we swap them out with the new set, and the sale is complete (it includes the delivery charge).  If I really dislike them, we put them back in the truck, and I pay the dealer for their time to deliver.  If I'm uncertain they leave the demo model with me,  and return to their shop with the new set.  If I decide to keep them t I will have to pay them for the return trip up to deliver the new set, and return the demo set (don't think they want to sell the demo set).  In their shop it was clear within the first minutes that I preferred them over a competing speaker.  My guess is it will be that way at home- but appreciate any comments of others who have experienced in home demos.  Anyway, thanks for any comments.  Sorry to be so wordy.

robertc_f
ghdprentice
7,030 posts
 

I would expect a few minutes will do it. Unless setup is way off. Most of the speakers I brought home were… Wow, they sound great. I am not a waffler.

One word of advice. Try not to be all amped up and “ready to decide”… you want your subconscious to either be carried away with how great they are. You conscious analytical side can mess things up by listening to the treble critically, and this and that. Try to relax and enjoy what you hear, you have a great plan in place. Don’t care and the answer will be obvious very quickly.
 

I’ll bet the new ones stay.

robertc_f OP
12 posts
 

Thank you @ghdprentice for your helpful word of advice.  I think you are spot on.  The enjoyment of music is not about analysis.  Letting go or "not caring" is a great way to put it. The fact is that, perhaps like yourself, the speakers wouldn't even be coming home unless they were experienced as something special in the store. If they don't sound that special at home, probably another week or two won't make a difference.  I think too they will be staying. 

ghdprentice
7,030 posts
 

😀👍

More to discover