the big one: how do you choose speakers? By what features, data?

@ghdprentice. +1

Simply spending money blindly without a plan for your bespoke system synergy is a recipe for big disappointment.

Audio - Rule of fifths

The truth is that for a high end 2 channel audio system we really start to see a jump in sound quality once we get past the $3500 price point. After this price point for an amp, DAC, streamer, speakers or whatever the quality starts to get into the higher end realm. After $3500 the higher you climb the price ladder the less improvements you will see.

It’s called diminishing returns.

We pay much more for only a 3-5% change in sound (notice I didn’t say improvement) when we go up the audio price ladder.

The matrix general philosophy here and going up is that you can enjoy 80% of the audio performance at a 20% of the additional price. The audio improvements vs added $$$ is not linear.

So how did I bridge the $$$$ outlay to my bespoke audio preferences matrix  in choosing speakers?

Simple ….

(1) Roll up your sleeves and go audition speaker options at your local dealer(s), and

(2);attend audio expos to source new model options in order to. Validate mag reviews

I am not  sure I understand what it has to do with choosing a speaker

Either I'm lucky or I just don't care enough anymore to shop for something as crucial as a pair of speakers, but that's mostly because I did my final major component shopping before I left L.A. for my current small-town home, which is a decent plane flight from any high-end store. 

Before my big move I spent a good many years as a hifi junkie in L.A. I developed my tastes. I made a nuisance of myself at many high-end stores. I went to many hifi shows.  In any event. I made sure I was satisfied with my rig before I sailed off across the high seas. As for my non-speaker components, when something breaks I'll get hold of one of the dealers I frequented when I lived in L.A.  Dealers whose ears I trust. And, yes, one of those dealers is Upscale Audio. Another is Gene Rubin.

@grislybutter There are rules and then there are some. Some prefer brand names and some prefer particular designs (ported versus non, first order crossovers versus other, two-way versus three way, floor standing versus monitors, high efficient versus hard-to-drive, etc). Irrespective of what you choose, there are few tests you should try before finalizing your "choice speaker" over the one you currently own.  Not in the order of importance, but at least you should try to find out::

1. Are these reproducing your favorite male/female singers as accurately as they can?

2. Are you satisfied with how letters "s" and "t" sounds (provide your front-end give an accurate signal)?

3. Listen at very loud volume levels (> 100dB) and then slowly reduce the volume in steps until barely audible. Pay attention to the imaging and sound stage depth. Do they hold same geometry at high and low volume levels? or do the imaging collapse at low volumes?

4. Do they image from outside of the speakers in addition to in-between? Is sound stage depth reproduced satisfactory?

5. Do these reproduce mass strings, brass instruments (muted horn, trombones, etc.) without causing fatigue?

6. Are you happy with reproduction of solo piano? Do they go low enough to hear the lowest key (27 Hz)?

7. Can you sit and listen to these for longer periods without getting fatigued?

8. Most importantly, do these disappear just leaving you with the music? Close your eyes and listen.

If the new speakers are doing a better job in some of these tests, the it  a no-brainer. The come the other important issues including the price, WAF, room size, etc. 

@pwerahera thanks! Great points!