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


I am curious how the experts choose speakers when upgrading? What are the priorities, what would make you stretch your budget?

Based on e.g....

  • brand/company’s reputation
  • price
  • sensitivity
  • crossover frequency
  • compatibility with existing amp, etc.?

I don’t have buyer’s remorse for my last pair but I sure made some stupid choices until I got there, that I could have avoided if I had known about this forum sooner.

 

grislybutter

Years ago when I auditioned the KEF LS50 I also demoed their R700 which to me sounded similar to the LS50 but with more extension. Perhaps a used R700, R900 or the newer models R7 and R9.  Maybe buy a used LS50 to see if that’s the direction you’d like to go then sell it to buy a floorstander?

@kennyc I don't know what I want, I do know what I don't, based on what I have heard.

No KEF, B&W or Klipsch (never heard the Heritage series, so I mean the other Klipsch) and then a bunch of other brands that start at 3K.

I also prefer a bookshelf speaker, from where I sit. To me the KLH 5 is more of a bookshelf.

@kennyc  I had a horrible experience with LSA speakers. They sounded the worst of any speakers I tested and the resale value was less than 50% new. I took me 4 months to sell them at a giant discount - paid $1400, sold at $650.

@grislybutter 

I'm surprised as LSA speakers had very positive reviews before it got sold to Underwood.  Sorry to remind you of your misfortune.