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What speaker could safely be ordered without hearing it first?

Hi everyone,

I’m in the midst of my speaker search and curious about something.......as noted above. There are some brands I would be interested in based on reputation, reviews, looks etc but may never be able to hear first.

I’m curious what the collective group thinks would be a safe choice having never heard them first. I know there are variables as in size of room, current gear etc. Just want to see what people would suggest. The one I would note based on what I have read is Joseph Audio. I’d also be curious if people would say the same about Borresen.

So it may be a frivolous exercise but I’ll ask the question anyway. Let me know your thoughts.

128x128mtbiker29
vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@mtbiker29 

Just curious, how does that large beautiful coffee table change the soundstage?

stuartk
3,044 posts
 

@larsman 

Auditioning speakers is often not an option for a lot of people,

You mean: a lot of people are not willing to limit their choices to what can be purchased with a return policy, right?   

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
664 posts
 

Joseph Audio

Magico

YG Acoustics

Yamaha NS-5000

go to a consumer electronics show

mtbiker29's avatar
mtbiker29 OP
174 posts
 

Thanks everyone.  

@erik_squires @tablejockey you guys are looking at the upstairs system, this question is more for my downstairs.  

@vonhelmholtz interesting question.  Haven't tried without but can tell you I've consciously ruled out some speakers where the drivers are on the floor, so to speak vs. ones that have them elevated above the line of the table.  

@stuartk I'm totally with you, and can't say i'm really even entertaining this.  In the sports car world some guys just blindly gamble on a $250K car and have it delivered.  I'm much too picky in re: condition.  


Everyone else I get that it's dependent on room, synergy etc as I already stated.  What i'm hoping bubbles to the top is a few names or models that I should target auditioning, that are just that good that the collective here would nearly unanimously agree.  @soix @markalarsen thanks for the feedback.  

ghdprentice
7,323 posts
 

Unless you have had broad exposure to speakers and know the house sound of a good number of brands and read professional reviews extensively, then while you may be happy with your choice it is likely to be very sub optimal. Even if you’re comparing $50K speakers. Sure they will all sound good to you without anything to compare them to.

The best thing to do is to make a trip to a big city part of the process. I have normally lived 2 - 3 hours from a big city. A long but doable trip in one day. If further, do a weekend trip. Do your research first… the you best guess narrowing down to a few brands. Make appointments to listen. Each company has house sounds, so you need not listen to the exact model. Listen to the music not the speaker. Hopefully one speaker company will emotionally grab you. That’s the one.

 

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