The Horror

Actually, I think that the rooms were not all that bad for sound, and certainly better than most people’s home listening spaces.

The rooms were actually quite large compared to a regular living room and set up symetrically. Speakers were typically well into the room and not placed along the wall nor was the seating. Most demoers had absorbant panels or such placed next to the speaker and many, around the room.

AND..., if you sat toward the front middle, there was no furniture to get in the way and create diffraction.

@erik_squires

What’s “kited around”? While you’re composing your response here’s a definition for you:

”troll”: “A…troll is someone who intentionally tries to start arguments, hostility, or conflict in an online community by posting offensive or provocative messages.”

Honestly, have you had a good look at what you’ve posted lately? You’re not the boss of us, my man. You’re just another member, like me, and you’re entitled to your opinion. But throwing shade like that does not help. I may not know enough about hi-end gear just yet, but I know a thing or two about decency. Would it kill you to have some? I’m open to suggestions, not insults.

Gawd, must there always be that guy in the life raft?

I hear what you’re saying, and you have my deepest sympathy because I know exactly how I’d feel in the same situation.  Then I started thinking, my system isn’t anything special, but I never came home from a show feeling disappointed with my system.  On the contrary, I was happy to find I was still hearing at home most of the goodness I heard at the show.  What occurred to me was that the systems you drooled over involved speakers with dynamic drivers — hmmm.  I like and respect the sound of Maggies a lot, but that sound just isn’t for me so I find myself wondering if maybe you should try to demo another speaker with dynamic drivers in your system if possible.  Frankly, and just spitballing here, with your electronics I bet if you heard a pair of Boenicke W5s in your room you might discover a lot of what you feel you’re missing versus what you heard at the show.  I could be totally off base here, but to me the Maggies are sticking out like a sore thumb as the potential source of your disappointment (assuming they’re properly set up and appropriate for your room).  If I were you I’d buy a pair of used dynamic speakers I was confident I could resell for little/no loss and see, for peace of mind if nothing else, if all becomes more right in your world again.  Just a wacky thought FWIW.

@soix 

that may be exactly what I’ll eventually end up trying, soix.  In the meantime I think I’m going to start working on the room. Lots of good suggestions here about that.  But thanks for the tip about the Boenicke W5s. I took a look and something like that might be more possible sooner than later. 

I am sorry @erik_squires treats you like this. Maybe he has a bad day

And I would avoid the Boenickes for sure. Lot better choices in the W5 price range