Deciding on the right huge speaker

I really appreciate everybody's advice. I have to clarify that I'm not currently looking to buy a pair of huge speakers - my room wouldn't allow for it, my finances wouldn't appreciate it. I read a lot of reviews of speakers, and comments on forums such as this, about speakers in the mega-cost / mega-size range and, recently when I was reading one, I got to wondering how somebody goes about evaluating them. They're tough to find at a dealer unless you live in a big city, and they're tough to move around. You can't really buy a pair and just hope they work out, the way you might with monitors. And, given their expense, you want to do your homework and find the right answer.

Audiokinesis - I really appreciate all your feedback. You and the others who suggest both the shows as well as plane tickets to go to the speakers seem to be right on - I really hadn't thought about the fact that some cheap airfares are small in comparison to the purchase price. Going to the shows probably gives you a good overview and helps you narrow your possibles down, and going to dealers (even in another state if need be) allows for auditioning.

Also, Audiokinesis, even though you've probably lost Natalie as customer, I'd work with you on a purchase in a heartbeat - some of the best, most practical advice I've ever gotten from a dealer. Thanks. -Kirk

I think you are putting the cart in front of the horse in assigning a value to what you will spend. Just go out there and listen and pick what you like and dont bother with the price tag. Remember that there are many factors including room and what the balance of system is that will also influence the sound. Who knows you may even like vintage. Keep an open mind not wallet.

We still need to know the size of your room to see of any of the speakers you chose would be appropriate.

My room is 14x18x7.5 and would clearly not be appropriate for any of the speakers I (or anyone else) has mentioned. Again, I'm asking out of curiousity for the process, not because I'm going to go do this right now.

Phantom1 - you're absolutely right that you should start with looking for what you like, not by deciding how much to spend. You raise an interesting variable which is how would you evaluate a really big, vintage speaker. All of the excellent advice about visiting shows and travelling (even by plane) to dealers wouldn't work if you were trying to buy a 300lb. vintage speaker (obviously) used. -Kirk

Kirk -

Thanks for your kind words above! I appreciate your taking the time to post them. You really made my day!

Should the time arrive that you embark on that quest for your last pair of speakers, you'll run into a sobering reality - even at price ranges as high as 30 grand ballpark, you'll still have to make tradeoffs! The thing to do is figure out what qualities matter the most to you, and what you're willing to trade off to get them. As far as I know there is no speaker that really "does it all", but some speakers to some things extremely well.

As far as your present room size goes, several of the speakers mentioned would work well in your room, assuming you could position them properly. I know the big Maggies and Sound Labs would work well in that size room, and more than likely the Audio Artistry Beethovens would as well. Note that these all use dipole bass loading, which significantly minimizes the room's influence on the bottom end. Disclaimer - I peddle Sound Labs.

There are probably four general types of loudspeakers one might consider: High efficiency systems; full-range dipole systems; omnidirectional or polydirectional systems; and conventional systems. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and would be worth experiencing if you haven't already done so.

Best wishes to you.