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How to meaningfully audition speakers??

I think this topic has appeared elsewhere, even if worded differently. But I thought I'd ask anyway.

Just upgraded my amp and was thinking about auditioning different speakers. Problem is that there are only a handful of high-end B&M stores nearby. Another complication is that no one store has the 2 or 3 speaker brands that I want to check out.

Further, I am dubious that one can meaningfully audition gear by running from store to store because the test conditions are not identical. In addition, unless a piece is really terrible or incredibly terrific, I don't trust my aural memory. Perhaps other have a different view.

Seems to me that the best way to accomplish what I want is to have the speakers of interest brought to my house and hooked up to my rig. But -- I am NOT aware of any dealer willing to part with expensive gear like that, especially if it has to be specially ordered from a distributor because the model is not on display.

So the Q is what do most folks do? Just buy speakers on hope and a prayer?? Rely on reviews or Forum comments??
bifwynne
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,680 posts
 
This happens to me all the time in the area I live in.
I have to rely on reading as many reviews as possible and emails with people that have the speakers in question.
Not the best way to do it but that's the best I can do, although I have traveled to other states to hear speakers but as you already know any speaker can and probably will sound different in my home with my equipment.
grinnell
1,110 posts
 
I think this is very tough. I looked at reviews and comments on the asylum, audio circle, here and audio karma.

I also bought used so if they didnt work out i could sell them and not take a big loss (i actually sold one pair for more than i paid :)

So I went from BW to Triangle to Ref 3A de Capos all unheard
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
The best way, of course, is to audition the speakers in your environment. If you have the funds, time, etc. you might consider buying (used) each of the speakers you are most interested in and then auditioning them side by side at home.

Once you've identified the best of the lot, sell the others (perhaps at a small loss) and live happily ever after...

-RW-
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,795 posts
 
Try to find a brand or designer you trust and start there.
Learn which crossover type you like (first order, infinite slope, etc.), driver material, cabinet material.
Go to shows (Rocky Mountain fest is soon) where you can spend lots of time listening.
Lastly, have some recordings you know well to check for things you care about (deep bass? clean treble?).
The bottom line is: You may have to make many purchases before you find your sonic soul-mate.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
The best way to audition speakers in your home but like you said there are very few dealer or speaker manufacturers who would allow you to do that. I honestly will go through various forums, read reviews on speakers I'm interested in and if there are enough positive reviews I buy them. I'm also hoping and a praying that my results are like what I've read. If not then I re-sell at a loss. I think in this day and age that is the only way to go unless there is an audio society/club where you live and maybe you can audition different speakers there.

Buy, Try and Re-sell after some time is what I've had to follow.

There have been times I've gone to B&M stores and brought music I like to audition speakers. Other times I've worked with the associates to give them details about my listening area so we can try to simulate it in their demo room. Even then the music won't sound exactly the same with my gear in my room.
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