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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
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,480 posts
 
You simply can't. Find a speaker that you like in the store and hope the rest of your stuff mates well with it.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
.
One phrase that keep occurring in the answers..."buy and hope"
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bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Learsfool ..., happens to be that I agree with you. Just talking out loud for a minute, I wonder if the problem you touch on is exacerbated by the current state of digital media not conforming to a uniform industry standard. Seems to me that each digital media has its unique quirks, and sound engineers are lucky to figure out how to turn the equipment on, let alone effect reference point fidelity recordings.

I recall a few posts that described the engineering guys who handled analogue recording in the day as being artists in their own right. And that included dubbing and mixing, then the transfer of the recorded music from tape to master pressing disc and then on again to the skills needed to properly press the vinyl.

I look forward to reading other informed views. And as I said above, it seems kinda dumb to talk about this piece of gear or that if you can't get good source material.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I dont think it's as simple as the old digital vs analogue argument. I've heard enough good sound and bad with both formats. I blame the ability (or lack )of the recording engineer. There are excellent sounding digital jazz recordings, so it obviously can be done.there are some vinyl pop and rock efforts that are awful.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,906 posts
 
Frogman, I didn't intend to limit the obvious possibility of type casting as it's usually based on a kind of truth: I just wanted to avoid generalities though they most certainly apply (and I didn't want to be the first to say it, not having the expertise).

What you say about the industry, in general, speaks volumes. Solutions in search of a problem that never really existed. Technologies used that overstep their intentions.

When you speak of SOPHISTICATION IN ITS SIMPLICITY AND ACCESSIBILITY, I'm reminded of MA Recordings, Mapleshade, ECM and others that always seem to get it right. They can capture the moment, the intent, flow and emotion and bring it to your living room.

All the best,
Nonoise
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