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
Tubrgroover,
We all have different tolerance thresholds. As like you, Bo doesn't bother me, there are others who posts and attitudes I find toxic and belittling. Bo is redundant but he's not mean spirited
I refuse to stop picking on BO because it's too much fun, and he doesn't understand my posts anyway.
Wolfy is still a F.... I, I guess he won't change. I will show it soon that my words are as I write them. It is Always about the truth for me in audio. I will show it also to the F...I...him self. For the truth I never stop!!
The truth! Finally! Lots of people looking for that. Bring it on..... :^)
Hearing is believing. I prefer shows, place to compare. I do only shows when I have the freedom to use what I want. Same as the stuff I sell. In the past I worked in audio speciality stores. I was comparing night and day. Always looking for the best. Then many products you know which are inferior. When you are a perfectionist you hate these products are some time. Because you are aware of the fact that people get less for there money. These times I only do consulting in sound and vision so I can choose what I want. It made me so much easier to sell a higher level to all my clients. And it is the easiest way to compete to all other companies who do this for a living. Money I don't care, I am only interested in giving the best sound for the money. In my country there are in this business people who don't like me. Because I am very direct and they know I can easily get a better sound than they can. I have proven this for many years. I love to compete, this what makes me better all the time. I do shows because I want to be the best. I invited the people of B&W. Come and compare, show me. They didn't come. Audio will Always be about comparing. People want the best sound for the money they spend. This is what I want to give them. Nothing more, nothing less. It is that simple!