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
"The Dutch Mountains Messiah" Bo Versus "Lone" Wolf_garcia.

Wrestlemania XXX!
"No Sounds Barred" match!
Special quest referee: Nipper, the RCA "Wonder Dog".

Vince Mcmahan...make this happen! We will all be listening....

:^)
Wolf, you get your choice of who is in your corner: 1) me or 2) Kate Upton.

I know this is a very "difficult" choice.....
Hahahaha....it is not a battle. It's just one F..I. I can handle that, no problem. And also he can have his opinion for an amateur. Fine with me :)
You missed the point Bo, re-read.
Tubegroover, shouldn't you expect this from someone sitting in one of those Dutch coffee shops with his iPad or laptop. I'm sure the iPad or laptop has 3D sound.
I don't smoke, I never did. I don't like Apple. I prefer pure audio products.