So you've just heard speakers that blew you away

Bob, thanks. I"m not great at reaching out though, lol. I'm set on the Vandy Treo's, but am always looking and listening.

Cstooner,

Sadly, I'd have to say that a great system won't necessarily sound great in any decent room. Far from it - on at least on two different levels, IMO.

First, I believe that the room issues below 100ish hz are, in almost all cases, best addressed with room correction software, (but I also know that many here will disagree). I've heard many excellent systems transformed by DRC software, even in excellent rooms as the inevitable low frequency room induced FR issues are cleaned up. Check that out for yourself to decide where you end up on the issue.

The other issue is simply room volume (cubic feet). Any given Speaker model generally sounds much better in a room of a given volume. The big MBLs (to cite one example) can sound great in a huge room, but I'd never want to listen to that speaker system in a small to medium sized space.

I hope you can recreate the outstanding experience you heard on audition with the same system in your own room. I like stories with happy endings. I just wouldn't be completely confident until I actually heard the results.

Best of luck in the effort.

Marty, you make valid points and I agree for the most part. I have heard the Vandy's that have adjustable bass sound great and they should be able to integrate into nearly any room. When the term decent sounding room was used, it was in regards to bass since that and slap echo seem to be two of the major issues in rooms.
You bring up a great point IRT room size and what size room the speaker is made for. That's usually in regards to wave size isn't it? That would be bass. I think that many people listen way too loud because their speakers or ams can't breath unless they do. I've found that to be a major issue. When auditioning, most good stores will start with a realistic level and most will turn up the levels.

All good points as there are no absolutes when discussing audio.

Your assuming its all going sound the same in you room. You didn't happen ask what brand toilet they use so you can give a go also???

...you sold the Stax ? that may have been a mistake...
finding a dealer you trust and knows your system AND room is important.
great dealers just loan you stuff to try...some things work, some do not.