Yes it is easy and obvious to try a room with and without. The SR resonators are simply removed from their stands and the sound changes. I have done this with family members who do not know what the function of the resonators is. They have also been demonstrated in a before and after fashion at numerous audio shows. The change is not small.
These resonators are tuned to various frequences to change harmonics and the decay of notes. The metal used, how it is made, size of resonators, the platforms they stand on will all effect the sound. A few glasses filled with water is not going to be of much help I am afraid. Stereo Times has a new write up of four different resonating systems.
I am very pleased with putting the Synergistic Research system in my listening room. It's presence makes a major improvement in my listening pleasure. It takes some time to adjust, but this is one of it's strengths. Each room and audio system is different. By using multiple resonators with different properties, each listenening environment can be optimized.