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Buying Without Audition

Surely I'm not the only one with the dilemma of living out in the boonies with no audio equipment dealer (other than Walmart) within 100+ miles.  How does one choose among the many speakers offered in any given price range without listening to them before buying?  The reviews are often skewed by self interest and, in any event, what you hear and what you like is completely subjective and the prosaic descriptions in the reviews mean different thing to different people.  After all, you really can't accurately describe in words what someone else might hear. The problem is compounded if you wish to buy "used" from a private party as there often is no right of return, and when there is, the cost of shipping both ways is a significant consideration, especially when looking for floor speakers.

Any educated suggestions?
larstusor

Showing 1 response by oblgny

oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
Purchased without auditioning:

Magnepan MMG and MMG Bass panel (new)
Magnepan 3A
Counterpoint Clearfield Metropolitans
Von Schweikert VR2 and VR4
Magnepan 1.7
Thiel CS2.3
Thiel CS3.5

Quite simply put the direct to consumer offer for the MMG's at $599 was too enticing to pass up. $599 with a one year trade up policy?  I took the risk and...thus the 1.7's later on. I love Magnepan.  

My curiosity with Von Schweikert compelled me to buy the Metropolitans which, compared to the 1.7's were huge - and heavy, though way more efficient. The size of refrigerators - and not a college dorm refrigerator.  Compared to the Maggies they struck me as reserved. Got weary of moving them, or trying to.  Good in their own right. 

I'll spare everyone the IMHO details on the others mentioned but in general it was my curiousity that guided me. And my budgets which swing throughout the years. I've stuck since with Maggie and Thiel.  I've never regretted any purchase, each model had/has its own virtues with my associated gear, Pass Labs, McIntosh, Primare, Audio Research...too many to list here. 

Recently I bought a pair of Maggie .7's AFTER auditioning the new 1.7i's - and I'm adding a Rythymik L12 sub to complement them. I still have my Thiel CS3.5's. 

Yes,. I'm nuts. Ain't we all?
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