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Comparing speakers at home questions

When looking for a new/replacement pair of speakers how do you compare them at home?

I have my current speakers and another pair that I purchased to try out at home in my system. So do you think it’s better to A/B them back to back, like play a song and then switch and play the same song again. Or is it better to listen to one pair for a day, or two, or a week and then switch and listen to those for an extended time? 
I feel like switching between songs gives you an immediate sense of what’s different because you just heard the same song but will listening for longer periods to each speaker allow your ears to adjust to each and give you a better idea of how they will perform long term? Or should I do some of both techniques, quick switches between and longer periods between switching?

mattldm

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,542 posts
 

I think that you are not doing a science experiment. Play one speaker for a couple of days, see how much you ENJOY listening to them, and of course how much fatigue you suffer. Then switch. Do the same.

The goal is not to put together an Excel spreadsheet but to ask what level of comfort and enjoyment suits you most at the end of the day.

Don't try to convince yourself about imaging or details.  Just see what you like and want to hear more of.

BTW, more than one audiophile has discovered they get bored with a single sound no matter what so they've learned to keep a couple of pairs of speakers and/or amps around so they can enjoy the best of them at different times.

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