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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 ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,467 posts
 

While one is obligated to do a quick A/B or two, just to check for glaring differences. After that. I recommend maybe a week of listening then switch for a week. Try not to listen to the speakers... just listen to the music. Then try to forget when you swap them. This will bring out the real differences... this longer term comparison shows the big differences... in overall presentation, tonal balance.

If you do quick A/B you will use your minds eye (ear) to focus just on one instrument and sound type at a time... it is so limiting and is incredibly confusing. Best to do long term switches and the differences will become very obvious.

 

Good luck.

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