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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 kerrybh

kerrybh
236 posts
 

Best to do both. Big differences can be noticed quickly and are obviously most important 

subtle differences may require more time but are more prone to mistakes. Optimal set up for the speakers will differ and if you don’t get them both set up properly the difference you perceive may result from suboptimal set up, not something inherent in the speaker. Level matching, etc can also be an issue, as can expectation bias. 
As others have suggested, have a set group of songs that you are familiar with to use for the test. I would suggest some that are very well recorded, and some not so well recorded 
 

good luck 

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