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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 newbee

newbee
4,793 posts
 

Different speakers have  physical set up differences which have to be considered. Quite often very different. Unless you are time constrained it pays big dividends to spend the time to ensure the speakers are optimally positioned for their best sound. You can't assume that where your old speakers were placed is going to work for other speakers.

Also, long term listening to each speaker with familiar (very!) music is, for me anyway, essential. There are often subtle differences you might not hear, or which are obscured, during short sessions. And, if you find things like brightness or bass boom (or no bass) you've got to figure out if its the speaker, the speakers placement or it's amplifier.

Take your time! :-)

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