Comparing speakers at home questions

This is an easy one, in fact. Try to compare tubes when the difference is subtle.

I also once had fun comparing RCA cables that sounded very very similar and very close to each other in my system. Both were absolutely excellent, and the price difference used was $1000.00. Good for me that I needed them both. The more expensive one was a little more neutral and balanced, and the less expensive one was a bit more vivid and colorful, but not colored.

The less expensive cable was Gabriel Gold Infusion 2.

The more expensive one was Wywires Diamond.

I compared with analogue source, both phono stage and cassette deck, from the source to preamp.

@mattldm 

I also own a pair of Dyn Evoke 20. They have a somewhat long breaking period. I noticed recessed treble when I first installed them in my system. Over time the sound evens out. If you like sparkling treble, I’m not sure the dyns would be to your taste.

I have been searching for my next speaker for about 5 years to replace speakers I have had for 7.  I know my system's sound so well so I have not had the need to A-B speakers.  When I have purchased components like DACs and streamers I do a LOT of A-B sessions.  I bet you will know within the first few songs what you think about the new speakers, and to others' advice, unless something really jumps out as a negative to their sound, listen for a week and go back.

Your initial impressions are right on.

You already know what the Silver 100s sound like. I would hook up the Evoke 20s and listen to them for a few weeks. After spending some time with the new speakers, go back to the old ones. You will know pretty fast which ones you prefer.

Going from the punchy Silver 100s to the more relaxed presentation of the Evoke 20s will take some adjustment.

My guess is that if you listen to rock or more modern music, you will prefer the Silver 100s. If your taste runs to acoustic music, jazz, and small ensemble classical the Evoke 20s will grow on you.

It’s not just the sound of the speakers, but the way you listen to music. If you jump around and like a lot of variety in your listening session, the Silver 100s will shine. If you tend to put on a side and listen more contemplatively, I think you will find the Evoke 20s less fatiguing; in the end the Evoke 20s will make you forget about the speakers and allow you to go deeper into the music.

In any case, you will benefit from a well matched sub(s). I use a single REL T/5 with my Harbeth P3ESR speakers (admittedly smaller than either of your contenders). I dial in an almost imperceptible amount of low level sub bass and the difference it makes is magical. I had to experiment with placement to get the room nodes to work with a single sub (I guess I’m lucky, I can place my speakers anywhere I want and arranged the furniture to accommodate the speakers). If you are locked into a decor, two subs will make it easier.

Pull those speakers away from the walls. I have my Harbeths on Sound Anchors (I replaced the spikes with carriage bolts so I can slide them around and can easily push them back if they get in my way). They sound fine about 18" from the wall, but are decidedly more balanced (less muddy – not that the Harbeths are inherently muddy, they are not, but the room reflections tip the low mids when they are close to the walls) and cast a better soundstage when I pull them about a third of the way into the room.

@kahlenz  You might wanna try these Herbies Gliders.  They’re not very expensive and may give you a nice performance bump over the carriage bolts.  Many people have reported significant improvements with them over spikes.  Just a thought FWIW.

https://herbiesaudiolab.com/products/threaded-stud-glider