Four times with positive results (Galante Silverdales, Merlin TSM-MME, Perlisten S7t SE, Klipsch Cornwall IV), two with negative (PBN Montana, Spatial X3). The positives are still with me; the negatives did not last. I feel the only way to know a speaker is to have it your room, and for long enough to get the best out of it through positioning, amp selection, cabling, and that means owning. So I often just take the plunge after careful research and consideration, even if I have not been able to audition. Returns policies help.
Do You Buy Speakers Without Hearing Them?
In the 'good old days' there were a lot of hifi stores around so there was plenty of opportunity to go in and listen to various brands and models of speakers. With the continuing disappearance of audio shops, I'm wondering if more people are making the leap to buy speakers they've never heard in person, or just limiting their purchase options to the brands they can hear locally? If you are buying a speaker that you haven't heard, how do you get comfortable with that? Magazine reviews? YouTube demos?
I've mostly heard any speaker I ended up buying, but in two cases I bought speakers that weren't available in my area. I made my decision based on reviews. In one case the speaker was really nice, but in the second case, the speaker was well-reviewed but ended up being disappointing.
Appreciate your thoughts.