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Have you ever used a separate speaker selector unit to audition speakers? Would you?

I'm anticipating a big "bake-off" between speakers competing for my affection. I have a tube amp that requires shut down, short break, between speaker changes. So, I'm thinking of getting a speaker selector box to do this. I don't want to spend a mint, but if the speakers are multi-thousand, it seems that spending a little money to really compare them might be worth it.

I know that such interpositions of wires and hardware degrades the sound. But this would be done to all speakers being compared -- so it would remain a level playing field.

Of course, if it trashes them all, then no comparisons can really be done.

Any thoughts about auditioning speakers at home with a speaker selector box?
hilde45

Showing 3 responses by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
For convenience, absolutely.

For differences that are so subtle / minor, yes...as I believe time and memory are not always on friendly terms.

For retail or industry reasons, yes.

Etc.

I believe learning to ’hear’ ’listen’ with greater accuracy and differentiation is valuable and worthwhile (both as pursuit and goal) and has been incredibly rewarding for me. Working on this has helped me dig much deeper into our hobby, understand it better, and has made it much more enjoyable.

If the box helps you do that, go for it...push yourself to make it more than simply a tool to compare speakers.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
+1 re. @b_limo  and @cat_doorman 's point on speaker placement.


david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@hilde45 That’s the point catdoorman and b_limo were making.

First, you will need to find the ’workable’ / ’close to best’ placement for each speaker and evaluate each in the specific positions each sound ’best’ to you.

Second, ideally, the speakers not being evaluated should be moved out of the space so the physical presence is not a factor (for the non-active speaker).

You will also likely have your ’original’ speakers set up to your preferences and optimized via component / cabling etc. synergies based on your choices. That may not transfer over to the second and third, and.. speaker being evaluated.

Listening positions may also need to be adjusted / changed.

There is more...

It gets tricky. : )
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