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How to meaningfully audition speakers??

I think this topic has appeared elsewhere, even if worded differently. But I thought I'd ask anyway.

Just upgraded my amp and was thinking about auditioning different speakers. Problem is that there are only a handful of high-end B&M stores nearby. Another complication is that no one store has the 2 or 3 speaker brands that I want to check out.

Further, I am dubious that one can meaningfully audition gear by running from store to store because the test conditions are not identical. In addition, unless a piece is really terrible or incredibly terrific, I don't trust my aural memory. Perhaps other have a different view.

Seems to me that the best way to accomplish what I want is to have the speakers of interest brought to my house and hooked up to my rig. But -- I am NOT aware of any dealer willing to part with expensive gear like that, especially if it has to be specially ordered from a distributor because the model is not on display.

So the Q is what do most folks do? Just buy speakers on hope and a prayer?? Rely on reviews or Forum comments??
bifwynne

Showing 1 response by almarg

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I haven't taken the time to read most of the posts in this thread, but fwiw here's my take on the two questions that seem to be under discussion:

1)Re the original question, I'm not sure if it has been mentioned yet that some speaker manufacturers who sell directly provide in-home audition privileges, usually less two-way shipping and a restocking fee. Daedalus, for example, provides 30 day return privileges, less two-way shipping and $300. I believe that Salk and Audiokinesis, among others, also offer return privileges on at least some of their models.

2)Re the discussion of accuracy vs. emotional appeal, etc: It seems to me to be self-evident that if the goal is to allow the (sonically) best recordings to sound their best, the system should be as accurate as possible. While if the goal is to allow the majority of recordings to sound as good as possible, the accuracy of the system will have to be compromised to some degree, in a manner that is consistent with the preferences of the listener, and that is best suited to the kinds of recordings he or she listens to the most.

Regards,
-- Al
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