2. speakers
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How to shop for speakers?

OK, I've got the upgrade bug. My problem is how to evaluate speaker auditions given the limited local choices and the inevitable differences in amplification, room, etc. I have a local dealer who will let me do home audition, but he does not carry 4 of the 5 brands I am interested in after attending RMAF. He is even getting the mfgr to send a pair for my audition. My problem is how do I judge the various speakers given the variability in listening environments and the time lapses between listening. Buying used for home auditioning and selling what I do not like does not seem practical to me given the price range I am looking at - not much available used in this range and too much potential for significant loss with each transaction. Besides what if I sell one I later decide was the best.

My short list after attending RMAF:

B&W 800d or 802d - not so impressed after dealer demo
Dynaudio Confidence C4 - waiting for dealer to get one for demo
Wilson Sasha or Sophia3 - was blown away by the soundstage of the Sophias at RMAF
I would like to audition Revel Salons or Studios or Sonus Faber Elipsa but local dealers are installers and do not have demo capability

My favorite at RMAF was JM Labs Maestro Utopia but they are out of my price range new.

Amplification is McIntosh MC501 ( this makes me a non-audiophile since I read in another thread that audiophiles do not use Mac equipment - I'm fine with that since I really like the music more than the equipment). But, I would like to hook up a MC275 during the hot summer months to listen at low to moderate levels.o

Not sure if this is a gripe or a request for advice, but I will appreciate any guidance that is offered other than the usual " you listen and decide" I already appreciate that.
altbrewer

Showing 2 responses by inna

inna
7,865 posts
 
I would just like to point your attention to the fact that you might be unable to get the speakers you want. At least new. Do you consider buying used or waiting for a demo pair to show up?
I personally would avoid spending a lot of money and still not getting what I really like. It doesn't have to be the very best but should be good enough.
inna
7,865 posts
 
6550C, your approach is interesting but not, I think, without flaws. You really liked three very different pairs of speakers - SoundLab, Meridian and Mirage. They all must've had something in common in the way they presented music. Do you know what that was?
Altbrewer, I guess you are prepared to replace your amplifiers and cables to better match the speakers you very much like, just perhaps not right away. Because if not you will make your task even more difficult. Say, Revel and Sonus Faber are quite different. A number of years ago I heard both, near top of the line models, with different amplification and definitely preferred Revel. If I remember correctly, Revels were driven by Krell monoblocks and Sonus Faber by McIntosh. Revels had clarity, dynamics and balance. Sonus were too mellow and romantic and slow.
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