@knotscott That's a great idea in your post about developing a taste for what you like. If you're a classical music fan, attend a performance of an orchestra, or if you like string quartets, attend a performance. Likewise if you like Jazz, go to a jazz club (you get the idea).
Whether you like something or hate something at least you'll have a preference and that's probably a good place to start when you audition speakers. You'll be disappointed by all of them in some way but as you keep listening, you'll figure it out.