Speakers to consider around 5k used?

The lease expensive and most trouble free way for you to do this is to go out and listen to some speakers and then make a decision based on what you thought was best. If you choose a different path, the chance of making a mistake is very high. I would say at least 75% to 80%.

Another thing, and just as important, is to not use 5K as a target price. Find something you like first, and then look at the price. You may very well find something you like for a lot less. And if that's not the case and you end up wanting something for more money, better to just save up and get that instead of wasting 5k on something you won't like.

jdoris,

"Obviously, listening around is important -- and fun. But I think the confidence this should give one in a purchase is overrated -- unless one can audition in home with the kit you plan to use.

For my last three serious speakers purchases, I bought two pairs unheard, and one after a couple of careful listenings. The two unheard speakers lasted 5 yrs and approaching 2 years (and counting) in my system, the auditioned ones two weeks."

I know your comment is nothing other than well meaning, but I feel that it proves my point. You got lucky. That almost never happens. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't do any research. By all means; do anything that gives you an advantage. I feel, though, listening to a pair of speakers before you buy them, is the biggest advantage you can have. I understand that the sound won't be identical because of the room, and possibly different equipment, but its way better than nothing. Also, high frequencies are not that difficult to judge in another system. Most dealers will let you bring your own components in to use for the demo.

As far as internet dealers go, I agree. If they allow for a return if you are not happy, why not. I can't think of a better way to demo something.

Heres an example of what I'm trying to say.

Morganc posts: "Zu Definition mkiii fits your budget and your music tastes perfectly. The powered subs are perfect for rock and electronica. They are also tone dense and rich on folk and acoustic material. Plus excellent customer service."

I agree. That would probably be a very good speaker to look at. The problem I have is that I can name other speakers that have those characteristics but sound very different than the Zu. The only way to be sure is to listen to them first. You can still make a mistake (I'm no exception. I've made more mistakes than I can remember.), it just lowers your chances.

Aquabiu8

"What online dealers do home trials? Thx."

Try The Cable Company/Ultra Systems. They specialize in loaning out equipment. I've been doing business with them for over 15 years and have only good things to say.

Aquablu8,

I thought I put this in a thread yesterday, but I don't see it.

"What online dealers do home trials? Thx."

The best dealer that I have come across that does in home lending is The Cable Company/Ultra Systems. They specialize in lending out all types of audio gear for you to try in your home. I have been using them myself for many years and find them to be very honest and reputable. I would give them a call and see what they have to say. Their website is fatwyre.com. Over the years, they saved me from making many mistakes.

Also, I understand you can't always go out and listen to anything you like. It's very difficult. What you can do is listen to some stuff, even if you don't see yourself buying it. The reason for this is that you have a much better chance of using onto a website like this and getting and better results. For example, if you are interested in Speaker A but have not heard it, you can start a thread hear and list some of the speakers that you have heard, and weather you like them or not. That can help a lot in that it will give the people responding to your post a much better picture of what you like from a sonic standpoint. I hope this helps. I'm late and typing really fast so please excuse any errors and if I missed anything, let me know.