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What do in store listening tests prove?

Please don't take this as the next swipe at retail HT stores. No hidden agendas to boost my ego or salve my conscience. Just a question that I know you all must have more experience with.

When you demo a piece in a theater or studio at a store, what is it really telling you? My instincts suggest to me that all you are really able to validate is how you like the products' sound or performance relative to the the other components it is attached to and the acoustical qualities (or lack thereof) of that particular room setup.

Is there any way to make some educated interpolation of how a product will sound in your own personal listening environment based upon how it sounds in the showroom, short of taking it home and demoing it?

Thanks.
rogocop

Showing 1 response by garfish

garfish
1,840 posts
 
With the exception of speakers, in store demos are now of little use to me as I already have a good home stereo system. Any new equipment I consider, I insist on an in-home audition.

But if you're just starting out in high-end audio, you probably will need in-store demos, and hopefully you can find a good sales rep to work with. They can be an invaluable help in putting together a good sounding system-- especially if they have several brands and types of gear available. Cheers. Craig
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