When choosing new Speakers, what matters most to you?


When auditioning new speakers have you ever listened to a pair you thought you really liked only to realize you didn’t like them at all after seeing their measurements/specifications? And I’m not talking about speakers that would be too difficult for your electronics to drive but rather, you just didn’t like their waterfall plot, or their frequency response or some other measurement even though subjectively, you loved the way they sounded? Conversely have you ever listened to a pair of speakers you did not care for only to change your mind after seeing their specs?
 

Assuming speakers can be easily driven by your home electronics, in other words, no compatibility issues related to sensitivity or impedance, what is the single most important thing you look for when finding speakers you’ll enjoy listening to? How do you go about confirming the speakers you buy will be enjoyable to listen to in your home system?

128x128ted_denney

Sonics first: after several demos in different systems the speakers I consistently love (emotional engagement) are Magico and YG.  I figured I can reproduce the sound at home if I properly support them with adequate components and room treatments.

Measurements- neutrality and transparency second.  I want to hear as uncolored as possible the music and component upgrade

Price- try to get my preferred as economically as possible.  YG priced too high.  The Magico A3 sounded too lightweight so was leaning to a used S5 mk2, but settled on the A5 which is a bargain at it’s price point

I wish I had an unlimited budget but I don't, so after I determine what speakers are within my budget, "musicality" matters most.  I am most interested in a speaker that to my ears recreates both voice and instruments to how I believe they should sound.  Over time I have realized I tend to be particularly partial to speakers with a realistic depth of sound and that don't sound "harsh" or cause listening fatigue.  

I guess in the end it is all very subjective but I would like to believe it is a logical subjectiveness.  

@christian 

Good morning.. I heard these at a show a couple of years earlier.  When I sold my Vonschweikert speakers and moved to a smaller room, I wanted something efficient and smaller that fit the room and worked with lower powered amps. I also liked the hardwoods and craftsmanship that these bespoke speakers had. They are also truly efficient as described. Natural sounding and allow all my changes upstream to come though.. very pleased with the sound and ability to drive them easily..