How to meaningfully audition speakers??


I think this topic has appeared elsewhere, even if worded differently. But I thought I'd ask anyway.

Just upgraded my amp and was thinking about auditioning different speakers. Problem is that there are only a handful of high-end B&M stores nearby. Another complication is that no one store has the 2 or 3 speaker brands that I want to check out.

Further, I am dubious that one can meaningfully audition gear by running from store to store because the test conditions are not identical. In addition, unless a piece is really terrible or incredibly terrific, I don't trust my aural memory. Perhaps other have a different view.

Seems to me that the best way to accomplish what I want is to have the speakers of interest brought to my house and hooked up to my rig. But -- I am NOT aware of any dealer willing to part with expensive gear like that, especially if it has to be specially ordered from a distributor because the model is not on display.

So the Q is what do most folks do? Just buy speakers on hope and a prayer?? Rely on reviews or Forum comments??
bifwynne
See? I mean really...there is too much here to not have fun with it. He competes and is supposedly a perfectionist in a subjective arena utterly lacking any motivation from selling anything, although he sells things for a living. The Dutch Mountains Messiah making the world a better place...*sniff*...
You missed the point Bo, re-read. I KNOW you're passonite about audio but the focus will become more on you if you continue the way you have, count the number of "I's" in your posts. Think it doesn't matter? think again. You're right the focus should be on the content and that IS the point, just trying to help you from the disappointment and frustration you will eventually encounter here. We were blessed with two ears and one mouth for a reason, think about it.
"The Dutch Mountains Messiah" Bo Versus "Lone" Wolf_garcia.

Wrestlemania XXX!
"No Sounds Barred" match!
Special quest referee: Nipper, the RCA "Wonder Dog".

Vince Mcmahan...make this happen! We will all be listening....

:^)
Wolf, you get your choice of who is in your corner: 1) me or 2) Kate Upton.

I know this is a very "difficult" choice.....
Hahahaha....it is not a battle. It's just one F..I. I can handle that, no problem. And also he can have his opinion for an amateur. Fine with me :)