My list begins with things that cause listener fatigue and are cause for dismissing the audition as a failure...
1 - unpleasant high frequency hash, ring, or sizzle.
2 - annoying mid-range glare.
3 - muddy lower midrange and upper bass.
If these are not heard during the audition...
4 - I listen for musicality, soundstage and overall presentation. I also grade highly on accurate dynamics: many systems over-emphasize and come off aggressive while others are restrictive and uninvolving.
5 - Next, I ask myself Does this component have a sound? If it imparts a particular sound, this is generally my first, and lasting, impression.
6 - Finally - I take note of 2 additional things: is any type of power filter used? and is any resonance control in place? For example, many systems I have seen are spiked rather poorly on carpeted floors. This can smooth out many HF problems and exaggerate the bass.
Also, I try not to be too overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) emotionally because there are many things which go into the overall sound of a system. Two listening sessions several days apart a far better than one extended session.
1 - unpleasant high frequency hash, ring, or sizzle.
2 - annoying mid-range glare.
3 - muddy lower midrange and upper bass.
If these are not heard during the audition...
4 - I listen for musicality, soundstage and overall presentation. I also grade highly on accurate dynamics: many systems over-emphasize and come off aggressive while others are restrictive and uninvolving.
5 - Next, I ask myself Does this component have a sound? If it imparts a particular sound, this is generally my first, and lasting, impression.
6 - Finally - I take note of 2 additional things: is any type of power filter used? and is any resonance control in place? For example, many systems I have seen are spiked rather poorly on carpeted floors. This can smooth out many HF problems and exaggerate the bass.
Also, I try not to be too overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) emotionally because there are many things which go into the overall sound of a system. Two listening sessions several days apart a far better than one extended session.