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Buying Without Audition

Surely I'm not the only one with the dilemma of living out in the boonies with no audio equipment dealer (other than Walmart) within 100+ miles.  How does one choose among the many speakers offered in any given price range without listening to them before buying?  The reviews are often skewed by self interest and, in any event, what you hear and what you like is completely subjective and the prosaic descriptions in the reviews mean different thing to different people.  After all, you really can't accurately describe in words what someone else might hear. The problem is compounded if you wish to buy "used" from a private party as there often is no right of return, and when there is, the cost of shipping both ways is a significant consideration, especially when looking for floor speakers.

Any educated suggestions?
larstusor

Showing 1 response by ejr1953

ejr1953
895 posts
 
Last year I spent several months in my quest to find a new pair of speakers, in my case I live outside two large metropolitan areas.

To me speaker selection involves the most "personal preference".  In my quest, one of the salesmen I encountered asked it I preferred "analytic" or "musical" sounding speakers...I thought about it for a moment, "musical" was my preference.  Interesting to ask that?

I rejected a whole bunch of excellent speakers in the process, just didn't "float my boat".

I've had nothing but great experiences, buying on Audiogon.  Since you won't be paying "retail", most likely you'll be able to try some new speakers out, if they seem to have enough demand, won't lose so much, if you decide to sell them.
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