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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

Showing 5 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
I've bought speakers online after reading as much as I could about them and after auditioing at length with music I'm familiar with and there's really no comparison. You have to personally audition them.

Having said that, if there's a speaker you don't have access to and you really would like to hear it or something from their line, talk to the company and see if there is anyone near you who've bought a pair and maybe they can hook you up with a listen. I've done it once and it was a very nice experience and I ended up buying a pair online afterwards.

Good luck in your search.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Live music is the reference when but one can NEVER it replicate in one's room. One has to settle for what one uses as clues to convince oneself that what one is listening to is real enough to satisfy.

I like tone, detail and ambient clues while others prefer soundstage width and depth or instrument placement, frequency extension, bass performance, etc.

Whatever floats your boat should be what you're looking for in a speaker since it's the most colored performing piece of equipment you'll have in your system.

You'll encounter more compromises at the lower cost end of the equation than at the more expensive (generally) but those compromises have to be factored in with the rest of your equipment and what clues you like when deciding.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Sorry about that dyslexic first sentence. As I read it now....
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
I have no experience, first hand or anecdotal, in recording studios but I can see certain types of individuals gravitate to certain fields and endeavors and bring with them their disciplines. These disciplines may seem or appear to be stereotypical and not true as a whole but they do serve as a basis.

Type casting is a no-no as there are always exceptions to the rule: long haired rockers who always use 11; studious geeks who defer to exactitude; free thinkers who tend to experiment.

I'd love to hear what the pros say as well and shed some light on why they think certain genres of CDs sound better and those who broke the mold or went against the grain to get the best sound they could.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Frogman, I didn't intend to limit the obvious possibility of type casting as it's usually based on a kind of truth: I just wanted to avoid generalities though they most certainly apply (and I didn't want to be the first to say it, not having the expertise).

What you say about the industry, in general, speaks volumes. Solutions in search of a problem that never really existed. Technologies used that overstep their intentions.

When you speak of SOPHISTICATION IN ITS SIMPLICITY AND ACCESSIBILITY, I'm reminded of MA Recordings, Mapleshade, ECM and others that always seem to get it right. They can capture the moment, the intent, flow and emotion and bring it to your living room.

All the best,
Nonoise
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