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How to shop for speakers?

OK, I've got the upgrade bug. My problem is how to evaluate speaker auditions given the limited local choices and the inevitable differences in amplification, room, etc. I have a local dealer who will let me do home audition, but he does not carry 4 of the 5 brands I am interested in after attending RMAF. He is even getting the mfgr to send a pair for my audition. My problem is how do I judge the various speakers given the variability in listening environments and the time lapses between listening. Buying used for home auditioning and selling what I do not like does not seem practical to me given the price range I am looking at - not much available used in this range and too much potential for significant loss with each transaction. Besides what if I sell one I later decide was the best.

My short list after attending RMAF:

B&W 800d or 802d - not so impressed after dealer demo
Dynaudio Confidence C4 - waiting for dealer to get one for demo
Wilson Sasha or Sophia3 - was blown away by the soundstage of the Sophias at RMAF
I would like to audition Revel Salons or Studios or Sonus Faber Elipsa but local dealers are installers and do not have demo capability

My favorite at RMAF was JM Labs Maestro Utopia but they are out of my price range new.

Amplification is McIntosh MC501 ( this makes me a non-audiophile since I read in another thread that audiophiles do not use Mac equipment - I'm fine with that since I really like the music more than the equipment). But, I would like to hook up a MC275 during the hot summer months to listen at low to moderate levels.o

Not sure if this is a gripe or a request for advice, but I will appreciate any guidance that is offered other than the usual " you listen and decide" I already appreciate that.
altbrewer

Showing 2 responses by altbrewer

altbrewer OP
24 posts
 
Stanwal, I proofread my posts but missed the error in this one. Of course, I meant to say I used the MC275 in winter, not summer. Also, I would not expect the MC275 to drive any of these speakers to loud volumes, but only for quiet, mellow listening.

To all other responders, thanks. I do believe that home audition would be the best way to judge a speaker, but it doesn't seem practical in this price range. I am not opposed to buying used, but I am not sure that I would feel I got good value if the trial and error process went on too long with, say, a 10% loss each time, for speakers costing this much.

I feel pretty good about looking at the listening room at the dealer and comparing it with mine to get an idea of how the speaker might work at home, but not so much with figuring the impact of the different electronics and cables.

I spent my entire career using objective data to formulate my work product, so I guess what I am looking for is a systematic method that will allow me to compare speakers in different locations at different times. Using a single set of music tracks is a good idea, and I am in the process of making notes about what I listen for with each cut.
altbrewer OP
24 posts
 
While I appreciate the specific speaker suggestions that have been posted - they have opened my eyes (ears?) to others I should consider - I am really looking for a methodology to evaluate speakers when they are auditioned at different times in different settings and with different electronics. I agree that the best evaluation is in my own listening room, and that is how I picked my current speakers.

Regarding the comment that there is no common thread in the speakers I listed - there is, but it is not an obvious audiological one. They are speakers I have heard briefly and liked, and have been well spoken of. I do not feel I heard them long enough or with music of my choosing, so I would want to audition them in greater depth before making a buying decision.

I would buy used if I wanted to use the hit or miss buy and sell method, but if I take up the dealers time and resources, I am more inclined to buy from the dealer. Still, if the dealer of the model I decide upon does not give good service, then I would hope to find what I want used.

Finally, my room is 19x17 feet with the speakers on the shorter wall. Currently they are almost 4 feet from the front wall and about 3 feet from the side, positioned by the Iron Chef Speaker Setup Protocol. I'm not sure my wife will tolerate this much longer as they are almost directly in front of the door from the garage and really need to be closer to the wall to satisfy her.
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