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Not Enough Options for Auditioning Speakers

am in the market for a great two channel music system. They will be set up in a dedicated listening room that is 12'x17'x9'. The room is carpeted but not treated.

My budget is around $15k-$20k for speakers, wires, amp+preamp (or integrated).

I prefer towers as I like the full range and have had bad luck with integrating a sub. I started my search with B&W 805's and Sonus Faber Olympica I's (which are still on my short list)

My problem is that most of the dealers in my area do not carry very many brands, so it is hard to compare. I cannot even find one that carries the KEF reference.

I am leaning right now to the Sonus Faber Olympica III's but also really like the B&W 803 D3. I wish I could hear them side by side. The dealer with the SF's is great and has let me do home testing with several speakers and he is recommending the Olympica's.

I read a lot online about auditioning several different speakers but cannot find any place in central Florida that has most of the lines they are suggesting. I know if I pick the SF Olympica's I will be very happy, but I have not even heard the III's! I am just a little frustrated that the consistent advice is to listen to a lot of others, but I can't.

Am I the only one with this problem?

Thanks!
-Mobius
mobiusmu
james_w514's avatar
james_w514
286 posts
 
You owe it to yourself to find other speakers to demo. There are much better options out there with that budget. 
wolf_garcia
6,591 posts
 
The loss of most audio retail joints has made it difficult to hear stuff. I'm interested in hearing a pair of modern "Heritage" Klipsch Heresy IIIs as a not too expensive high efficiency speaker option (to go with my low powered single ended amp), and even in the somewhat crowded Boston area nobody sells 'em where you can actually audition a pair. The only option is to buy things and send them back if they suck, eating the shipping cost as a penalty. 
inna
7,132 posts
 
No you are not, most of us are in the same boat. Even in New York area it is difficult. That's the main reason, I think, why many end up with wrong or not exactly what they want equipment, especially speakers and turntables.
Your budget is pretty good even if you are talking new pieces.
mofojo
2,167 posts
 
I recently heard the Paradigm Persona 3Fs and they are fantastic. Might want to check to see if there is a dealer close. As you said you cannot demo the KEF reference but they are really great as well. I would much prefer these to the Sonus Fabers or the B&Ws for my tastes. 
Some really good internet direct brands as well but even harder to demo unless there is an owner close. 
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