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
Wolf, Audio Video Therapy sells the complete line of Klipsch Heritage speakers. They are in Nashua NH. I'm not sure if he still has them but they have a pair of demo Heresy III speakers on sale for $1600. I'd give them a call they are open Tuesday through Sunday.
Mobius: Despite the difficulty, I’d say your challenge is shared by most everyone in this hobby. Even if a dealer represents a brand, they don’t carry all models in stock and certainly not to demo.

Shows are fun, however, in my opinion, there are few true positives and many false negatives. If you attend, keep this in mind. The only way to know is in your room with your gear.

Best of luck.
@mobiusmu,

You may wanna check Salk Sound, I heard them at AXPONA this year. Fabulous sound and choice of exquisite wood grain. 

http://www.salksound.com/type.php?format=Floorstanding

I believe they do offer in-home trial. 


It's possible that you really will have to travel to hear demonstrations of specific loudspeakers.  It's just the way it is.  Call ahead and make arrangements.

I'm surprised no one has recommended that brand that makes all other loudspeakers obsolete.