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
@gdnrbob

Hey bob,

Great post.

@mobiusmu

If shows and dealers are not doable, accepting others offers to come and listen is a great idea. And you just may make a great new friend in the process.
Hi Mobius,

If you are ever in South Mississippi you are welcome to stop by and listen to my setups.  I have a pair of B&W 805D3's.  For your comparison I have a pair of custom built Accuton/Raal speakers, which I consider to be the best sounding speakers I've heard by a good margin.  Both can be auditioned in a treated room on a Classe amplifier.  

I understand your predicament.  You are welcome to contact me if interested. 

All the best, 

Seth
Nice sized room. Would recommend the Marten Django. Another worthy contender is the Prana fidelity Vayu/fs

Mathew
jjaudiosolutions.com
daytona beach and orlando had high end shops with gear on display...even websites :)
Clearly we need a Tupperware/Mary Kay-like audio business. Drive around in a van and provide an in-home audition party for the audio geek community…"So Clem, these Spendors look GREAT with your stuffed owl collection…let's turn these babies UP. Now…who's ordering the D'Agostinos? Free carpet spikes everybody!"