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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
fokakis1's avatar
fokakis1
10 posts
 
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
kollamala
36 posts
 
Nice sized room. Would recommend the Marten Django. Another worthy contender is the Prana fidelity Vayu/fs

Mathew
jjaudiosolutions.com
austin_jeff's avatar
austin_jeff
33 posts
 
daytona beach and orlando had high end shops with gear on display...even websites :)
wolf_garcia
6,600 posts
 
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!" 
gwalt
162 posts
 
I bought my pair of Gamut RS7i's from Kyomi Audio in Chicago after a visit to George's in home demo site. This was a 500 mile drive out and back for me but the only way to go IMO. George understands quality sound (as a World renowned Concert Pianist) and recently had an in home demo day for Gamut and another for potential Vivid speaker buyers. The Absolute Sound was at the demos so it was a win for the dealer and potential buyer.  Wished there were more quality dealers out there of the same interest but there is not.
Use the shows potential TO SEE/HEAR if available but I would always plan on some dollars spent going on some trips to seek out the finalist on your list. I would certainly build that into your budget and take all into account if your investment is going to be long term.
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