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[mpompey]

For me the most important aspects are clarity, soundstage imaging, and being able to meet my subwoofer at the crossover frequency. My mains aren't doing most of the low freq horsepower anymore, but I need for them to hand off to my sub well.

 

[sy527x]

For 2-channel loudspeakers, high- and mid-range clarity, and soundstaging are the most important things I listen for.

 

[ArtV]

Linearity/accuracy and imaging. Appearance and price are also important factors. If it is too ugly or too expensive I will not/cannot purchase them. Thanks for listening.

Artv

 

[evan]

clarity and sounstage I want to feel like I am part of the music

 

[mfabien]

Contest Question: When evaluating a speaker, what is most important to you and why (examples: high-end response, mid-range clarity, bass performance, size, linearity, etc.).

High-end response plus mid-range clarity particularly important for Front speakers. For Left and Right, good size woofers to perform well in Stereo sound format. For the Center speaker, complete clarity for both dialog and musical performer in a multichannel format.

Bass performance, I leave that to a good sub such as my PB-12 ISD.

 

[warpdrive]

I like linearity, tonally accurate clear sound...with good rendering of vocals foremost

 

[Tom Caines]

All things that folks would say are important to them are important me in varying degrees. However, clean, clean, clean is most important. I've heard audiophile systems with 25 watts/ch playing at moderate volume that were sooo clean it sounded Wonderful.

 

[GaryZ06]

High-end response, mid-range clarity and wide soundstage......also a good looking speaker.

 

[riceaterslc]

overall clarity at moderate listening levels. i dont really push the limits of my equipment, but if there is just one aspect of a speaker that can't hang with another ei: distorted bass with clear high and mid-range, it throws everything off.

 

[Audiosouse]

Price, Style and Flat Frequency Response

1. Price - I'm all about value, so my goal is simply the best sound for the lowest price.

2. Style - flat panel, lifestyle or conventional

3. Sound:

• I look for a speaker that does not emphasize any one midrange frequency (ruler flat frequency response).
• I like sound dispersed uniformly throughout the room (on-axis and off-axis frequency response curves are smooth and similar).
• I demand very low levels of distortion (I can crank a quality amplifier without concern).

Appropriately, all of these attributes can not only be heard but easily measured to allow quick comparisons with other speakers. The graphs allow me to narrow down the choices and let my ears pick what they like best.

 

[randyb]

Midrange clarity

Midrange clarity and bass integration

 

[brown123]

Contest Question: When evaluating a speaker, what is most important to you and why (examples: high-end response, mid-range clarity, bass performance, size, linearity, etc.).

Since all of my systems are integrated into rooms which serve other purposes as well, the size and appearance of the speakers is a concern. they have to be small enough to be unobtrusive, and preferably a furniture grade wood finish.
Sonically, I prefer a flat response with detailed response and low distortion. It's amazing to me the number of times I've been with friends auditioning speakers and they pick speakers that slur or mask detail, because they perceive them as "warm".

 

[Boeckelmann]

sturdy construction and a flat response. something that feels flimsy is certainly a turn-off when shopping for new speakers.

 

[broberts]

More and more, imaging and proper sound staging are the most important to me. I realize a lot of this has to do more with the room, but still... Other than that, I look for ruler flat frequency response down to 50 Hz and midrange clarity. If they have a nice real wood finish that’s a plus

 

[madadam]

evaluating speakers

Contest Question: When evaluating a speaker, what is most important to you and why (examples: high-end response, mid-range clarity, bass performance, size, linearity, etc.).


High-end detail. I have no problems with brightness, I like a crisp clear sound. Mid-range very important, bass performance not so much as I use a sub and manage bass. Appearance(size, looks) and build quality is veryy important - these things will be in my living space, and my environment is a part of my overall listening experience. I like beautiful gear...

 

[lbjazz]

It can depend on the price range I'm looking at b/c I wouldn't expect to get pinpoint imaging in a massive sound field from a $200 pair of speakers.
However. . .
First, I want a speaker that is neutral to warm. I cannot stand bright or harsh sounding speakers.
Second, Imaging and sound stage. Bigger is better.
Thrid, Clarity clarity clarity. if i'm looking at budget friendly speakers, clarity comes before imaging.
Last, Finish. I do after all have to look at them.

 

[mlbillow]

1. Sound - It has to sound good to me, not what sounds good to others, or how it is advertised.

2. Price - It has to be within my budget. For a speaker that I find to sound very nice, I am sometimes willing to pay a little more.

3. Looks - Looks are not everything, but it helps with the WAF.

 

[brmiller88]

I look for, in this order, midrange clarity, a broad soundstage, then for good bass performance.

 

[smurphy522]

In selecting speakers I prefer a flat frequency response (of course room and placement is criticalin this). Good realistic imaging is important as well.
My current speakers, Infinity Kappas, are about to be replaced with....?....not sure, I have to go out and Demo a few smaller options. Due to WAF and new room location not allowing for such large enclosures the Kappas aree on their way out. I hope to be able to find something close to their performance in a smaller size. Oh yeah, I can't take out another mortgage for them either. Looks were always a last consideration for me, of course now it matters a little more.

 

[ned]

That which sound good to me.