Frustrations re: Auditioning Speakers

[csm_274]

I live in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area - not big, but not small. I'm having a very hard time finding many of the high-end speakers I'd like to audition. The stores I find only carry 1-2, maybe 3 high-end speaker options. For example, in my area I can audition Paradigm, Thiel, Monitor, RBH, one of the V's, Klipsch, Definitive Technology, and a couple more I can't think of off the top of my head. I had to go to 5 different stores to find/hear these manufacturers.

This is a decent list, but there are SO MANY more to consider based on feedback from site's like this one. It's very frustrating. I've even checked larger cities as I often travel and thought I could audition speakers while on the road. That's not overly successful either.

Any suggestions? Does everyone struggle with this? I want to conduct a thorough audition, but it's very difficult. Just venting I suppose.

 

[mazersteven]

I live in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area - not big, but not small. I'm having a very hard time finding many of the high-end speakers I'd like to audition. The stores I find only carry 1-2, maybe 3 high-end speaker options. For example, in my area I can audition Paradigm, Thiel, Monitor, RBH, one of the V's, Klipsch, Definitive Technology, and a couple more I can't think of off the top of my head. I had to go to 5 different stores to find/hear these manufacturers.

Sounds like every other area out there. From my experience your not going to find every manufacturer in one location.

 

[highfihoney]

Auditioning speakers need not be a huge headache,you can over audition & over think the whole process by listening to too many different speakers trying to get the best value & best sound.

Try a different approach,pick manufacturers that have a good rep for quality/price/service & performance that you can audition in your area,then further narrow down the list by selecting one model from each manufacturer,then narrow the list down even further by the specs of the speaker & what will work best with your gear for power handeling,forget any review that you read online or in any forum,pro reviewers are being paid to gush in the review & owners write rave reviews because they own that model,reviews are not to be trusted ever.

Take a notebook with you & write down your observations of each speaker,dont forget to log all the things you like best about each model & especially what your 1st impression of each speaker was,in my experience with audio there is no better barometer to gauge long term satisfaction with a speaker than your 1st impression,if your blown away at 1st listen chances are that you have a winner but if the speaker is lacking ANYTHING take a big pass on that model.

The hardest thing about buying new speakers/gear is to learn to trust your own ears & leave other people's oponions behind.

Also,dont be afraid of Audiogon.com,buying & auditioning used hi end gear is easy & informative,use the search function with your zip code on Audiogon to look for used hi end speakers in your budget,most sellers welcome in home demo's & take extra good care of their gear,even if you dont buy the used speakers you audition i find that most audiophiles are happy to have new people over to show off their systems & will not be angry if you dont buy,plus its a great way to turn a $1,000 budget into a $5,000 pair of speakers.

 

[billnchristy]

I know some guys in that area that have several different AV123 speaks (x series, rockets, minis).

If you would like to hear them, cruise over to the av123 forum and ask for an audition..I am sure they would be glad to host you.

 

[davidtwotrees]

HiFiHoney makes a good point. I have had four instances where I was buying or selling gear in the Chicago area, and was able to go to audiophile's homes and see and hear their systems. One offered me breakfast with his family, another made me lunch! For all the doom and gloom in the steam vent, most americans are regular folk and audio nuts love to share their gear......
Try audiogon.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Auditioning speakers need not be a huge headache,you can over audition & over think the whole process by listening to too many different speakers trying to get the best value & best sound.

I also subscribe to the KISS approach

Auditioning speakers can be as fun & simple, or as frustrating and complex as you choose to make it.

 

[Soundman]

I live in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area - not big, but not small. I'm having a very hard time finding many of the high-end speakers I'd like to audition. The stores I find only carry 1-2, maybe 3 high-end speaker options. For example, in my area I can audition Paradigm, Thiel, Monitor, RBH, one of the V's, Klipsch, Definitive Technology, and a couple more I can't think of off the top of my head. I had to go to 5 different stores to find/hear these manufacturers.

This is a decent list, but there are SO MANY more to consider based on feedback from site's like this one. It's very frustrating. I've even checked larger cities as I often travel and thought I could audition speakers while on the road. That's not overly successful either.

Any suggestions? Does everyone struggle with this? I want to conduct a thorough audition, but it's very difficult. Just venting I suppose.

Hey, I know what you mean about trying to find speakers to audition. I'm in the same boat. I live in Rocky Mount, NC. Imagine what that's like! I have to drive to Raleigh to find anything. I'm going to try to find people that will help with this process, but may end up just going the Internet direct route and get the 30-day free trial period. Let me know what you find if you can, since I'm sort of in your area.

 

[Swerd]

Believe or not, your are lucky to live in that area. Not far away, in Garner, is Selah Audio. The owner, Rick Craig, is an excellent speaker designer, that makes his own line of finished speakers and kits.

Selah Audio
1013 Oakwater Dr.
Garner, NC 27529
919-662-5253

Pay a visit to his shop, look and listen. Yes, some of what he makes may be out of your price range, but you may find something you love and can afford.

I have no business connection with Selah Audio. I just thought that you might like to know about this less well known source of top quality speakers that is in your local area.

 

[The Dukester]

I feel your pain. Try living in upstate SC. There is one, count 'em, one high end place in my town. They do have some good lines including McIntosh (no speakers on demo, though), B & W, Mission, Energy, Infinity and a couple others. Other than that guy, we have BB, CC and Tweeter. That's about it. RBH? Yeah, right. If your dealer has any to listen to they would be the closest to me.

If you get up to Roanoke, Va, there are some nice stores there. Try Lee Hartman and Sons. See Kip. They also have a website if you want to look around. Some others there are Sound Decision and Audiotronics.

Hifihoney gave some good advice. Try to be open, but don't confuse yourself with too many options. If you buy localy, many reputable dealers will let you do an in house demo before you buy. Don't be afraid to ask them. It's your money and you want to spend it on something you will enjoy for awhile.

 

[Soundman]

Believe or not, your are lucky to live in that area. Not far away, in Garner, is Selah Audio. The owner, Rick Craig, is an excellent speaker designer, that makes his own line of finished speakers and kits.

Selah Audio
1013 Oakwater Dr.
Garner, NC 27529
919-662-5253

Pay a visit to his shop, look and listen. Yes, some of what he makes may be out of your price range, but you may find something you love and can afford.

I have no business connection with Selah Audio. I just thought that you might like to know about this less well known source of top quality speakers that is in your local area.

Hey Swerd,
Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. The more options the better!