The only opinion that matters is yours...
So, with all of this information securely stowed in your cranium, it’s finally time to head out to ______? Where do you go to listen to speakers? A “big-box” store? Radio Shack? An audio salon? Just where is the best place to audition speakers? The answer is - in your room. Sure, peruse the internet, jump into forums, read reviews, ask questions…but only as a starting point. As you seek enlightenment, remember you’re inquiring about a very subjective matter. Jot down some brand names and models, see what’s in your area, and plan on spending the better part of several days driving around and listening. Take along a note pad, and write down your impressions of each speaker you listen to. Afterwards, take some time to digest what you’ve heard, what you liked and what you didn’t like. Then, repeat as much as possible until you’ve listened to a lot of choices, and then start to narrow down your list. Go back several times until you have only a few choices left.
Now here’s where it can get tricky. As I said before, the best place to audition is in your room. Ideally, the store you’ve been visiting will allow you to take home a floor sample (with a security deposit) and listen to the speakers with your equipment in the space you have. This is the only way to know just how the speaker is going to sound for you in your domicile. In lieu of such an audition, you may want to consider the return policy of the store where you’re purchasing. Chances are, if you’ve been able to listen in a dedicated listening room (rather than a noisy sales floor) you should have a good impression of the qualities of the speaker, but it’s always good to have a means to return, or trade in the speakers.
Of course another issue is the cost. Sure, you could by a $15 pair of computer speakers, plug them in and they’ll make sound, but if you’ve read this article in its entirety so far, you know you want something more. Some people only want a pair of speakers to start with, while others jump right in and go for the full 7.1 setup right off the bat. Either way is fine after proper auditioning, but a budget is of concern. You may think you only want two speakers for music listening at first, but since home theater has really taken off, it would be wise to see if the line of speakers you’re considering have matching center channel and surround speakers for possible future expansion. This will help to insure a cohesive sound all through out in a surround sound system. You don’t need a “matching” subwoofer as bass is handled a bit differently, and a quality sub can be added at any time. Also, never feel like you need to buy a certain brand nor spend your life savings to get good sounding speakers.
Another consideration is buying from the internet. Some better deals can be found, and some companies sell direct from their web site, eliminating the “middle man” while passing the savings on to you. Some even allow an in home audition (crucial since there’s no other way of auditioning) and a liberal return policy. There’s also the used market to consider, especially if the speaker you want is out of reach financially, or just isn’t made anymore, but keep in mind “caveat emptor” - let the buyer beware. Know who you’re getting the speakers from, and ask if they’ll accept a return/refund as part of the deal. Not as likely as retail, but it never hurts to ask.
