How to audition used speakers???

Led,

I would suggest you check out the "Audio Clubs" forum here at AudiogoN. There is a listing for The Connecticut Audio Society. There may be some folks near you that would enjoy demo'ing their systems to you so you can develop a point of reference regarding other speakers.

Also, Bdgregory's advice is good (as usual). Decide what speakers interest you, determine the current going price (as best possible) and buy a pair when you find them at/below your target price. Be sure the speakers are packaged appropriately and are in excellent condition as a provision of the purchase. If you love them, great! If not, re-sell them with little or no loss as you did your homework when you purchased them and subsequesntly didn't overpay. Proper packaging and overall condition is absolutely critical if you plan to buy and re-sell as a means of auditioning speakers.

BTW, I've always been curious about Spica speakers, but I've never heard them. I think the TC-50 and TC-60 models are bass challenged and would require a subwoofer in the opinion of many people. However they are said to be imaging champions if that is what you desire. The Spica Angelis apparently has similar imaging attributes with better bass extension.

Also, I agree with Bd that providing budget, room size, music preferences and desired sonic qualities, will help folks recommend appropriate speakers to you.

Enjoy,

TIC

buying used speakers is where feedback rating is especially important. you need to really trust the seller when getting answers about age and how much use the speakers have had, etc. on the other hand, if they're lightly used, you save yourself the break-in period (and some money too...)

IMHO, get something that is currently supported so that you can repair it, if necessary. Speakers are quite easily damaged when overdriven/clipped amp.

Shadorne makes a good point. Spica is out of business and getting replacement parts may be difficult.

Thanks for the responses so far. I'm planning on using these speakers for a second system (in my dorm). I will reuse an Onkyo receiver which has an output of only 40 WPC (into 8 ohms, I believe). Since the output of the receiver is small, I'm thinking about some older Klipsch speakers. As a rule, I prefer floorstanders; I feel that you don't need a subwoofer if you have a good pair of floorstanders.

I have a pair of Ohms in my regular system that I bought largely because I got a good deal; I didn't audition anything else. Although I LOVE the Ohms, I want to explore my choices a little more than I did with them. My budget is $250 since this is just for a little room.