How to audition used speakers???

I bought a pair of bi-wired KEF Reference 104/2s based solely on reputation and reviews. I recognized the shipping address as very high-end Manhatten, but still I suppose it was a gamble. I love the speakers and have never regretted that gamble. If at some point the 104/2s become unrepairable, I'll look for a pair of Sophias or Sophia-2s. So I'd say buying used speakers entails some risk, but a worthwhile risk. I'm not as cavalier about selling and shipping as some who have posted on this thread, but then I've only been a buyer.

db

"Isn't buying speakers this way as good as rolling a die?"

Yes. Find a good dealer and work with him, unless you like rolling dice.

well, I just disagree. I DID buy a new set of speaker from a good dealer after spending a great deal of time auditioning them. When upgrade time came, I sold them for half my purchase price. Don't be mistaken, buying from a dealer IS a good option, but don't be confused about the economics. If you are careful, and thoughtful, you can significantly eliminate the risk of used, and end up with more speaker than if you buy new.

A second system, in a dorm?

You will have to save up to get good floorstanders. Even the low end is higher than that. Once youve at least doubled and more likely tripled your capitol. The only way to "audition" anything is to listen to them. That is by definition what you must do. If you want a bewildering array of current production speakers go to an audio show. You will hear a bunch but but that will eat into your money. I would go the garage sale route if I were you. It's hopless witth just a couple of hundred. A decent pair of input tubes cost that much.

Your best bet is to use your ears...locate a pair of the speakers and listen to them...better yet, listen to them with the amplifier that you are buying. Klipsch may not be the best bet with Onkyo...the Japanese electronics have a bit of high frequency bias and the Klipsch speakers, being very sensitive, might emphasize the bias. The Spicas are definitely darker, and while they may work a little better with the receiver, you may be disappointed down the road and the resale value might not be as great as you might wish...if you desire to trade up. You might consider a pair of B&W 302s for a dorm room...these were $299 brand new (Stereophile budget component of the year in 2000), image well, and can be had at a fair price. Yes, you trade off some bass response, but your receiver will drive the 302s without breaking a sweat. When you can upgrade from the receiver, then make your investment in speakers. There is a good resale market for the 302s...you can nearly sell them for what you paid for them...providing you take care of them.