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Not Enough Options for Auditioning Speakers

am in the market for a great two channel music system. They will be set up in a dedicated listening room that is 12'x17'x9'. The room is carpeted but not treated.

My budget is around $15k-$20k for speakers, wires, amp+preamp (or integrated).

I prefer towers as I like the full range and have had bad luck with integrating a sub. I started my search with B&W 805's and Sonus Faber Olympica I's (which are still on my short list)

My problem is that most of the dealers in my area do not carry very many brands, so it is hard to compare. I cannot even find one that carries the KEF reference.

I am leaning right now to the Sonus Faber Olympica III's but also really like the B&W 803 D3. I wish I could hear them side by side. The dealer with the SF's is great and has let me do home testing with several speakers and he is recommending the Olympica's.

I read a lot online about auditioning several different speakers but cannot find any place in central Florida that has most of the lines they are suggesting. I know if I pick the SF Olympica's I will be very happy, but I have not even heard the III's! I am just a little frustrated that the consistent advice is to listen to a lot of others, but I can't.

Am I the only one with this problem?

Thanks!
-Mobius
mobiusmu
gwalt
140 posts
 

Doug

I suppose it does become relative to the investment and long-term goals as to traveling for research. My 1000 mile round trip cost me no more than $250 (fuel, food, and an overnight stay). What I learn from the trips I have taken for two long-term speakers was a wealth of knowledge and an ultimate listening experience which have been priceless.

If you attend RMAF in Denver and extend your stay or arrive early you will find a town full of two channel quality dealers.....possibly one of the best selections in the country. Colorado Springs, Boulder, Ft. Collins and surrounding areas all contribute with some options. You don't have to buy there but the goal being to listen and seek information.

My goal was to buy my last speaker and finish the ride. Now I find the shows much less interesting confirming my ride has finished.

gwalt

willgolf
156 posts
 
I have a pair of Wilson Audio Duette 2's for sale in Audiogon.  If there are any Wilson dealers you should take a listen.  Super speakers.  Absolute Worse case try You tube.  
dcevans
32 posts
 
With your ample budget, and based on your desire to own towers ... if it were me, and I wanted to buy new, based on reviews and a desire to get the biggest bang for the buck, I would spend $5700 for a Hegel 360 integrated (which is also a streamer), and devote 8-12 grand on a pair of speakers. GoldenEar Triton Reference would be on my short list of towers to audition. My $.02
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,165 posts
 
@asvjerry ,

I have never had a show exhibitor refuse to play a CD I have asked them to play, unless they can't because they do not have the facility to play one.
You are correct if they can and won't. Walk.
dcevans
32 posts
 
If you are not opposed to buying used, there are several SF Olympica iiis for sale on this site, including one for $5800. They are both rated 10/10.  For that money, you could relist if you weren't happy with them, without a loss.  
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