You are probably going to have to go to S. Florida or Atlanta to find shops with more brands to audition. Can you take a few days off? It will not only be fun, but you will learn a lot about what you like.
Bob
Bob
Not Enough Options for Auditioning Speakers
I bought Hyperion HPS-938 speakers without audition (3 month old dealer demo) based on glowing reviews. Hyperion showed them only once in 2004, did not advertise and had very poor dealership base. Closest dealer to Chicago was in Pennsylvania. Hyperion Sound had fantastic product with no place to audition it (3 dealers in whole USA) and went bankrupt. Speakers are still great but I'm worrying about future service. Next time I won't buy anything from less known or hard to audition company. http://www.hyperionsound.com/Images/HP%20938.jpg |
However, this doesn't mean that there is nothing we can do to help. If you describe in details using an advanced language what you would like to accomplish and what your priorities in music and sound are, some people with a lot of experience, not me, might be able to point the way for you. Write a short essay not just say you want this and that. Another thought. When auditioning insist on the very best source available, and electronics too if possible. The source will set the pace and rhythm. I heard systems with supposedly excellent speakers and amps but inadequate source, and the other way around. For $10k new you should be able to find excellent speakers but don't expect too much, it will still be a modest level of performance. When auditioning I first pay attention to the pace rhythm clarity and dynamics of the system, then on how it represents space, then the tone and textures. If it doesn't pass the first test I don't want it even if it has a tone of Amati. Also, the distortion that you may hear could be mostly in the recording. |
Thank you all for the help and advice! I will try to attend a show, if nothing else than it sounds fun. @gdnrbob, I can travel and S. Florida and Atlanta are easy, I might have to do that. @lalitk I researched Salk and thought about visiting them as I have family in Michigan. I listen to all types of music, all classic rock, rock, country, blues, singer song writer, musicals, Motown, classical, jazz, and some R&B and rap and a little gospel. I really do listen to everything. I want a big sound stage with a lot of detail. I want to experience the deep bass, warm midrange, and clear vocals. I want a system that will fill the entire room and surround me. When I play Roger Waters' "Perfect Sense, Pt.1" I want it to come from everywhere. I know a lot of that depends on the room, but I want to smile when I listen to music and I want to feel the emotion. I do have a small vinyl collection but most of my listening will be digital. I have a bluesound Node 2 streaming from Tidal as streaming from my NAS where I have a large collection, mostly FLAC. I do have a huge CD collection as well but will need to get a good player. I have an Oppo bluray drive in my family room that I love. I am relatively new to the audiophile world. I have always loved music but never could afford anything good. That has changed and I am ready to fall in love with great sound! Thanks again for all of the feedback! -Mobius |
Something like this? What do others think? https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-in-cherry-2017-08-26-speakers |