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so many choices, yet so little to demo

What's a person to do? I'm in the market for new speakers. I go to few mid end stores (within 100 miles) and listen to Monitor Audio, PSB's and Golden Ear. Of course all are different stores. Then I come here and find another 25 brands that aren't carried in my state, no less area.

That being said I surely will not ask for a recommendation and I'm fairly confident that I am not the first to have this issue. And honestly, I don't believe that I ever read a BAD speaker review and comparisons always end up saying the two are really close. Useless to the average person.

My market range is for a 5 speaker HT setup that I will use for audio as well. I have an Onkyo PR-SC885 pre/proc driving an Emotiva UPS-7 (7ch @ 125W each) . My price range is 1700-2500. I feel that I really need to hear them before I lay down the money and knowing the markup need to get a deal. That combo is nearly impossible, deals are usually only on the internet (B- stock, demo, several years old)and the mid end stores want list price and don't carry any of the above.

I know many internet dealers allow returns but there are so many caveats attached. So I don't view that as a solution.

Shall I limit myself to only those brands I can demo in my area? How have you guys/gals addressed this?

Thanks in Advance
wzakaras
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
IME these days local Mid/HiFi shops are willing to make a deal. There are different levels of PSB (Image, Imagine Series); assuming you like them I'll bet the dealer would put a package together if it involves 5 spkrs.
But, pricing will be in the area at the top of your budget.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
2,651 posts
 
I think Rlwainwright did it for you. Gallo makes great stuff, and I would buy that even if I couldn't hear it first.
elevick
2,439 posts
 
Where are you? Road trip? If you are dropping $2500 it may be worth it?
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
Look at Audio Advisor: http://www.audioadvisor.com they carry PSB, Monitor Audio and Martin Logan and NHT. Excellent service and you can try at home for 30 days with free ground shipping.
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
301 posts
 
Mate it is vitally important you hear stuff before purchasing.

To hammer home the point I strongly urge you to read the following review:
http://www.stereomojo.com/LENEHAN%20ML1%20REFERENCE%20SPEAKER%20REVIEW/LenehandML1ReferenceSpeaker.htm

You very rarely if ever see reviews like that but to be blunt its the truth of the situation not the usual rubbish you see in reviews. The speakers in that review are mine I lent out for the review. I am not beholding to anyone so couldn't care a rats proverbial that one person went ga ga over them and another - well ho hum. Manufacturers would go off the deep end with a review like that, and being lucky enough to live near the the maker, and having a good relationship with him, I can tell you he was none too happy about the negative review, but of course loved the complementary one. The point is not every product is the bees knees for everyone and to avoid disappointment you must listen to gear - it's imperative.

There is no need to go to dealers - contact other Hi Fi enthusiasts on forums like this. In my experience they will be only too happy to have you on over to hear their stuff - I am always happy to do that.

Its the only way, and allocating money to do that, even if it means travel, it a very very important part of what needs to be set aside for any Hi Fi purchase.

Thanks
Bill
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