Yes having other speakers in the room does negatively affect the sound somewhat, but when a client auditions a set in our show room they will understand these interactions and know that the speakers will sound even better in their own rooms
This is only one reason why I previously stated in another thread "Moreover, many dealership rooms are setup like crap..." (
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/not-enough-options-for-auditioning-speakers/post?highlight=%2...)
Dave, you don't need more naysayers, but I've found the problem with multiple speakers in a room goes beyond the interaction they have with one another. Invariably the *placement* of the speakers are severely compromised. If there is any conciliation in how you have your showroom setup (and I haven't seen it), I know you're not the only dealer that has many speakers in the same room.
Given the price point of the gear you are demonstrating, wouldn't it behoove you (and all other dealers please take note of this question) to have a *dedicated sound room* with no equipment in it at all, and then populate the room with whatever equipment is being demoed at that particular moment? Granted, this is a major inconvenience to cart equipment to and from, in and out, etc., however, this would be for customers (potential customers) who are looking to drop say 50K+.