Are loudspeakers that different?

Couldn't agree more SdCampbell, the cartridge and speakers are the most variable, and crucial, elements in the audio equation. And Bishopwill, which killer speakers are you using, 'speakers-first' adherents really want to know!

Fatparrot, you are right on target. The contribution made by the room can make or break even the finest, most synergetic of combinations. That's why I argue that in-home audition is so vital, even if it means paying ghastly shipping charges or driving hundreds of miles. The pain and expense of arranging in-home auditions are as nothing compared to the pain of buying something that doesn't work in your space and not discovering that until too late to return the product.

Sdcampbell and Grandpad (BTW, is that "Grandpa D" as in I have really nice grandchildren or "Grand Pad" as in I have a really nice house?) also hit the nail on the head when they pointed out the sonic contribution of the phono cartridge. Your prelate gave up vinyl years ago but can still remember moving from a BIC giveaway turntable to an NAD "floppy arm" with a Shure V15. Wow! What a difference.

Happy listening. Do let us know what you decide.

will

Grandpad,

My HT system uses Paradigm Studio 100v2s as mains and I could not be happier with them for that purpose. Decried as they are for being "mass produced" few if any speakers at their various price points have garnered as many positive reviews from every corner of the audio spectrum as have Paradigms.

My 2-channel system uses JMLabs Utopias.

And you?

will

Oops! Let your prelate not be accused of exaggerating his system.

I use JMLabs MEZZO Utopias.

will

Thanks folks, appreciate the insight. If I can redirect however, and get your additional input, I should have been more clear perhaps. Since I can not audition speakers I was hoping to do so through anyone willing to offer their experiences - - by proxy if you will. I have been exposed (through reading and experience) to most of the previous posts' philosophies.
I prefer my Aerials by the way. The Totems I listened to were great, hooked up to Myriad electronics and in what I thought was an excellently prepared room. I have a Sony SCD player and the Rowland integrated. Debate over quality of electronics may be pertinent, but I thought the Totems really sounded great - just not my taste, though I will confidently say female vocals sound more realistic through my system.
The Totem sound was holographic (I wondered what people were talking about before I heard these) without any irritants, and decent bass. Somehow the whole thing seemed less solid though. (Similar to Soliloquy? - have not heard them).
So, if anyone can tell me what they have auditioned and what it sounded like, compared to something else, that would be great (every review in a magazine should do this I think)! I realize speaker timbre is a matter of taste, but there can't be more than a dozen general "types" of speaker sounds, if not less, and within each group the "better" performers. For example, in a post I just read, someone said that the Avalon Eidelons had a very open soundstage compared to the emphasis on center focus of B&W's best offerings. This is a very similar comparison I have made between the Totem and Aerials, respectively. It would be nice for those of us who can not audition them to know the sound of, and differences between, for example Utopias, Eidelons, Salons, etc. etc., and even as compared to 2k speakers.
I realize that's a lot to ask and brings about some question of ambiguity and generalization, so thanks if you care to offer your words....!