[Mark Hunter]

Thanks John,


Actually, my price range of $2500 is already being discussed in the forum, and I am following this thread very closely http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


After my post I realized that maybe there IS no "objective" way to evaluate speakers, as there are in the other example I was thinking about (rice, long-distance, and amplifiers).


Instead, perhaps, speakers must be evaluated more like art, where there is no "objective" criteria. What objective criteria would you possibly use to evaluate art? Number of colors? Width/height? Hours to completion?


I realized that some goods have a PURELY subjective valuation...i.e. - Whatever personally turns you on.


Still, with almost all electronic equipment, there are criteria that help with the evaluation (resolution, lumens, wattage, storage space, speed, size, etc.)


Being a software engineer, I am looking for that criteria to evaluate speakers with...maybe I should forget about it and just go with my ears http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif




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Mark Hunter

 

[Mark Hunter]

OK, I admit that I can't even come close to keeping up with you guys! I will get there, though, I just need a little time to absorb all this http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif


I think that this might be an easy question, but I am having a hard time finding the answer (is there an AVSForum FAQ?).


The question is:


Other than just purely auditioning speakers, how should they be evaluated? Is there a Cost-Per-Something objective criteria for speakers?


For instance, all other things being equal, you could get the best bang-for-the-buck on a bag of rice by finding the cost-per-pound. You could get the best price on long-distance by finding the cost-per-minute.


All other things being equal (apples-to-apples), you can find the best price on an amplifier by looking for cost per watt-channel (cost per watt per channel) - in other words, an evaluation of how well it "amplifies".


How about speakers? Is there an equivalent "objective" measurement? I realize that ultimately the audition/sound determines the best set of speakers, but I am looking for another measurement to narrow the field before I start auditioning. Is it decibel output? Frequency range? How are speakers "measured" for how well they do their job??


Thanks for any advice you have! Like I said, it seems like an easy question, but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere!




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Mark Hunter

 

[jdb]

...my ears are shot. Too many concerts and basically had to retire. What sounds good to me sounds aweful to my wife and is ungodly loud. She's a sport though.


... of it being similar to "Art" is perfect.

Your ears will tell you what they like.


I wound up taking my favorite cd (ariel boundries) down to some local retailers and sat down in their listening rooms.


Note: the guys that frowned at my request lost my business forever.


I liked the polk series best and since all my gear is hidden I get to cut cabinet cost by building my owncrud enclosures


Enjoy the hunt! JDB

.

 

[John Tuohy]

Mark


I would post your price range on this fourm and let the members suggest spaekers to audition. I did and have had great results.

Also read recomended componetns in this months sterophille guide to home theater and look for the $$$ rating.


Ultimately as you stated your ears should make the final decision.


Have fun!


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John Tuohy

 

[Steve Dodds]

The best test is the human voice, and in particular your own.


Record yourself, and play it back.


Then try a female vocal. And then find your choice of music and play that.


Unfortuantely, the listen at your dealer suggestion doesn't work because all speakers sound different in diffeent rooms. Find a dealer who will let you return and switch stuff.


Steve

 

[Mark Hunter]

Great suggestions! I love the piano idea. I will bring along my George Winston and Vince Guaraldi for some of the auditions.


I don't know about recording MYSELF and playing it back, though. I don't think that they MAKE a speaker that would make that sound good. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


TTriff, why don't the frequency response curves apply to a home environment? I assume that if the speaker shines in an anachoic chamber than it will still be a winner in a less controlled environment...or am I way off base?


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Mark Hunter


[This message has been edited by milori (edited February 13, 2000).]

 

[Mark Hunter]

Of course, assuming that you could get a high-quality recording of their voice and eliminate the INPUT from the equation completely.


Interesting idea, though. I would also be concerned that the friend's tonal quality could change once they hear their own voice being played through the speakers.


I think that you would have to bring earplugs for the friend! This is getting to be an interesting speaker audition.


Anyway, thanks for the advice. I guess I will make a decision by ear.


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Mark Hunter

 

[avdoc]

So, I think we've all agreed speakers are very subjective. The only thing I would add is that you need to demo speakers in your room. What you hear when you listen to speakers is the speaker plus the speaker's interaction with your room. Speakers will not sound the same in two different rooms. Narrow your speaker choices and then demo in house at the same time.

 

[jdb]

Actually learned some stuff I needed for this post, thanks for being here.


Just tackled my audio.

added an oput board surr unit and everything fell into place.

receiv. presets was the other solution.

music mode, TV mode, my special mode (extreme high end boost) and the last mode dedicated for the rest of the family.

Very funny. The daughter groans when I come in to sit down...pleads to not have to suffer "my mode".

 

[Mark Hunter]

Thanks Jerry (again),


I would sure HOPE that I could audition them at home. It would be like letting me take a test drive in a new car...either I get to do it, or I don't buy from you!


I usually am pretty serious about buying by the time I audition (or test drive), so letting me take something home (and fall in love with it) can only benefit the salesperson.


If they won't let me do that, I will simply move on!


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Mark Hunter

 

[aerialman]

Im with you in spirit, but at least here in NYC the stores dont let you take the speakers home. most are big, heavy and the stores dont want to risk damage. I can understand their view point. If you cant try them at home, try to find a setup that is similar to what yours would be with these speakers.


- Jerry

 

[aerialman]

I agree with everyone. And to say again what some have said: that the problem with speakers is that they sound different in different rooms- this is because sound is waves in the air and they get bounced around depending on lots of variables, like room size, and boundry materials. Ive never been able to find a dealer who will let me demo speakers at home (except a sunfire subwoofer)- so youre stuck trying to do it at a store. Problem is, you might not get the exact same sound reproduction at home.


I find the video side to be much easier to evaluate.


- Jerry


[This message has been edited by aerialman (edited February 23, 2000).]