I am a total newbie to this forum but I been around the block a bit with stereo systems. I hate to jump in on the side that seems to be getting butchered but I cannot see any flaw in Schadenfreude's advice for selecting the best "sounding" speaker you can afford.
It is quite understandable that you may be physically incapable of setting up speakers as he suggests, or not have a place available close by that you can get speakers to test, or even have the funds to purchase several speakers while you check them out. However if you are not hindered by any of the above excuses, his recommendations to have a head-to-head test is without flaw. The only way to tell if a speaker sounds better than another one in a given environment, is to bring it to that environment and play it against the other.
I must admit that I have on several occassions purchased a speaker without testing it or comparing it against another. I went totally on looks, price, and reputation of the company. I am also proud to boast that I am absolutely amazed at how wonderful my subwoofer is that I bought from SVS. Was that the correct way for me to select a speaker? I think not. To have been totally confident that I was getting the best bang for my buck, I should of compared it to other subs in a side-by-side test. Do I think I made a mistake for not comparing it? I dearly love my sub and have not regrets. However that does not mean it was the right way to pick the best sounding speaker.
I am glad Florida is enjoying his speakers and is happy with them. I am also glad he elected to share his excitement with us. Enjoy and thanks for sharing. Seems I have another type of speaker to attract my attention. Can't wait to see the pictures.
It is quite understandable that you may be physically incapable of setting up speakers as he suggests, or not have a place available close by that you can get speakers to test, or even have the funds to purchase several speakers while you check them out. However if you are not hindered by any of the above excuses, his recommendations to have a head-to-head test is without flaw. The only way to tell if a speaker sounds better than another one in a given environment, is to bring it to that environment and play it against the other.
I must admit that I have on several occassions purchased a speaker without testing it or comparing it against another. I went totally on looks, price, and reputation of the company. I am also proud to boast that I am absolutely amazed at how wonderful my subwoofer is that I bought from SVS. Was that the correct way for me to select a speaker? I think not. To have been totally confident that I was getting the best bang for my buck, I should of compared it to other subs in a side-by-side test. Do I think I made a mistake for not comparing it? I dearly love my sub and have not regrets. However that does not mean it was the right way to pick the best sounding speaker.
I am glad Florida is enjoying his speakers and is happy with them. I am also glad he elected to share his excitement with us. Enjoy and thanks for sharing. Seems I have another type of speaker to attract my attention. Can't wait to see the pictures.