This is largely going to come off as a rant, but I'm wondering if my experience is unique to me, or if this is just par for the course. I've finally got to the point where I want to replace the living room speakers that I've had since college (mid-90s). I've got Onix Rockets in the basement media room that serve us fine for home theater. I've done my research on here to check reviews and make a list of candidates.
Focal Aria 936
Focal Aria 948
KEF R700
KEF R900
Revel Performa3 F208
Revel Performa3 F206
Monitor Audio Gold GX 200
Monitor Audio Gold GX 300
So now its time to go find authorized dealers so I can listen to these things. I'm in the Rockford, IL area, so I'm probably going to have to do Milwaukee or Chicago (preference for Milwaukee) You'd think that would be easy, but no. The Revel dealer search doesn't work. The other brands may point me to dealers, but they don't always carry the line or particular speaker that I'm interested in hearing. Dealer websites are absolutely horrible. If they even have a website, they may list the brands that they carry, but rarely the lines or speakers that they have on the floor to listen to. Several of the dealers that I've been directed to don't even have standing hours, but are appointment only. They may or may not answer their phone. At this point, I'd probably be willing just to order them directly without hearing them (as I've done with the Rockets and two SVS subs), but that seems difficult or impossible for several of these lines as well.
I really just want to buy some decent speakers without having to jump through so many hoops (leaning toward the F208 based on reviews). Are my expectations out of line or is this much more difficult than it ought to be?
Focal Aria 936
Focal Aria 948
KEF R700
KEF R900
Revel Performa3 F208
Revel Performa3 F206
Monitor Audio Gold GX 200
Monitor Audio Gold GX 300
So now its time to go find authorized dealers so I can listen to these things. I'm in the Rockford, IL area, so I'm probably going to have to do Milwaukee or Chicago (preference for Milwaukee) You'd think that would be easy, but no. The Revel dealer search doesn't work. The other brands may point me to dealers, but they don't always carry the line or particular speaker that I'm interested in hearing. Dealer websites are absolutely horrible. If they even have a website, they may list the brands that they carry, but rarely the lines or speakers that they have on the floor to listen to. Several of the dealers that I've been directed to don't even have standing hours, but are appointment only. They may or may not answer their phone. At this point, I'd probably be willing just to order them directly without hearing them (as I've done with the Rockets and two SVS subs), but that seems difficult or impossible for several of these lines as well.
I really just want to buy some decent speakers without having to jump through so many hoops (leaning toward the F208 based on reviews). Are my expectations out of line or is this much more difficult than it ought to be?