Scott

I see lots of posts asking for recommendations on subs, speakers, receivers, and the like. Yup, it's nice to get opinions, but how can you really tell for yourself?

I'm absolutely sure that my current speakers are the best I've heard in my house, hands down. (Doesn't matter what they are, does it.)

It seems to me that the best way to make this kind of decision is to compare that recommended sub, speaker, whatever RIGHT IN MY HOME. Am I wrong? Anyone know a dealer that will let you demo speakers that way?

Scott
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Hi, I'm Scott, and I'm an HT addict.

stevevt

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:

I'm absolutely sure that my current speakers are the best I've heard in my house, hands down. (Doesn't matter what they are, does it.)
<HR>

Nope, it doesn't matter. What kind are they?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:

It seems to me that the best way to make this kind of decision is to compare that recommended sub, speaker, whatever RIGHT IN MY HOME. Am I wrong?<HR>

No. You are not wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact. You are right.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:
Anyone know a dealer that will let you demo speakers that way?
<HR>

I do. I have a relatively close relationship with one dealer where I'm sure I'd have (and have in the past have had) no trouble taking things home to demo. It used to be true that any decent audio shop would let you do this; in this age of local window shopping and Internet buying, I'm sure things have changed a bit with dealers being cautious about being taking advantage of.

My advice is this: build a relationship with a local dealer. Make sure they know you have every intention of purchasing the speakers (or whatever) from them if the demo goes well. Some will not be convinced and not lend anything out until you're an established customer. Some will never lend anything out to anyone. But you never know unless you try.

-S

Scott

I'm using:
..an Infinity center
..Fisher fronts
..Advent surrounds
..and a powered sub (can't recall the brand now).

Yup, some of them are old, and yup, I'm due for some replacements, but that's the fun of HT, isn't it?

so, would it be fair to say that any dealer that will let me demo at home is going to be upper end?

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Scott
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Hi, I'm Scott, and I'm an HT addict.

stevevt

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:
Yup, some of them are old, and yup, I'm due for some replacements, but that's the fun of HT, isn't it?
<HR>

Sure is.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:
so, would it be fair to say that any dealer that will let me demo at home is going to be upper end?
<HR>

Definitely a fair assumption. A few questions:

What's your budget?
What are you looking to replace?
What brands do your local dealers carry? (check your yellow pages)

Edited to add: I've actually been to a couple mid/high-end stores in Madison. Can't remember too much about what they had, though. All these audio stores really blend together after a while.

[This message has been edited by stevevt (edited January 26, 2001).]

brentunc

I was told when I was looking at Ciruit City that they will let you upgrade to a higher end speaker combo within a year and only pay the difference in purchase prices.

stevevt

quote:<HR>Originally posted by brentunc:
I was told when I was looking at Ciruit City that they will let you upgrade to a higher end speaker combo within a year and only pay the difference in purchase prices.<HR>

That's not quite the same for 2 reasons:

1) You are still committed to buying something.
2) You're limited to what Circuit City sells.

It's definitely a consideration if you are already planning on making a purchase at CC or a similar place.

Scott

Steve in Vermont:

You've been in Madison? The 32 square miles of reality surrounded by midwest reactionaries? As in Wisconsin?

Actually, I'm thinking of upgrading my choice of stores, and moving from the BB's and CC's to middle-upper-end. As soon as my credit card recovers from my last two HT adventures. There are some good audio places in Madison (Specialized Sound) and some upper-end HT places (Paragon, Full Compass), and I know I'll get the best speakers money can buy. I also know that my partner won't let me walk in these places because she knows I'll buy something!

I was asking the demo question to see how many others had used home demos in their buying process (instead of relying on opinions, reviews, and recommendations; or demos in stores that don't have the same accoustics that exist in my home).

stevevt

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scott:
Steve in Vermont:

You've been in Madison? The 32 square miles of reality surrounded by midwest reactionaries? As in Wisconsin?

Actually, I'm thinking of upgrading my choice of stores, and moving from the BB's and CC's to middle-upper-end. As soon as my credit card recovers from my last two HT adventures. There are some good audio places in Madison (Specialized Sound) and some upper-end HT places (Paragon, Full Compass), and I know I'll get the best speakers money can buy. I also know that my partner won't let me walk in these places because she knows I'll buy something!

I was asking the demo question to see how many others had used home demos in their buying process (instead of relying on opinions, reviews, and recommendations; or demos in stores that don't have the same accoustics that exist in my home).<HR>

I was there visiting friends a few years back. Specialized Sound and Paragon sound familiar.

(stevevt does a search...)

OK, I was definitely in Paragon. Very nice guys working there. They were cool even though I made sure they knew I was "just looking." Unfortunately, looking at their speaker lines, I don't see too much in the "bang for the buck category," tho Athena and Mirage are certainly worth checking out. I also get the sense that home demos are not out of the question with these guys.

Good luck.