What is the PREDOMINANT source of info for new speaker purchases?

[Mike_TX]

What is the PREDOMINANT source of information/influence for you when you buy new speakers*?

I recognize that the "single choice" polling system, doesn't accurately reflect the multiple sources of information that most people use, but I thought this would be a fun exercise, especially given the internet direct (ID) nature of CHT.

EDIT: It looks like multiple choices are allowed in this polling system, so that should complicate, but more accurately depict what people do.

Please answer poll and post comments.


Mike


* I'm using "speakers" in the generic sense, but this could also apply to subwoofers, etc.

[sbisheff]

I did the 3rd and 4th options. Sometimes its a combination and sometimes its one or the other (blind faith in the case of the 4th option) :)

[ben9732]

3 & 4 for me, but I could have easily went for 2 and 4.

[PhenomeNhan]

I picked 2, 3, and 4. It also depends on the price. If it's cheap enough and I consider it an experimental fee, I don't mind just picking it up from word of mouth just to try it out. If it's more expensive, then I'd have to do considerable research before investing.

[sbisheff]

If it's more expensive, then I'd have to do considerable research before investing.

That varies GREATLY from person to person too :) Pretty much if its over 22 cents I'm doing my research ;) LOL!

[dguarnaccia]

Great Poll Mike.

In the past, I would never have bought speakers without hearing them, but I broke my own rule recently when I bought speakers largely based on overwhelming feedback form online groups such as this. I'll be buying some sho-10s sight unseen based on reviews. The mains (Gedless abbeys & nathan)
I bought I heard once, in non-ideal conditions, and it was largely the community feedback that swayed me towards them. Yes, I am a lemming :)

I think it goes to show how much the audio market has changed. 5 years ago, I wouldn't have bought a 2 dollar speaker without spending serious time in a story listening...how times have changed...

[Mike_TX]

I picked 2, 3, and 4. It also depends on the price. If it's cheap enough and I consider it an experimental fee, I don't mind just picking it up from word of mouth just to try it out. If it's more expensive, then I'd have to do considerable research before investing.

Very true for me.
If it is relatively low cost (eg Gizmo, WAF-1's) I'll buy.
However, I also bought my av123 speakers and SVS sub without seeing them.
I have heard some Seaton Catalysts and love them.

It occurred to me that with the growing paucity of brick and mortar stores to listen to speakers (BB doesn't count), that GTG's like the CHT GTG coming up should take on growing importance.

Keep up the comments.

Mike

[fitzwaddle]

I invariably research until I'm sick of reading, and then go with whim / leap of faith - has worked out surprisingly well.

[youra6]

I think the best way is to just listen at the store, but most people such as myself simply do not have the time. This is why I voted for number 4, for convenience.

[Mike_TX]

What store?

I think the best way is to just listen at the store, but most people such as myself simply do not have the time. This is why I voted for number 4, for convenience.

What store?

In Madison, there are probably still some high end retailers that have good listening rooms, but at most places there are a number of non-optimally placed speakers in a non-quiet room with lots of distractions.

When I was in Houston there were a few good places, but some were often very snooty and looked askance at you if you didn't act like an audiophile snob.

The optimal listening test is in your own house, but getting speakers shipped in/out, even with free return can be tough -- especially for full sized speakers or subs.

Do people have local brick & mortar stores available now?

Mike

[youra6]

I havent been to a store in Madison, but I remember making a trip to a local store in Columbus, Ohio with my dad.

This was back in 2002 I think, and at the time the internet wasn't as robust with information as it is now, so we basically went in without a single clue of what to look for.

They did have listening rooms and the people working there were very agreeable and courteous. They weren't pushy and interestingly enough were the first people to tell me that "**** is all marketing, and no substance."

By the end of the day, we left the store knowing a lot more than we did walking in.

[Mike_TX]

Madison, etc. local B&M audio shops...

I havent been to a store in Madison, but I remember making a trip to a local store in Columbus, Ohio with my dad.

This was back in 2002 I think, and at the time the internet wasn't as robust with information as it is now, so we basically went in without a single clue of what to look for.

They did have listening rooms and the people working there were very agreeable and courteous. They weren't pushy and interestingly enough were the first people to tell me that "**** is all marketing, and no substance."

By the end of the day, we left the store knowing a lot more than we did walking in.

Cool.
There used to be a place on St. Street.
Also a used audio place across from Camp Randall where I bought a few things (I used to live on Randall St.).
There was also a neat little place near Meriter.

It's tough to find those type of places now.
I may have to do a little research on that...

Mike

[youra6]

Cool.
There used to be a place on St. Street.
Also a used audio place across from Camp Randall where I bought a few things (I used to live on Randall St.).
There was also a neat little place near Meriter.

It's tough to find those type of places now.
I may have to do a little research on that...

Mike

I used to live on North Randall as well, next to Toppers. I've been sick on and off for the past three weeks, and just got the stomach flu on Tuesday so I havent had the time to get my WAF-1 set up.

Once I do, I will going to a few places to compare.

[Skiman]

I couldn't pick from your list, and here's why. My interest in LS9 speakers was initiated by reading reviews and feedback online. However, my actual purchase was confirmed when I heard them at the 2007 Rocky Mt. Audio Fest. In addition to hearing them, I was able to talk to both designer Danny Richie and AV213's Mark Schifter about my room and equipment. And then began a 27 month wait while the MLS drama unfolded. Another factor was my ability to pick them up and save on shipping.

[Mike_TX]

I couldn't pick from your list, and here's why. My interest in LS9 speakers was initiated by reading reviews and feedback online. However, my actual purchase was confirmed when I heard them at the 2007 Rocky Mt. Audio Fest. In addition to hearing them, I was able to talk to both designer Danny Richie and AV213's Mark Schifter about my room and equipment. And then began a 27 month wait while the MLS drama unfolded. Another factor was my ability to pick them up and save on shipping.

It's a multiple choice list.
But, cool.

Mike