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From: wjm@lcuxc.UUCP (B. Mitchell)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: RE: How to choose speakers
Message-ID: <263@lcuxc.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 21-Feb-85 21:50:29 EST
Article-I.D.: lcuxc.263
Posted: Thu Feb 21 21:50:29 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 24-Feb-85 01:37:46 EST
Organization: Bell Communications Research, Inc.
Lines: 47

I thoroughly agree with Dick Grantges (hound!rfg) and Andy Koenig (rabbit!ark)
about the problems with high-end stereo stores who only put one pair of
speakers in the room.  This is another one of those infamous Linn myths that
was thoroughly debunked here on net.audio in 4Q84.
The minimal effect that one or more additional sets of speakers have on the
sound is far outweighed by the ability to perform A/B comparisons.
I was very  seriously considering buying a set of KEF 105.4s last year
(at $1800/pr) until I A/B'd them with the JSE-1s ($925/pr) at Harvey Sound
in NYC last spring.  The KEFs sounded good - until I A/B'd them (in the same
sound room off the same amp - you must make sure the levels are precisely
matched for a valid A/B test - a slightly louder source (even .1 - .2 dB
is enough of a difference) will sound better) with the JSEs.  I proceeded
to buy my JSEs that afternoon and the sound of the JSEs was all the sweeter
thinking about the $900 I had saved!  Frankly, I think high end KEF speakers
are good - but overpriced.
During this same speaker hunt, I also auditioned the B&W 801s, and did not
like their imaging quality or the bass response - not what I expect from
a $2200/pr speaker system.  I have not heard the new 808s, just read the
"Audio" review of them and noted their $4K/pr price tag.
By all means, bring your favorite records or tapes with you.  If you have
separate components, try to arrange to have your amp used to drive the
speakers, since some speakers present unusual load impedances that can
upset the protection circuits on some amps.  Generally, this isn't as much
of a problem in the mid- and budget price ranges, where most speakers work
reasonably well with most receivers that can produce enough power to meet
the speaker manufacturers minimum power spec.  The only thing to watch out
for is that most amplifiers (there are some exceptions, however) do not
like to see loads of less than 4 ohms, so you must stick to 8 ohm speakers
if you want to run 2 sets of speakers off the same amp or receiver.
One of the most significant differences between the dealer's setup and yours
is the different room.  By all means, try to arrange for a home trial.
Many dealers will allow you to buy a pair of speakers with the ability to return
them for a refund within a week or so, provided all packing, warranty cards,
etc are returned as well.
I also don't think too much of "Consumer Reports" desire to distill speaker
performance into a single score.  I think they try to simplify things - which
is fine for the casual non-audiophile who wants to get a tolerable sound
system - certainly their top-rated speakers will provide decent sound, and
better than the department store compact systems, but I think net.audio
readers are more interested in hi-fi (even if they have limited budgets)
and are better served by magazines specializing in hi-fi, who go into more
detail.
Regards,
Bill Mitchell (ihnp4!lcuxc!wjm)

186,000 miles/sec ... Its not just a good idea ... Its the LAW.