We all have our wins and loses, and it takes a lot trying “this and that” to see if it moves the bar and is worth the effort. Audiophiles are like modern day alchemists, trying to make gold from a combination of components.
This topic issue has progressed beyond a single cure, i.e., a change in loudspeaker, and may be even beyond revamping the entire system. Make a plan (plenty of reasonable ones offered) and move on.
“Modern day alchemists.” Good one.
Excellent analogy.
I’m an ex-alchemist. Found my gold in one box. Done with the gold rush; just enjoying the music.
Perfectly said.
Here’s a cheap way back in. And this guy is a real expert - - of something!
In retrospect, I should have posted this in the humor section!!! 
My wife is trying to force me out of audio upgrade rabbit holes. She senses that I am getting too active on tweaking again. So, she wants to take another international trip in a couple of months. The bad news is that I agreed after 65 we will fly Business only. There are two things we thought differently. First, I thought that means over 65 for both of us, and Business for domestic flights only. I was wrong on both accounts 
When we retired in January 2025, my wife didn’t care how I upgraded my audio system. She knew I enjoyed listening to music and many of my old records. As fate would have it, I decided to focus on purchasing new speakers and getting into better overall health. A complete physical in July 2025 happened to show some low blood counts. Long story short, I am diagnosed with blood cancer. So much for an early retirement. That is why I decided to purchase the Focals, figured I might as well enjoy them, and not spend too much time shopping around. Now that didn’t work out either. What can I say, I’m 2 for 2, I should have kept working.
Sorry to hear that. You need a good music system, but not necessary an expensive one.
Man, sorry to hear that. 
True… the 802Ds with the PSaudio gear sounded pretty darn good. No excuse to fiddle with it and mess it up like I did. Honestly, these audio stores can really trick you using smoke and mirrors. I try to be aware, but they are using very expensive electronics from names I never even heard of, tell me that it’s sonically similar to mine. Then hide the speakers’ characteristics by playing them very loud. Several times I had to tell them to lower the volume. Also, they conveniently don’t have a CD player connected anymore, just a streamer that didn’t have most of the music I brought.
One of the reasons I do not visit shows and dealers anymore. I have made my shares of mistakes from my own excitement getting stuff that I often regretted later.
which seriously poses the question: How do you shop for speakers?
- Stores are limited in locations and in inventory
- For me, impossible to bring my own electronics, just ask Paul how much those BHK amplifiers weight.
- Rooms are perfectly treated.
- Sales persons are pushy and don’t want you spending time listening to more than a few songs.
I sold my Dynaudios and am enjoying a pair of BMR Monitors immensly as i await my Bacch4Mac upgrade (financed by the Dynaudios)… there are some amazing well priced pieces out there to be sure… PS Audio is good at that too
Your bullets 1 & 4 summarize that you are at the wrong dealer. Schedule an appointment and set aside an appropriate amount of time for the demo, and you set the demo ground rules. At your price point a proper dealer should oblige. Travel to a proper dealer. Make an adventure out of the exercise.
Two reasons I selected PSA FR30 speakers. First, they offer 30 days try out and are welling to extend it if asked. Of course I needed to pay shipping, but their carrier could offer better shipping cost than others. Second, my old speaker was one of the kind. It retailed for $50k and weighted over 300 lbs each, I doubt I could sell it easily because there were only five made. So, I took their trade-in credit which was a great deal. Because I use the credit for FR30, PMG512, and PMG SACD. I still have some left too.
The only way to audit speakers the right way is to try them in your listening room, and I am not sure how many offer that nowadays.
Loved it through the speaker system and headphones. Thanks much!
It’s a fantastic album!!!
The track Thanks To You has phenomenal bass on it and if speakers can do it the room and contents will shake, especially if you can get about 50 feet away from them.
have never heard It, so went to Amazon Jpn and got one used for $15 - perfect timing as am heading there next week - gotta be an arbitrage for CDs but def need to up my online sales game (from nil). I love all the music I get to hear simply from seeing what other members are listening to - has really expanded my listening head space. Mahalos.