advice and help to select new audio system

[voodooless]

For now, I only have done a quick listening in a big store where there is a dedicated space some months ago (I go there for another thing, so I just pass quickly). I only listen 3 speakers but I don't remember which model and with which amp it was. I notice that the Focal model was far more present than the two other (triangle and dali I think) with the same amp, with far more bass (maybe to much). I will try to listen some models. Focal could be easy to find for listening (in France), KEF or Monitor Audio will probably be harder.

Be careful with showroom auditions. The room will be nothing like your home, so it could be turn out totally different in your own room. Also, the speakers are not all at the same spot in the auditioning room. This also can make a huge difference.

As for amps: that should not make significant difference if the tone controls are set to flat.

What does make a huge difference is the volume. You wil need accurate matching between the speakers for a fair comparison. Usually that is not very practical in such a room.

Next, beware of the “showroom sound”, that may be euphoric at first, but in the end, at home, it will get old very fast.

 

[ptw]

it was a dedicated space in a corner of the store, where you can select sources and speakers with a select button, amp and sub right in the corner, and speaker each side at 90° each other. I don't change the amp so it was the same at the same volume for each speaker. I stand at 2 meters right in front of each speaker for the short listening. But yes, as you said voodooless, there will be difference between every listening environment and at home.

 

[Wolf11Man]

Just having the amp at the same volume is not a matched comparison of speakers. You will prefer the speaker with the best effiency. You got to have matched SPL, which means the volume you measure and hear in front of the speaker pair. If I have you audition two identical pairs of speakers with an A-B switching device and have one play .5 dB louder, you will pick it as the better pair. One of the many tricks to sell stuff like overpriced loudspeaker cables.
You need to pick a reference frequency like 400 Hz and adjust both speaker pairs to identical sound pressure level. Then you can judge them. Anything else is just nonsense, sorry.
I know that this is quite impossible in a commercial venue. We had some large shops with matched level speaker switch boards in Germany, but they fell out of favor, because the dealer wants to make profit, not give free advice which speaker to buy online.
After more than 40 years in HIFI, today I have no idea how you could pick the best speaker commercial matching your needs. Once quite objective HIFI magazines have turned into sales catalogs. Some still hide usefull information in the text of their "Reviews", that you may deciper, but that is no real help in this gigantic number of speakers you can buy. Also there are various years of speaker models on sale, some brand new, others may be more than 5 years old. So not any great occasion someone offers you may really be one.
Sorry.

 

[ptw]

After some readings, new KEF Q7 meta and Q6 meta (center) seems to be a good option for me. I will check reviews when some will be available.

 

[Wolf11Man]

For decades people and press have been raving about KEF speaker. For decades I listened with great expectations to the newest, sensational KEF speakers and never liked them. I always found another brands product in the same price range, that played more like I expected, more dynamic, more life like.
Maybe I'm special or KEF has a superior marketing departement. Same for LINN, by the way. Great psyco games, average sound.
So please don't buy what you read, but judge what you hear. You are the measure, not some advertising craving publication.

PS I have been a long time fan of FOCAL and AUDAX, VIFA etc. when they still played a role in the DIYS audio market.

 

[Flaesh]

in the corner, and speaker each side at 90° each other.

It's unlikely that you would place your speakers at home like this(??)

I don't change the amp so it was the same at the same volume for each speaker.

Speaker sensitivity can be vary and much has been written about the effect of +1-2 dB of volume on the subjective perception of sound.

select button

first-rate about https://www.audioholics.com/editorials/the-hollywood-sapphire-group-program

 

[ptw]

It's unlikely that you would place your speakers at home like this(??)

Clearly not
I just explain how was the area when I made a quick listening.

Today I see a deal for a pair of Focal Theva N3 for less than 1000€. Sadly I still not had the occasion to make some listening... But it means their price can probably be negociated if I go for them.

 

[Flaesh]

I just explain

I understand. Perhaps there is some effect on perception compared to the usual arrangement(?).
Previously, I had a square room 14x14, but I never got around to trying this speakers placement.