It reminds me of when they used to have TV commercials advertising the latest models, and expecting you to see how good they look... ON YOUR TV! "I don't see any difference between that color TV in the commercial, and the black and white one we're watching now!" (I'm old...)
I just bought my first new set of speakers since 1991. Back in the day, you used to be able to go into listening rooms, even at box stores like Fry's (RIP) and Best Buy (Federated, Cal Stereo, etc. in So Cal), and if you were careful enough to neutralize whatever amp they were using (set tone controls to flat, Loudness switch turned off), you'd have a pretty good idea what they might (*might*!) sound like at your home.
I'm sure there are still some audio dealers that will bring speakers to your home to demo them, but that's not in my sub-$1,000(US) wheelhouse.
So, to me, the only thing I relied upon was the reviewer's description of how the speakers sound. In my case, cheapaudioman gave me a clue I think is important, which is the description of "neutral" speakers versus "V" shaped, or "U" shaped speakers. Even though he says he prefers speakers with scooped midrange (which sells more speakers because the bass and treble jump out at you in a crowded store), he also describes which speakers on his list are neutral.
Based on that and my perceived consensus on line, I settled on the ELAC Uni-FI 2.0 UB52 speakers, and was happy. THEN I discovered this site, heard about the distortion / resonance issue in the 500 to 600 Hz range, and wish I could go back in time and make another decision.
First, you have to know what you want and like. I think many audiophiles, including, I believe, our reviewer Amirm, prefer flat (neutral) speakers (theoretically matching those used in the mixing studios when the music was created), but if you like them scooped, you should realize this and take it into consideration. You can see that in the reviews, and may choose a speaker even if it's not recommended here.
Of course, most popular music nowadays is already mixed heavily scooped, with dynamic range compressed, and distortion built in. I would still get neutral speakers and let the music's mix dictate how much booming bass and scooped mids you get when the mood suits.
I think the frequency response and distortion figures here, together with described listening experiences can help you make a good guess at which speakers you're going to like. I miss the demo rooms, back when even dedicated Hi Fi shops still had something for more modest budgets.
Dan