Subwoofer for my HT System.

[Geoffcin]

I'm certainly not a high end customer as a graduate student, but my store remembers me and I suppose I do have a bit of a working relationship with them. They've offered to let me try speakers starting at $800 a pair at home.

But you are all probably right, there's probably a lot of variables. Just going from my experience and what others have said, some shops may work with you if they know you and let you borrow things.

And when your talking speakers it makes good sense. However, I wouldn't discount the internet direct-to-consumer manufacturers. My first taste was the Axiom system;

http://www.audioreview.com/AXIOMINTROcrx.aspx