Normally when A/B-ing speakers the physical layout isn't too hard. Either stick 'em side by side or (worst case) invert one on the other, match the levels, listen, switch, listen, drink, eat, switch, listen, repeat...

So... romeo has VP150 and QS4s, I have VP100 and QS8s. We both live in Darkest Scarborough. If I ever finish cleaning the place up we can do some comparisons. I think we can figure out how to place the centers, but I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out what to do with the surrounds. Putting them side by side doesn't work, the tweeters go out on an angle so one will reflect sound off the other. Can't put one on top of the other, the woofers come out the top and bottom. %$#^%#$$%!!!

One option, I guess, is to build some kind of frame with a vertical wooden or steel bar and mount one surround a foot or two above the other. Maybe have the QS4 on top on one side, QS8 on top on the other side, so the height isn't a factor. I don't really want to be putting a whole lot more screws into the wall for the T-brackets.

I guess the other option is to physically switch the speakers each time. Don't like that 'cause (a) I'll probably end up dropping at least one, (b) it slows down the switch more than I like.

Ideas ?

Build a shelf and prepare banana plugs? If you build a "larger" version of what's below, it ought to simulate the wall to minimize the "wall interaction". You could mount it on a down and dirty (read: ugly) stand made with 2x4s.

One would have to think about the a/b part, but i did try to listen to just the surrounds during some testing awhile back and it was an odd experience to hear music solely from a single, surround speaker.
Something was clearly missing from the presentation...

Thanks, guys. Those were the ideas I needed, I think :

1. go for a wall substitute, not just stands

2. Why bother testing them in a surround mode -- just test one speaker at a time, and feed it "mains" information instead of surround to get a better idea of any sound differences -- they're both the same shape so the "QS factor" is going to be the same for both anyways.

Just want to correct. I've VP100 and QS4 only. In my last email I mentioned if someone around Greater Tornoto Area has VP150 and interested, then we can test together if you don't mind.

Never mind about the cleanup of your basement unless the 'mess' will somehow affect the testing. I understand what the world is like if you've 2 dogs in the house.

I'm available if you're ready (preferrably evening in weekdays and afternoon/evening in weekend). Perhaps you want to wait after we've done all snow shovel. Expected 10cm tonight and may be 10cm tomorrow here. What a way to keep us fit?