I got the C-9s. Now I'm not an expert by any means, but in the show room I auditioned them they were excellent. In my home they sounded great as well. Then I hooked up the Rocket 750s, WOW!!! I don't know all of the "tech" terms. The instruments seemed to be more defined (kind of hard to explain until you hear it, but it seemed there were individual instruments in the front of the room instead of sound coming from speakers).
They also seemed to have a more forgiving sound stage??. What I'm trying to say is that it was easier to place them in the front of the room and they sound great from the chair in the center or the couch or love seat on the sides of the room.
I have the whole 7.1 setup which included the 300s for sides and the 550s for rears (I realize that it overkill, but they didn't have any of the bookshelf size 250s??, until December and I'm impatient). These are amazing speakers as well. Sound wise they seem very close to the 750s (a little too close). So, if you go with the 550s I don't think you will be disappointed.

By the way on a side note, there is no comparison between the rockets and anything else close to this price range for looks. This was NOT a major concern when I was shopping, but now that they are in the house everyone (men and women) have comented on the "beauty" of these things. They are pieces of fine furniture which make the rest of my stuff look a little cheap.

Sorry to drone on for sooo long. As to getting an audition, have you checked out avsfourm.com ? If not just search for "rocket" on avsfourm. There is a huge thread something like "Rocket by Onix: Best speaker for the money EVER?". Make a request there for audition. Good group of people, somebody might be there who could help you out.