2. misc-audio
  3. 181163-181

Hi-end audio is a big zero

This is no knock on dealers, It's just how hi-end audio is.

I go listen to some speakers. He has them set up like crap - jammed between 3 other pair. Running on electronics I would never choose so I have to try and compensate for what I imagine they are contributing to the sound. Then after 30 minutes, I am expected to shell out the $4,500.00.

I narrowed it down to two transports from an online retailer. And who knows if those 2 are even a good choice?  Told point blank, I am not allowed to buy both and return the one I don''t want. Just pick one and buy it. Shell out $1,000-$3,500 based on what?

One e-tailer will allow purchase 3 speakers totally $12K and return the two I don't want. Sorry, i have a conscience and can't do it to him.

Read all you want. Talk all you want. Listen at dealers all you want. But unless you listen in your own room, it's all meaningless. I'm talking even just 5 to 30 minutes can be all it takes. But that is basically impossible.

Sure you can buy and sell on A-gon or Ebay if you find what you want have the time to go through the process.

If the prices weren't so high or I did not care about sound quality maybe it would not matter.

cdc

Showing 5 responses by grislybutter

grislybutter
2,430 posts
 

Over the weekend, I was nearby the fanciest audio dealer in town and wanted to take a peak, There was no hours listed on their web site so I called to find out if they were open.

I got so much info, questions, my head was spinning:

"we are only open by appointment, weeks ahead, but we have a slot RIGHT NOW if you are serious and you know what you want and ready to buy....., what’s your name, phone #, how soon would you purchase, what are you looking for?"

I froze and never went, my intention to just browsing/listening politely seemed inappropriate

grislybutter
2,430 posts
 

@clearthinker 

"$4,500 ain't hi-end"

what are you talking about???????????

It absolutely is, aside from a small, delusional bubble in the US.

In 98% of the world, $4500 is a fortune, a result of saving for a decade. People build incredible hi-fi systems from $4500. But for some sad and cynical reason, for people in the US, who only care about 0s, it's not hi enough until the 5-6 figures territory   

grislybutter
2,430 posts
 

@jerryg123 good for you!

Perspective is key, no one in the US should feel guilty for their hard-earned wealth, just have the wisdom not to take it for granted and dismiss cheaper systems.

grislybutter
2,430 posts
 

@dayglow

wow, that’s the lamest, most self-defeating argument in the book :)

You could maybe top it with: "EVERYBODY KNOWS IT!"

 

for the factsy side of things: I have a lot of friends in Eastern Europe who do have incredible sounding systems for under 3K.

grislybutter
2,430 posts
 

@dayglow 

"lol"? seriously?

pathetic

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