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.
There still are @chayro and that is how I have purchased the last 5 pieces of gear in the past 2 years. You just need to find them. Last 2 pieces were in my system for 2 weeks before I made the decision and dealer never bothered me once while I was auditioning.
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@lalitk x1000 on room treatments. |
@dayglow the OP said $4500.00 for a component not an entire system. The rest of us got it why not you? Go back and read it.
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I agree with @grislybutter opinion of @clearthinker comment on mid fi vs high end. Yes I have been blessed and have a system that cost more than my first 5 cars combined. Today many people are struggling to make ends meet, if you have $4500.00 to blow on gear, count your blessings most do not. |
@dayglow so you are an audiosnob not an audiophile. My mother thought me at a young age that “one man’s garbage is another man’s gold” . All the years I spent riding motorcycles and we would do group rides (HSTA) we would get new member, they may have been riding a 15 year old VFR and they look at my BMW and say “we’ll my ride is not a nice as yours” and I would respond with “don’t matter at least you’re riding”. So what if a person has a $4500.00 system and is here trying to learn. It’s about listening to music in the end, not what you spend. |
@antiaudio often manufacturers will put restriction on e-retailer (we call fulfillment) and if there are territorial/geographical restrictions, they can qualify the customer. This is done to be respectful of brick-and-mortar stores that may be in your area. Nothing nefarious. |
