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Quandary

I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t  have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured  me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.

Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)

rvpiano

Showing 1 response by carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,027 posts
 

I don’t necessarily agree with all the negativism here. The key, which nobody has mentioned, is his pricing. Does he sell at MSRP? if so, then he should have plenty of margin to do the demo for free.

But if he sells at a discount to MSRP, then the $300 fee plus his price is still probably less than you would pay at a dealer that sells at full MSRP and offers free auditions. So do the math. Those here that have a dealer that gives free auditions are most likely paying top dollar for their purchases.

Frankly, the second option is a much more customer friendly price system.

Jerry

PS.   I would be reluctant to do the demo with a different amp. While you will be listening to less than a watt, I don't know if you can be sure that the first watt sounds the same in the 2 amps.

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