The Audio Doctor makes a house call


I would like to contribute  to the discussion about Dave, the “Audio Doctor.”   I live in California but, after many phone conversations and texts where he provided advice about my system with no promise of any return, we decided a trip here from New Jersey would be worthwhile and worked out an arrangement.  Dave brought a lot of accessories for me to audition. First, we repositioned my speakers (KEF Reference 5s), which really improved the sound.  We tried a DAC (Aqua) to compare with my current Auralic Vega (first generation), wireworld interconnects and several other things.  I already had purchased an Innuous Zenith server from Dave and we set that up.  Dave was very enthusiastic about my speakers (which he sells but I already had purchased elsewhere) and my electronics (Audio Research amp, pre amp, phono stage) and never suggested buying new ones.   

At no point did I feel he was pressuring me or trying to sell me something just to make a sale.  My system is definitely sounding better now and I may move ahead with some other improvements he recommended. Of course, Dave is in the audio business and makes his livelihood that way but I think he was genuinely interested in helping me get better sound.  I know that some have objected to him and other dealers posting on this board.  Personally, I have found  his postings very helpful.  Those who don’t can always skip over them—no one is forcing you to read anything.  

Finally, I met Dave for the first time when he came here and have no connection other than as a recent customer.  
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Showing 3 responses by hifiman5

Having read all of the previous posts about the Audio Doctor, I took a lot of the concern to be that it seemed they used Audiogon to advertise their wares in the middle of threads about equipment.  I am not a fan of that practice as A'gon should be for enthusiasts to discuss relevant audio issues without self-serving dealers chiming in to promote their wares.  Not an accusation from me, rather an observation of previous posts regarding them.

I'm glad to hear you had a positive experience!  It's always beneficial to the community to share positive interactions such as your's.  Thanks for posting!
Audiotroy does make some valid points in their posts.  But... their participation here in a debate over their posts hurts them as it injects a negativism toward them by their attacks on their detractors.  

One rule I never break is to buy from a dealer who just told me how bad parts of my system are and how he will "fix" them with his "superior" gear.  Very off-putting to me.  Not accusing, just opining.

I hope Audiotroy will be cautious about their posts here so it doesn't damage their reputation and their business.  I have NO brick and mortar stores around so I wish them well.  I wish I had local  audio emporiums to visit!