A savvy dealer can put together some pretty nice sounding equipment combinations. Recently heard a pair of Quad 989s paired with a Plinius SA 102. Wouldn't have missed this for the world. Killer combination. Bought it for VERY fair money.
I visited a very accomodating dealer last year who swapped an entire line of CJ tube preamps (4) into a system that included a pair of speakers I own. Couldn't believe the difference between the 17LS and the 16LS (although I should have realized that the doubled sticker price has to buy you something). I count this among the most valuable listening sessions I have ever had. The salesman earned my loyalty, and his store my strongest endorsement. My only regret is that this shop is not closer to where I live.
However, I note TWLs post in another thread: "I would rather go to the dentist than walk into a high end audio dealership". I have had this experience as well.
I visited a very accomodating dealer last year who swapped an entire line of CJ tube preamps (4) into a system that included a pair of speakers I own. Couldn't believe the difference between the 17LS and the 16LS (although I should have realized that the doubled sticker price has to buy you something). I count this among the most valuable listening sessions I have ever had. The salesman earned my loyalty, and his store my strongest endorsement. My only regret is that this shop is not closer to where I live.
However, I note TWLs post in another thread: "I would rather go to the dentist than walk into a high end audio dealership". I have had this experience as well.