What do you take when demoing new gear?


As a relative newbie and also someone who is planning on upgrading my setup soon, I was wondering what you bring with you when you are auditioning new gear.

I will definitely bring some familiar lp`s and cd `s, but do you recommend I also bring my own source components, like a streamer or turntable? Do you ever take your own amps or speakers? What about cables?

Do dealers even allow this?

Thanks for your input!


funkbass4

Showing 1 response by funkbass4

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I live in Los Angeles and my local dealers are seeing customers by appointment only, seeing customers during reduced and limited hours, or not allowing any customers in the store at all. Plus LA county has just implemented stricter stay at home rules beginning tomorrow. 

I have spoken to a couple of dealers over the phone recently but that is the extent of my relationship with any of them. I would really like to support my local dealers if I can find one I with good service. It'd be awesome to find a dealer that would let me take gear home to demo!

Here is my setup. I would like the dealer's advice on what upgrades would have the biggest impact. I'm thinking either replacing the KEF Q150's or adding a power amp as I want to move to separates eventually. My budget is $1500 to $2000, the less I can spend the better. 

Emotiva TA-100
KEF Q150
SVS SB2000
Bluesound Node 2i
Fluance RT82

Bedroom:
Laptop
Schitt Modi
Schitt Magni
Hifiman Sundara