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What's your experience with snooty HiFi salesmen?

I began my Hifi journey in 1976 at a shop in Birmingham MI called Audio Dimensions. He was a Magnapan and ARC dealer who was kind to a 15 year old kid who bought a set of MG 1s with paper route money. The ARC amps he carried were about $4K back then- a LOT of money in 1976. In the beginning I drove my MG 1s with an old Fisher Studio Standard integrated amp. Since those lovely innocent days I have encountered some real buttholes. They act like they are doing me a favor as they quiz me about what gear I have and if I'm listening to "approved" recordings. Needless to say I don't buy from those guys. Several wives and businesses later I'm back into the hobby with a much vengeance as a 61 year old  can muster given only so many free hours in a day and only so much cash to apply due to my other vices: Classic cars and salt water fishing. 

Have you ever encountered a really good or really bad dealer (or employee) that changed your buying actions?

Darko posted a video on this topic which I found really enjoyable. Many of you have already seen it but for those (like me) who discovered it much later here's the link: 

https://darko.audio/2022/09/audiophiles-are-snobs-with-money-to-burn/

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Showing 3 responses by ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,230 posts
 

Audio Dimensions? I visited that place many times!

Harry was a great guy. I said was because he was quite old when I last visited but perhaps, he is still around. I'm not even sure if the store is still in business.

ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,230 posts
 

I have never really experienced bad customer service by a salesman/owner. I guess I have that look...

But at one time I was looking at Sonus Faber speakers. The salesman demonstrated the Cremora.

It all sounded fine with the music the salesman used. But when I had him play some CCR boy did the speakers distort! It was funny watching the salesman run to turn the volume down. So much for that demo.

ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,230 posts
 

It must be the places you guys frequent. Have you brushed your teeth lately? Just kidding...

In my area there is only one Hi-End Store left. Paragon Audio and they have always treated me well. Years back when there were more stores, again, they were always kind and willing to demonstrate anything I wanted to hear. Sometimes I would call ahead so what I wanted to hear could be connected.

Why would they not try to be helpful? Stating that, I am sure there are bad apples, they are in every profession, but they will be weeded out when they don’t eat.

Perhaps, some of you guys are starting out with a bad attitude?

ozzy

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