I knew the STereo Xchange back in the day... Walls of used ARC preamps, the big ones, a Goldmund Reference set up for play, every variety of odd-ball speaker system, double Quads, big-ole Infinities, etc. It used to be a mecca for used equipment, and while not bargain -basement priced, Dave was fair. As the store grew, it began to change, and it really isn't about the fringe, or cult audio there at all any more.
He does carry some good lines, and does have some knowledgeable folks (Izzy is good on the video stuff), but it is not a haven for hi-end bargain hunters as it once was. The best retail 'hi-end' analog type guy I have spoken with in NY since my re-entry into this stuff after a 10 year hiatus, is Josh (I think that's his name) at Highwater Sound. Cool products, great attitude. Alot of the other dealers act like they are doing you a favor.
- Visit Stereo Exchange and ask for Les if you are a serious buyer and he will give you great service. He has always taken excellent care of me. Remember, these are retail establishments where people are trying to make a living, not a museum! So if folks go in who are obviously tire kickers, of course they will more than likely get the brush off in any shop, not just a hi-fi shop. -
I have had a different experience than Bemoptil123 at Stereo Exchange, unless the store has changed dramatically in the last few weeks. When I was in there, they had lot's of McIntosh, Classe, B&W, Meridian, Jeff Rowland and Sonus gear. The key is some of the rooms are in the back and you usually have to approach a salesperson to take a listen to the real hi-end stuff. I can't remeber the guy's name (A tall white skinny guy) who helped me but he demo-ed everything and was really a nice guy to deal with. Check out their website for more details.
I went to NYC about a month and a half ago and went into a few stores. I was not impressed with Stereo Exchange (I'm 95% sure I have that remembered correctly- lots of B&W and McIntosh). Nobody acknowledged me during the 10 minutes that I was in there. Not a receptionist. Not a salesperson. Nobody. Also, I went to In Living Stereo. I had been in there previously with great luck. But, this past visit to them was mediocre. As soon as I told him that I was from out of town, his attitude changed towards me. His eyes were on me like a hawk. I don't mind that he wanted to watch an out-of-towner while looking at expensive stuff, but he could have at least spoken to me and made me feel welcome. They have some really neat stuff that I hadn't seen elsewhere, so it may still be worth a brief visit. I also went to Sound By Singer. This visit went well. I don't think they like people just looking and one may get brushed off (it happened to me on another trip there)if that's what they say they're doing. Your luck may vary. Have fun!!!
Having been born and raised in NYC, I whole heartedly agree with Kal. I have not been in an audio shop in five years. Part of it is Audiogon, why bother with paying retail or only getting 10% to 15% off. The other part is the general treatment I would get at any shop I went to. I can't remember not having a bad time in any of the above named shops and, believe me, I've been to all of them, including Toys in the Attic, in White Plains, and The Listening Room, in Scarsdale, which has since closed. If you have to go, just be ready for what is likely to happen.......John
In Living Stereo, Lyric Hifi....cannot recall any other ones off the top of my head. Stay away from the Stereo Exchange, they have turned into a junk dealer with rooms and rooms of mediocre stereos with unexperienced salesmen.
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