I submit I couldn't have built my system on my own. I've had the same dealer for 20 years and have purchased 95% of my stereo from him. He is a friend and someone I trust. Over the years he has recommended products that he didn't carry, but had access to. Our stereo conversations have always started with the dimensions of my room(retired Air Force and used to travel frequently), what I wanted to improve and how much I wanted to spend. Over the years he has called me many times just to say hello and see how my family was doing. He understands that we listen to a system, not individual components.
Would you trust a local dealer to help you put
together a modest system. (think $10k). Let's say you got tired of the whole "system building on my own thing." If you had a good local dealer, would you go take a chance on them and say "I want speakers, an amp and preamp (or integrated) that will sound good in a small to medium size family room." "I already have my sources." What's your take on this?