Would you trust a local dealer to help you put

Bifwynne,

We can shoot the breeze anytime!

Also, I just want to clarify that the reason I prefer to chit-chat outside of the shop with client friends is because it's a different dynamic - more relaxed and casual. In fact, I took one of my friends (who happens to be a client) to a Mariners game less than two weeks ago. The following week, that same client and I, shared a lunch at an Italian restaurant. It's understandable that clients will have questions because they want to understand the why's and why not's of system matching or system building and just need to talk some things through or bounce ideas off of someone who may have already gone down a path that they are considering.

It's no trouble on my part to act as a sounding board. They understand that my opinion and my experience is but one perspective and they are always encouraged to read up on various subjects if they still seek a further understanding.

I can't speak to what others do but we operate by appt. only in a one-to-one setting so there is never an issue of one client taking priority over another....ever. When you hear me talk about a "big fish" it is always with regard to a Chinook or Coho Salmon. :)

So....don't be a stranger, stranger!

Best,
Burt

Mr. Tennis,

You asked, "do you think you can configure a stereo system that i prefer, as opposed to a stereo system that i configured for myself?"

Yes, of course. Without a doubt - but I can only do so if you explain what it is that you are looking for. Dealers can not read a client's mind.

You need to communicate with your dealer as you do when you contact a manufacturer or take part in Internet blogs/threads.

An analogy could be made between a hifi dealer and interior designer - the client has their own taste or style but a great designer can incorporate that style to design a room (or system) far beyond that which the homeowner could have on their own.

Yes, I admit it - I watch HGTV with the MRS.

And as with designers, that experience or skill carries an associated cost. Personally, I look at it as money well spent. I do not wish to get something for nothing.

So, rather than playing "hit or miss" via mail order - you should put a knowledgable dealer to work for you. Let them expend their energy - make recommendations - bring over hifi (while you supply the beer and pizza). Make it fun - have a good time - share music with one another.

And, if they do right by you, then give them your business and pay them the retail price (which doesn't even make up for all of their time) because it is the right thing to do. It's a win-win for all parties involved.

I am not the national spokesperson for dealers but I am the type of person that understands that others have skills and knowledge that I do not possess and I routinely hire specialists such as interior designers, professional photographers, web designers, etc.

Actually, my website is another perfect example. I communicated exactly what I wanted and it turned out far better than had I done it myself.

Respectfully,
Burt

Whart,

Well said.

I have no doubt that Mr. Tennis can do his own taxes, has his own methods, and does just fine but isn't it possible that an expert tax attorney could secure him a larger return? That's all I'm really saying.

And the big assumption or flaw, on my part, is that he will find someone, locally, that listens, cares, and is willing to invest the time.

Respectfully,
Burt

i did not say that a person consulting a dealer is an ignoramus. but if you can do something yourself, why ask someone else to do it for you.

here are several examples.

as a homeowner, i have done plumbing repair in my house. if i had more experience in practical electronics, i could perform electrical repair in my house.
i don't have to ask a movie critic, or restaurant critic, or music critic what movie to watch, where to dine, or what performance of chopin's 3rd piano sonata is best.

i think the function of dealer is to provide facts about components and component interaction and then provide components for sale. however, a manufacturer is usually more knowledgeable about component design and component interaction. if the manufacturer has a dealer network, he is delegating these functions to the dealer.

the best source is the person who designed the component. especially when considering speakers and amps, the speaker or amp designer is the best source of information regarding advice about amplifiers and speakers.
the amp designer can tell you what speakers may be suitable to use with his amp, and the speaker designer can proscribe requirements for an amp to drive his speakers. dealers can provide the same information, but the final authority is the designer. he has the technical background that a dealer lacks. how many dealers have designed amps and/or speakers ?

the same applies to digital hardware, especially interfaces and the suitability of transport dac combinations.

if i may make an analogy, a car dealer can sell a car, but a mechanic is the better source for technical info about a car's performance.

Matching equipment by specs alone will usually yield very poor results. And, again, I maintain that a manufacturer hasn't heard his or her product with as many different types of products as a dealer.

My advice to you is to ask both - a knowledgeable dealer and the manufacturer.