Would you trust a local dealer to help you put

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.

Mr. Tennis:

I know how to paint but I can not paint a masterpiece.

Best,
Burt

And, metaphorically speaking, dealers don't tell you what movies to watch or which music that you should prefer.

Still metaphorically speaking, we introduce you to new movie technology, new studios, movies (classics, foreign films, independent film makers), actors, cinematographers, writers, etc.

AND if you can inform us as to which genre you prefer, your favorite cinematographer, actors, directors, etc. then we're likely to make recommendations that you would love...perhaps even replacing your current favorite movie.