Need Advice on Amp Audition at a Dealers

I’ve done this a few times and to be honest the results are mixed at best. Different speakers, room, cables, partnering electronics, etc., completely mask the differences in the amps. Unless you’re comparing very different types of amps, e.g, low power tube to mid-hi power SS, etc., then the experiment is worth the effort. My experience, YMMV.

@tuberist - the advice offered above covers most of the related concerns with taking your amp with you, but I do believe it is worthwhile.

What you didn’t provide are any details as to your current amp and the amps you are thinking of auditioning.

The other thing I would suggest you take along are your speaker cables. These can change the sound of the amp you are listening to and sometimes in a bad way.

I would also recommend you have them connect the amp to the most expensive speakers/system in the place - then you will be able to hear the slightest differences between the two amps.

When I auditioned my Node 2 Streamer I had the dealer install it in a system that had Avantguard horn speakers (@ $30,000) just so I could hear it at it’s very best.

Good luck with the shopping - Steve

thanks again for all the recommendations. Since I can't do a home audition without buying I threw out this post knowing some of you kind souls would help me out. I've just started back again at Audiogon after a long absence. the site now is very different. the "portholes" are pretty weird. Anyway, I owned push pull and set tube amps for 20+ years and decided to try a PS Audio Stellar 300...a class D with about 140 watts a side; this is a seriously good amp. However,  I'm thinking I miss the "fun" of the tube amps (tube rolling etc)  and am interested in auditioning a Rogue Stereo 100 tube amp. My speakers aren't made anymore. I've owned them since 2005 and am still satisfied. The speakers are Von Schweikert db99's and they have internally powered woofers. Best holidays to all of you!

@tuberist 

In regards to the "portholes." 

Users still have a choice between the new Grid View and the Classic List View. Simply choose your view using the Layout Button located next to the Sort By options on any Browse of Search Page.

I agree with williewonka , when I auditioned my preamp it was in a $50k system and it sounded great so I figured I’d take a chance. Turned out to be one of my best purchases ever.  I auditioned my DAC in same system and it was able to hang with some $$$ gear.   

I auditioned my my speakers with the same amps I own and preamp.  Dealer just happened to take in a used pair on trade and was a cj dealer so I was lucky.   

Best to audition in some way but sometimes I’ll take a chance.