Innovative Autio in NYC just hung up on me

+1 @testpilot 

 cerrot

Thank you for sharing your experience. I would certainly inform Strom Tank about this situation. Agreed, purchase from another Dealer/Retailer.

Happy Listening!

The HiFi Audio market is an Uber competitive space today with a shrinking customer base.  The internet has opened up the possibility of the brick and mortar stores not being needed due to online sales, brands being able to go direct to market and a sea of used equipment being at anyone’s finger tips via a phone, tablet, PC. 
 

There is a lot of pressure on the brick and mortar stores that are left, gone are the days of an expansive customer base that drive higher volumes of sales spread across the price curve, most brick and mortar stores today have to bank on far fewer sales and customers but the customers they do have buying high end pieces, dropping some serious coin.  I’ve talked to several owners at brick and mortar stores who have been great, let me demo items at home, exchanged items if I didn’t like it, carved out time at the store to spend with me.  My go to store started with selling me a relatively inexpensive Parasound 2 channel amp.  What the store owners would do is let me know if they had clients coming in that needed their time or equipment I was also interested in, laid out what those patrons were likely to spend, buy.  That helped me understand what they had going on. 
 

What is sad is there are fewer and fewer HiFi stores.  There is still a real value a brick and mortar store has over the online experience.  Also a real value to the experience a seasoned HiFi salesperson has and the perspective they can offer.  It stinks that the OP had the experience he had, hopefully the Audiophile community does it’s best to keep some of these HiFi brick and mortar stores around.  

I periodically visit Innovative Audio Video. I wish I lived closer - because it’s an event I always look forward to (I grew up in Westchester, NY and now live in the central NJ area). Are you sure you dialed the correct number?

My experience has been Innovative Audio Video is a world class facility with a group of exceptional people. And I’m not exaggerating. This is reflected by the principal individual, Elliot Fishkin who himself is an exceptional man (and for the record - I have no association with Innovative Audio Video).

I’ve been fortunate to have been invited to multiple product introductions - and these occasions really are world class events. I enjoy bringing fellow audiophiles for the treat. When I brought my friend Gary to attend The Wilson Chronosonic XVX introduction, upon introducing him to Peter McGrath - Gary was like a kid in a candy store and Peter was such a gentleman (he always is) and spent so much time with Gary. My friend Gary still talks about that evening (a heartfelt thank you Peter).

At that event, I left the XVX demonstration room and went into the Alexia room (by myself) to listen to those speakers because these are what I intend to upgrade to. After a while of listening, Elliot came in and socialized with me, sharing live music performance experiences and relating them to different equipment and tastes. I really enjoyed that time with Elliot because he builds relationships.

I met Chris Foremen on my first visit to Innovative when I was considering the purchase of Sasha I speakers. Chris also is an exceptional individual and builds relationships.

When I had an issue with one of my Meridian 800 components, both Chris and Elliot personally helped me get things resolved. Their help was critical at the time, for which I will always be grateful. It was then I learned who these people really are. At one point, Elliot spent quite a bit of time with me on the phone and I specifically said to him that I wanted to be considerate of his time. He responded by saying he enjoys helping people - independent of what they purchase and enjoys proliferating the enjoyment of music and our audiophile industry with everyone. He shared examples of helping clients with more moderate budgets and systems because he understood my concern. This is when I started to understand and develop a sincere respect for Elliot and Chris. They are ethical people who operate their business with the same philosophy I do (that is in a win / win manner) and they enjoy sharing their passion of music.

The last event I attended was the Wilson Alexx V introduction, what an experience. Yet - I had to break away from that room and visit the Alexia room. It’s easy to become accustomed to the Alexx and they’re unfortunately not in my budget (I’ll be happily stretching for the Alexia speakers).

To say every visit to Innovative Audio Video has been a very positive and memorable event is like saying attending the Super Bowl with sideline passes was going to a football game. They really do host world class enjoyable evenings. To me - it’s not the remarkable equipment that is well set up and demonstrated with great music (which I’m certain is hours of work), it’s not the hosting with complimenting wine and hors d’beuvres, it’s not all the coordination of representatives / schedules / staff / clients to make sure everything occurs without incident - it’s the desire of these individuals to share great music and proliferate our ability to enjoy these experiences in our own home.

I would be remiss if I didn’t disclose that I have yet to make a single purchase with Innovative Audio Video. Purchasing Alexia speakers will unfortunately be delayed because my wife served me with a notice of divorce this past June, which I shared with Elliot. His encouragement and support of handling things well - in following our faith, maintaining integrity, honesty, being forthright and positive - demonstrate the individual he is and the standard he maintains (which I also strive to live by).

So, with humility and respect and with no ill intension whatsoever - when reading this post I felt compelled to respond.

Cerrrot - did you attempt to resolve this incident?

And I ask; has anyone who contributed negative comments on this post addressing Innovative Audio Video had any experience with this showroom? I have and from my first walk in and every experience afterwards - I’ve had sidelines passes to the Super Bowl.

I’ve recently learned life is too short not to make every effort to enjoy ourselves with our loved ones. Sharing the enjoyment of music that stirs our senses and moves our souls - both with live performances and via great systems is something I think we all agree enriches our lives. Thanks Elliot and Chirs and everyone at Innovative Audio Video for proliferating music and performances in the cultural arts and for sharing heartfelt occasions we’ll always remember.

Most sincerely, Thomas Foti

Thomas, what a very well written, thorough, and heartfelt response. That was very kind of you! Someday I hope you get a pair of Alexia's.  You deserve them.

Happy Listening!