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Trouble Auditioning Hi-fi Components?

I am currently planning to upgrade my stereo system. One of the specialist hi-fi dealers in my area is apparently so busy with Home Theater and other clients that they do not have time to spend with me. I cannot get an appointment after a month of trying. After all, I am only looking at spending a few thousand dollars on components. They can make much more money selling complete, custom installed Home Theater systems for $100,000+ and put them into zillion dollar houses. Unfortunately this dealer is the only one for several hundred miles that carries several brands that I plan to audition. I think it may be easier in the very large markets such as New York and Los Angeles. Has anyone else had trouble auditioning components in their local area due to the increasing demands of the custom installed and Home Theater markets? Do you feel like a second rate customer at you local shop when you want to buy ONLY audio components and don't care that much about your TV, video and don't want megabuck custom installation?
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ljgj
955 posts
 
Another reason the high end is killing itself.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I'd be really "ticked off" too if my local dealer kept putting me off because they are "busy" with HT, and I've not had that happen. It sounds like you can't even get an in-store audition. Is that correct? It takes them set-up time for that, so ask them if you can take the components home for a few days?

I've discovered the need to be creative and flexible when it comes to auditioning audio components at home. I've auditioned via mail order with 10-30 return privilege; I've used my local dealer a fair amount; I've bought used from A'Gon just to audition, and then re-sold; I've tried friend's equipment occasionally.

Some of the big stereo stores will allow mail order auditions, especially if they know you are serious, ie I've bought two amps from Progressive Audio in Ohio-- with return if not satisfied. I think Audio-Video Logic in Iowa will do some of this too. Of course you're out shipping and you pay near retail-- sometimes. But to me, mail order with return privilege is really valuable as I live "off the beaten path". Good Luck. Craig
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docwarnock
63 posts
 
I've had exactly the same experience. I saw a post the other day from someone travelling to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area who wanted to know about high-end salons to visit. I honestly could not steer him to any shops of particular interest as most have devolved into little more than HT installation fronts.

Now if the poster had but asked about topless bars, DFW is awash in them. Audio shops are a different and sad story.
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marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I live in New York and if I wish I can audition for the whole week every day with different dealers arround NY and NJ areas. Some of the NY dealers are also busy with rich folks that want $100k HT and don't give a $hit or even knowledge about 2ch system.
danner
202 posts
 
The nearest stereo shop is 40mi from me (Circuit City). After that, its 150mi and when I get there, the setups, rooms, etc. are so different it's not possible to know how things will work in my system. Enter Audiogon. I've taken to finding good prices, listening to the equipment in my system and in my room, keeping what sounds right and reselling what does not work. I'm sure I'm not alone.
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