Is this rude?

My suggestion would be to call the store and tell them what you just told us - what your price range is, and what you're looking for (the best speakers in that price range, with particular interest in used Josephs or JM Labs or Sonus Fabers). Ask them if you could come in for an audition, and offer to come in during a projected low-traffic time (like before lunch on a weekday).

The store may have a used or demo pair, or may have another customer interested in trading up. They may have another speaker that you will like even better. By being up-front and considerate with them, and you're on your way to building a good relationship even if you don't buy from them this time. Of course there's a chance that the store is only interested in making a quick sale; in which case for the price of a phone call you've learned to avoid them in the future.

Best of luck to you.

Duke

Short answer, yes. Long answer, really depends on how much time the dealer puts into the demo. If you walk into the store and the speakers are already playing then no harm done. But if the dealer has to set them up (move them around or hook up different components to show them at their best) then that is not really fair (but who said life was fair?). Should you go through the demo and you appreciate the effort the dealer puts into demoing the equipment you can buy something else, say some interconnects or CD/LP. I certainly would inquire as to the availability of the floor pair of speakers at a demo price, might cost a little more but it could come with more perks than a pair bought off Audiogon.

Omains,

Try this - talk to you local dealers and tell them what you are looking for and your budget. If you have a local JM or Joseph Audio dealer they probably get trades, demo's, or have a customer who is selling a pair, etc. They may be able to come close to your budget if your budget is reasonable. If it's a little more $ - so what - it's worth it to be able to demo.

Be up front with your dealer then let them dicate the next steps. They will appreciate it. If they are jerks about it - take your business somewhere else.

Some say it's the cost of doing business for dealers others say it is way uncool. I say be honest with them and sometimes you end up with a great deal and good relationship with your local dealer.

It's not rude, it's dishonest.

If you're only willing to buy used gear via private sale, you must also be willing to take the risks associated with buying used. If you're not willing to take the risks, don't buy used gear.

Go in , get your demo , get the salesmans card, a week later , send him a note that you decided to go in another direction, but you appreciate his time , and send him a check for a nominal amount, say 25.00. and if you find the shop to be friendly and helpful, try to use them for future considerations.