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Buying "Sound Unheard"

I find myself in a quandry. As much as I know (and recommend) that "audition, audition, audition before purchasing" is the best means to system matching and "audio fulfillment," I find myself doing somewhat the opposite and purchasing quality equipment based on reviews and more importantly, the opinions of peers. Luckily, in my last three purchases (phono stage, cartridge, and now line stage) I've been fortunate in that they've been major boosts to my system. Living where I do, there just isn't access to the brands I'm interested in, plus my schedule is unforgiving. I'm curious as to how many others find themselves in this position, and the resources they use to get around it (including the obvious one - this web site!). As many threads as I see inquiring as to the characteristics of this-and-that, I would suspect that many of "us," especially those in rural or semi-rural areas are in this position. Just Curious. -John
musikdok
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi John; for me, the internet has changed everything. Like some of those above, I now do most of my buying through the various audio gear listing services-- mostly Audiogon. The inet also allows for a great deal of research of products prior to purchase. I've also found some good high end stores that will do mail order, some are listed above, and I also like ProgressiveAudio.com in Ohio, and audio-logic.com in Iowa. I live on a remote part of the Oregon coast. Cheers. Craig.
stokjoc
43 posts
 
Audio Advisor also has 30 day return policy that I have used before without any hassles. I once ordered a speaker from another dealer however who conveniently omitted telling me that it was not the current model. When I received the package I called to complain. The skunk pretended he didn't know but also refused to accept a return under any circumstance. Luckily I got them for a decent price and liked the sound. I ended up keeping them for several years so it turned out ok. Lesson learned,don't assume anything unless you ask!
njonker
107 posts
 
I used to buy almost all my stuff blindly, based on what i read and heard. It was kind of hit or miss that way, but for me that was fine as this was buying stuff that cost at mosta few hundred bucks, and was easily returnable or re-sale-able.

I have now graduated to the, IMO, stratospheric level of paying many thousands of dollars for some of the gear I buy, and ever since I got to that level, I have arranged to hear anything before I buy it. Just had too many bad experiences in the low price class.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
follow these two rules, & yule never have a problem buying sound-unheard: 1)if buying brand-gnu, be sure there's an in-home audition period. if not, & yure not happy w/the product, ewe will surely take a bath financially. even selling something at 75% of retail, which can be difficult w/even *almost-gnu* equipment, can be costly, w/the prices of some of our *toys*. 2) buy used; that way ewe can re-sell for pretty-much what ya paid. i recently bought 4 used-or-closeout preamps w/in about 5 months; sold 3 w/o losing any money, & kept the one i liked.

c'mon musikdok, how much of a risk were ya taking, buying that melos preamp i recommended? it wooda gone away w/little financial loss if ewe decided it weren't what i said it was cracked-up to be, no? but, i guess yule be keeping it for a bit, eh ;~)

regards, doug s.

sedond
1,387 posts
 
hmmm, negative feedback for my last post - i guess there's someone who feels ya shouldn't buy used, or ya shouldn't buy gnu w/an audition period. mebbe a disgruntled snobby dealer? ;~)

regards, doug s.

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