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

Showing 1 response by paulwp

I have bought several components and speakers without ever having heard them, some from dealers who will take things back if you dont like them without charging you a restocking fee. Cd players from Reference Audio Video, a Classe amp from another store, I took back.

But the most risky and rewarding purchases I have made without having heard the components were my two sets of Harbeth speakers. The first, a pair of HL-P3 mini-monitors, I bought from the then-distributor several states away. He was not going to take them back. I bought them on the basis of the Stereophile review. I liked them so much I started looking into the other Harbeth speakers and noticed a review of the Compact 7's by Professor Greene in The Absolute Sound.

I then enquired of people who had listed their C-7's for sale on the internet as to their reasons for selling. They told me what they didnt like about the speakers.

Then I found a dealer in the UK with a website (Signals) and started emailing him with questions about the speakers. Eventually, I bought a pair of these speakers from Signals, without ever hearing them, primarily on the strength of the Absolute Sound review. (The proprietor realized there was a market in the US, however small, and added some pages to his website advertising the Harbeths for export.)

For all the complaints about reviewers, I have found that if you read carefully and are familiar with the reviewer's views on other products, reviews can help. You can also find honest retailers who are willing to discuss the equipment they sell by email or over the phone, and most of them want you to be happy with what you buy, so most really high end dealers I have encountered will tell you if something is not suitable for the rest of your system.