Sorry, I agree with the above masses. I wanted to audition a The PS300 and a power cord from a local dealer I've bought from for years. I saw the power cord in an Audiogon ad and called to see if the price he had (about 30% above the going rate on Audiogon) was a firm price. I explained that I wanted to try it and the PS300, but was not comfortable "using" him if I knew I'd buy elsewhere. As a small dealer he couldn't come down on his prices so I thanked him for his time and told him I just wasn't comfortable trying his stuff, even though he still offered. P.S. I still haven't heard the PS300, that's the down side of shopping for deals, no trial. I've saved maybe 40-50% on my total system so for me it's worth the isolation of not having a local dealer. I've got Audiogon, and alot of great people and a cheaper system, LIFE IS GOOD! J.D.
Digital Smear???
I recently visited my local retail dealer of 10 years, Digital Ear of Tustin California. I was there to audition digital equipment. The storeowner questioned me as to where I purchased my current equipment (Thiel 2.3’s, Pass Labs x-150, x-2, Harm Tech Pro-Silway mkII, and Pro-9 all brands they carry). I explained to him that I have purchased all of my equipment from other authorized dealers and from Audiogon. In his rage, he said “because I did not purchase any items from him, that he was not going to let me audition any equipment, without purchasing it today.” I explained to him that I have always given them my first offer before purchasing elsewhere. Today, I was told by the sales manager, that “we don’t have a home auditioning program, and a 25% restocking fee would assessed, should I chose to return any equipment.” I have listen to equipment at the digital ear for over 10 years, and of course they let me hear the $50,000.00 system first. To my discouragement, high-end audio was only a goal. Now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve been banned for life. Digital Ear has no class or customer service. I am going to file a complaint with each and every manufacturer that they carry. Dealers often complain to manufactures that they can’t be competitive in retail environment. Manufactures need retail shops to sell their equipment. The Internet has brought the audio market to a competitive environment. Where is the balance? How would you have it? Has this ever happened to you? Any suggestions from the fine folks on Audiogon would be greatly appreciated. Banned for Life Al Bundy Ladies shoe salesman