The question Al, it seems to me, is "have you bought equipment from them regularly in the past?" If you have only auditioned there (and brought home equipment regularly), and then gone for the lowest price elseswheres, then I would say neither of you has acted in a responsible manner. You for not being honest and the dealer for being rude. You should have known by now that this dealer was not providing equipment at the price you want to pay. The dealer also could have handled the manner more courteously, explaining the costs involved in running a high end shop. I buy mostly on net but would not feel comfortable going into a shop, spending lost of time auditioning, taking equipment home!!! and then looking around for the cheapest price. I buy lots of stuff on the net, but realize that I cannot then take a lot of a dealer's time and equipment without a realistic intention of buying from them. Sorry, I know its a dilemna, but not much sympathy here. However, the advantage of buying here is that if you don't like, all you're probably going to loose is the shipping costs and some time, if you keep your equipment up and buy at a good price.
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