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How do you get to demo equipment?

Hi,

I was wondering if any Audiogon members ever let others hear their equipment. Specifically, I'm looking for a new amp for my system. I'd like to hear the different choices out there, but feel limited by the local dealers. I live in Central Mass. and can work with a few dealers in the Boston area. One dealer said I had to buy the amp and I could return it in 7 days, but I'd like to be able to demo something without committing to purchase it.

There's so much great equipment on this web site, but how will I know if it sounds right with my system if I can't hear it first?

Does this ever happen? Do any members let other members hear their stuff? Any get-togethers?

What have some of you done? How do people hear what they want to buy before buying it?
justin2468
7 responses Add your response
justin2468 OP
15 posts
 
I've heard of shopes even UPSing equipment to people's homes if they're interested. I think Pass Labs does it, or some of their dealers do. Anyone tried that?

To Beemer. I've worked with all three of the dealers you mentioned. I probably like Natural Sound the best. I bought my Linn CD player from them last summer. However, they were the ones saying I'd have to buy before I could take something home and then I could return in 7 days.
justin2468 OP
15 posts
 
I've heard of shopes even UPSing equipment to people's homes if they're interested. I think Pass Labs does it, or some of their dealers do. Anyone tried that?

To Beemer. I've worked with all three of the dealers you mentioned. I probably like Natural Sound the best. I bought my Linn CD player from them last summer. However, they were the ones saying I'd have to buy before I could take something home and then I could return in 7 days.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I now live in Maryland now, but I have a 25 year relationship with Northampton Audio/Spearit Sound in western Mass. Richard Moulding, Jack Tozzi and the staff are all great. They will take all the time you need and will never pressure or talk you into anything. I know they will let people take stuff home (a friend has a Conrad Johnson Premier 17 preamp of theirs for the Easter weekend). I am not sure what the policy is.
See www.spearitsound.com


I brought some Nordost Quattro Fil cables of mine to a guys house in Virginia for a demo a couple months ago. Was fun to make a new audio friend and see someone elses setup.

A couple years ago when I sold my B&W Matrix 804s, the guy who bought them demo'd them in my house before he decided to buy them.

bishopwill
369 posts
 
I used to let internet contacts audition my system, as it is quite difficult to find Utopias in this neck of the woods. I made one new friend and was pestered to death by about twenty boring idiots. So I don't do it no mo'

Will
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Tim, It's good to see your willing to take one for the team. Always try to remember those words of wisdom bestowed on us by George Carlin in the movie Jay and silent Bob strike back. "You have to live by the book" :^)
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
I have to sleep with the owners of various audio shops to get my way, its a shame this hobby is dominatly male :(
beemer
444 posts
 
Hello Justin:

I'm in Central Mass as well. I've taken home equipment from
Goodwin's High End, Natural Sound and Ensemble in Nashua.
Perhaps you offer these folks an impression of your CC, and the take-homes may improve. Myself, I've had a relationship with this stores going back, as far as 20 years now with Natural Sound.

beemer
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