Pass amps: newer xa30.8 or older xa60.5 ?

I agree, Acurus. My dealings with Reno were not too good. I never ordered or demoed any equipment from them, but at first they (Mark) quoted me discounts off of retail that were good on new equipment. Later on he quotes me retail price, and he got nasty with me because I wasn't ready to buy right then and there. I only called a few times. Suffice it to say, he will not be getting my business because he lost his cool and tried high pressure sales tactics with me. I know a dealer in California that Pass Labs thinks highly of that doesn't act like that plus gives you a good price. I don't think I'm buying Pass Labs at the moment (I'm going with Accuphase amps right now) but if I change my mind he'll be getting my business as there's no Pass Labs dealer in my town.

Dave_72, Well I don't see anything in what you described at Reno being a red flag per se. Sometimes discount quotes are only good for a certain limited time as a way to close a deal. They aren't necessarily good for a long time, as inventory and replacement costs change. Getting "nasty" with and high pressure approach is something different however. Somehow I can't picture that guy Mark getting like that. I've dealt with him a few times and didn't experience anything like that. They can be kind "slick" there sometimes.

Well, it wasn't specified how long the discounts on new Pass Labs stuff would be. So, you might be right there on that point. I didn't picture him getting like that either, but the mask fell off and the cobra reared its head, bared its fangs, and was ready to strike. I personally don't put anything past anyone. Everyone has a bad side to them, it's the nature of man, especially when large amounts of money are involved as is the case here and with any other high end audio transactions. This Mark guy came off as greedy; expecting me to cough up the money right then and there. Sorry, but as a dealer you have to *earn* my money and respect! That's how I roll, as they say! lol.