Preowned Wilson Audio Chicago Dealer

So, what’s with the Chicago used gear dealer who constantly advertises tons of used Wilson, (the same models for over a year or more) yet anyone who calls him to buy a pair get’s totally discouraged by him on Wilson?

Is this just the old bait and switch with him having none of them in stock? Right now he must have 12 ads of the 20 on Audiogon- yet when called about actually buying a pair he doesn’t even attempt to subtly switch you to something else.

haha -- well no you didn’t call him out by name... check...

don't want to start a flame war ... er... check?

perhaps the worst insult of all is when you think everyone reading your op is stupid

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis995dd-wilson-audio-sasha-in-titanium-silver-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa6jb7-wilson-audio-alexia-2-blue-color-speaker

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9c4c2-wilson-audio-sasha-in-titanium-silver-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9f0gj-wilson-audio-sasha-2-macadamia-complete-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9i25c-wilson-audio-sasha-2-eleven-pairs-available-in-house-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9bj47-wilson-audio-sasha-2-dessert-silver-complete-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9bj4c-wilson-audio-alexia-dessert-silver-we-take-trades-full-range

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ijai-wilson-audio-sophia-mkiii-titanium-full-range

I have had very positive experiences with this Chicago dealer and have personally met with Albert at his store in Chicago. Earlier this year, I drove +3 hours one way and I spent about 4 hours with him demoing different equipment from brands like: Wilson, Magico, Martin Logan, Focal, Luxman, Boulder, Aurender, Lumin, McIntosh, to name some of the product I listened to as well as different cabling options. All in, I learned more that day than I have about product, etc. than in many years listening to different products all over the place. He explained to me in layman's terms why the pairing of certain components/equipment and manufacturer's worked well together (or not) then we would listen to it and he was "spot on" 100% of the time.  Having said that, I felt no pressure, and the reason I did not buy the Wilson Alexia II's was that the blue color would not work well in my house considering color schemes in my listening area.  He absolutely would have sold me the speakers that day and I came prepared to drive them back home with me had that color been more palatable to my room.  I can't speak for other's experiences; however, Albert has been extremely kind and giving of his time to me.  He even offered to drive, set-up and take my trades the 3+ hours one way.  

Based on my experience with Albert, I would try to connect with him on the phone, as he is an incredibly knowledgeable dealer. Albert legitimately knows the retail audio world including pricing, +/-'s of different brands and how they work together, as well as being "wired" to any brand you may be seeking at amazing prices.

albert had a listing of a nice passlabs amp

on the phone he told me its junk and that hes a luxman dealer and can offer me the 900u for $11k new. He was helpful on the phone but yes he tried too hard to redirect my purchase and thats what lost him the sale

I live in the area and honestly thought about it but passed.

There is a vivid/gryphon dealer nearby and i wanted a particular gryphon amp. A foreign guy who is a penny pincher.. he was irate that i wanted to use a credit card even though i offered to pay 1% of the 2% fee. No discount at all on amp or cables and he was a big baby. made fun of my demo music as well apparently hes a classic pianist and my selection of certain songs he made sure to show his displeasure

Wasnt pleasant to deal honestly would rather have done business with albert but at least i got the amp i wanted

I had a similar bait and switch interaction with Albert Portis. I was interested in either one of 2 AudioQuest Niagara 7000 Power Conditioners he had listed on Audiogon. Since he had 2 listed for weeks I did initially low-ball my offer and was turned down. Another week or so later I decided to meet his asking price (it was still well below retail). When I made the full price offer he told me 1) the double listing was Audiogon’s mistake, and 2) he had “just sold” the one 7000 he was listing. BUT he could offer me a like new (out of the box but never titled) PS Audio PowerPlant 15 with full warranty for about 1/2 list price. I had been debating between these 2 units and the deal was great so I went for it.  In AP’s defense, the unit arrived with factory cellophane still on it and appeared brand new. The unit worked great and later when I had issues the unit was replaced by PS Audio so it wasn’t a knock off. Note: This was well before COVID so that is not a factor.  

So while I did end up a satisfied customer, I wasn’t comfortable with the process. It seems like this is a standard mode of operation for him. Agree with others that he is extremely knowledgeable.  I will purchase elsewhere going forward. 
 

Matt

Hi all, FWIW I too have dealt with Albert multiple times and there are shreds of truth in these posts from both sides.   For reference I just scanned a small video I took when I was in there in the spring and there are multiple Wilson’s in the shot.  So he does have them and I don’t believe there’s some mischievous bait and switch plot going on.  I’ve also had him talk me out of Mac gear before.  When he’s not a fan of something he’ll tell you as much.  I’m in sales and I respect that vs. just telling the customer what they want to hear.  Look it up it’s called the challenger sales model. You earn trust by being honest.  I would agree it probably hurts his business overall, but can respect it .  
 

So is he difficult to deal with, sometimes hard to get ahold of….etc yes.  Does his style suit everyone? No.  Will he open his very prodigious showroom and let you demo for hours with little to no pressure? Absolutely.  I’d have no problem working with him again.  And as someone else mentioned his deals are very fair.