Trouble Auditioning Hi-fi Components?


I am currently planning to upgrade my stereo system. One of the specialist hi-fi dealers in my area is apparently so busy with Home Theater and other clients that they do not have time to spend with me. I cannot get an appointment after a month of trying. After all, I am only looking at spending a few thousand dollars on components. They can make much more money selling complete, custom installed Home Theater systems for $100,000+ and put them into zillion dollar houses. Unfortunately this dealer is the only one for several hundred miles that carries several brands that I plan to audition. I think it may be easier in the very large markets such as New York and Los Angeles. Has anyone else had trouble auditioning components in their local area due to the increasing demands of the custom installed and Home Theater markets? Do you feel like a second rate customer at you local shop when you want to buy ONLY audio components and don't care that much about your TV, video and don't want megabuck custom installation?
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Showing 1 response by lugnut

Man did your post ring a bell with me. I have a Linn dealer in my area that is of absolutely no value whatsoever. His suggestion for my turntable problems was for him to ship it to Florida for me and, I quote,"it'll work great right out of the box". As a Linn dealer it appears that he isn't even obligated to know how to work on an LP12. Yes, he is busy with HT installations and his clients are of the "rich and famous" category. There is only one "real" store in Boise which no longer carries Linn due to the requirements of dedicated listening rooms and mandatory inventories. I ran into the local sales rep for Linn at this store while he was trying to find a retail home for the Classic line. (It seems Linn of Scotland recognizes a need for additional coverage in this huge country of ours) Anyway, since it was obvious that he was not going to get the Classic line placed in this market area I suggesting that perhaps I would be interested in assuming this role. I didn't even get so much as a return phone call inquiring about my ability to become a retailer. I even called Linn USA (who obviously didn't want to step on the reps toes, so to speak) and didn't get a return call from them. Go figure. I am a little ashamed to admit that I recently purchased a Wakonda, Genki and a pair of LK 240's to go with my existing Sara's and LP 12. I feel a fool for enriching what appears to be the enemy. On the bright side I received excellent help and service from The Audio Gallery (Lake Oswego, Or.-a 400 mile drive for me!)for these products. Cindy and Gary are very worthy of my hard-earned dollars. I maintain that it is stupid to not court a long term relationship with all people who desire to audition a retailers products. Some of us who are not rich occassionally place our priorities in a league with the rich. Money is money or am I missing something here? Thanks for giving me the opportunity to rag about an issue that has been bothering me for a few weeks. I am note clueless, but I don't understand.