Try before you buy?


So, I've been a part of the audiophile community for a long, long time now. A major part of the hobby, IMHO, has been gear rolling: trying new stuff, deciding if you like it, and then moving on to the next thing. Cable rolling is probably second only to tube rolling.
When I was at MIT all those years ago, I decided the industry really needed a true lending library. So, I've been building one and have had huge support from cable companies like MIT and Cardas. It's good for them to let people try their cables out to see how much they like them, if at all. Consumers who really fall in love with a pair of cables will eventually buy, either on the used market here on AudiogoN, or on the new market through authorized resellers.
Anyway, I wondered how many of you would use such a library, and, if so, how you think it might change the way you buy audio gear (if at all). I'd love your feedback.
gavn8r

Showing 2 responses by meadowman

What is the sales path in your model?  Let's say that I borrow a pair of Cardas Clear xlrs and like them enough to buy.  Do I get to buy the borrowed pair?  Who do I pay? Cardas? A Cardas dealer? You?  What is my price? Is it set before I borrow the cables?  Who sets the price?  Playing devil's advocate:  I borrow them, like them but return them so I can find a deal on a used pair or I call 20 dealers asking for a big enough discount that I actually buy them.  How does that benefit you?  What if i call Cardas direct and want to have them certify that your loaner cables are authentic?  Not down on the idea, i just see a lot of room for abuse.  How would you know if someone bought cables after returning your loaners?
With the inclusion of individual users being both lenders and borrowers the system has a real chance of being successful.  Let me know when the android app debuts.  As a dealer for Nerve Audio I would like to get their cables.more exposure.