Guys and Ladies, please back off and slow down.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a dealer expressing his/her opinions about products. Regardless of whether he/she sells said product.
I have read many time Audiotroy's posts and not one time did I read anything that led me to believe that they were slighting other products. As a matter of fact, I found their information informative to say the least. The same thing one might hear when you say.... go into particular dealerships.
I particularly like Vandersteen 7s. I've heard them many times at shows and also at Randy's Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica, CA. I have also heard the Blades. I wasn't impressed with the sound from the Blades, but I believe that could have been the appurtenant equipment and/or room at the particular show. They weren't bad at all, just too many people talking, and the music wasn't to my taste either. But, that is what you get at shows. No wait, I'm wrong. There was one show where the Blades were demo'd and the sound was actually impressive. So there.
Anyway, at Optimal Enchantment, I heard the Vandy 7's with Audio Research REF 10 pre-amp, REF 10 phono stage, REF 250 SE amps and a stupidly expensive (extremely top-of-the-line) Basis turntable/arm/cartridge set up where for the very first time in my many decades of Engineering and audio, the system actually disappeared completely. It was wonderful.
As with any high-end piece of equipment, I recommend an in-home demonstration. Most reputable dealers in your particular service territory will allow such in-home demonstrations after you give them your credit card information. For speakers that costs this much, as far as I'm concerned, this is absolutely mandatory.
Anyway, please stop the attacks. Other than the personal attacks, the posts I'm reading are offering opinions based on knowledge and/or experience and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If a dealer decides to sell particular products and not others, that really is something that I would like to know and why.
But, not once, did I seen a bashing of Vandersteen in the posts. I did see that it may not have been their cup of tea, but that is true for many of us. so what?
let it go.
If I could afford Vandersteen 7's, I would grab them. I would have to demo the Blades a few more times, but KEF makes some great gear, so yes, they would be on my short list.
Personally, I believe that speakers are the hardest audio item for purchase. So, many variables.
When/if I decide to change, I'm not looking forward to that process/decision. However, I would definitely want to hear from various dealers as to their opinions about products they carry and products they don't carry.
It is still my responsibility to go around and demo the equipment. But knowledgeable, informed opinions actually help.
enjoy