Would you trust a local dealer to help you put

Burt, sadly I am not aware of a Burt/Seattlehifi shops in the Philly area. Nor do I have "friends in the business" with whom I can shoot the breeze in the off hours.

So I do what I can to cobble together a nice system, which has evolved over the years. The main reason I went with ARC is because it was the cutting-edge SOTA, or at least described as such, by the super hi-end store I hung out at as a kid back in the early 70s. Whether it really was SOTA back then is irrelevant. I thought it was.

My speaker choice, Paradigm Sig 8s (v2 w/ Be tweeter) was a pure chance decision. Nothing informed about it. As it turns out, by shear dumb luck, it is actually an incredible performer that compares with many other big name brands at multiples of its price point -- or at least so I've read.

As I said, too bad I'm not aware of a Burt/Seattlehifi store where I live. But again, even if there is (or was), I will not sit in the shop and shoot the breeze about audio while a paying customer is around ready and willing to dop major bucks on a system. That's just not right.

Thanks for the comments Burt. It sounds like you like what you do and have found a way to make it work for you. All the best.

hi seattlehifi:

you have not answered my question:

do you think you can configure a stereo system that i prefer, as opposed to a stereo system that i configured for myself ?

if you can't, the basic flaw in dealer effectiveness, is that the customer knows what he likes and he is a better judge of what that is than any dealer.

for those customers who have no idea what type of sound they like, a dealer can be of help.

this is true of food, film, wine and other aesthetic pursuits.

the more one becomes educated the less one is dependent upon opinions to gain satisfaction or enjoyment from some activity.

the more ignorant you are, the more you are likely to be swayed by the opinion of others.

Mr. Tennis: I think he acknowledged that only the buyer knows what sound he likes.
Funny, unlike you, the more educated and knowledgeable I have become over the years in any pursuit, whether it is law, cars, hi-fi or whatever, the more I realize how little i really know.
You seem determined to prove that you can assemble a great system without help from a dealer. Nobody is arguing that you can't. But I'm not sure that make anybody that uses a dealer an ignoramus....

Bifwynne,

We can shoot the breeze anytime!

Also, I just want to clarify that the reason I prefer to chit-chat outside of the shop with client friends is because it's a different dynamic - more relaxed and casual. In fact, I took one of my friends (who happens to be a client) to a Mariners game less than two weeks ago. The following week, that same client and I, shared a lunch at an Italian restaurant. It's understandable that clients will have questions because they want to understand the why's and why not's of system matching or system building and just need to talk some things through or bounce ideas off of someone who may have already gone down a path that they are considering.

It's no trouble on my part to act as a sounding board. They understand that my opinion and my experience is but one perspective and they are always encouraged to read up on various subjects if they still seek a further understanding.

I can't speak to what others do but we operate by appt. only in a one-to-one setting so there is never an issue of one client taking priority over another....ever. When you hear me talk about a "big fish" it is always with regard to a Chinook or Coho Salmon. :)

So....don't be a stranger, stranger!

Best,
Burt

Mr. Tennis,

You asked, "do you think you can configure a stereo system that i prefer, as opposed to a stereo system that i configured for myself?"

Yes, of course. Without a doubt - but I can only do so if you explain what it is that you are looking for. Dealers can not read a client's mind.

You need to communicate with your dealer as you do when you contact a manufacturer or take part in Internet blogs/threads.

An analogy could be made between a hifi dealer and interior designer - the client has their own taste or style but a great designer can incorporate that style to design a room (or system) far beyond that which the homeowner could have on their own.

Yes, I admit it - I watch HGTV with the MRS.

And as with designers, that experience or skill carries an associated cost. Personally, I look at it as money well spent. I do not wish to get something for nothing.

So, rather than playing "hit or miss" via mail order - you should put a knowledgable dealer to work for you. Let them expend their energy - make recommendations - bring over hifi (while you supply the beer and pizza). Make it fun - have a good time - share music with one another.

And, if they do right by you, then give them your business and pay them the retail price (which doesn't even make up for all of their time) because it is the right thing to do. It's a win-win for all parties involved.

I am not the national spokesperson for dealers but I am the type of person that understands that others have skills and knowledge that I do not possess and I routinely hire specialists such as interior designers, professional photographers, web designers, etc.

Actually, my website is another perfect example. I communicated exactly what I wanted and it turned out far better than had I done it myself.

Respectfully,
Burt