There is a guy named Don who runs a shop called the Listening Room in Pikesville, MD outside of Baltimore. If Don carries what I'm looking for, I'll unhesitating buy it from him. The odd thing is that I often do better because of it price-wise--he's given me discounts off retail for no particular reason and has several times found me factory demo or refurb equipment with full warranty for far less than I'd pay for 2nd hand on A'gon. He is very friendly--but not overbearing--and he'll let you just listen.
He also doesn't do the things that I hate about other dealers I've run across:
- I buy a fair amount of high end audio gear, but I don't tend to look like someone who has the $ to do that--shaving on w/es never appealed to me and I'm far more comfy in ripped up jeans, beat up sneakers and tee shirts than anything else. Most audio dealers tend to ignore me, but Don always has the time.
- Don's shop is a long ride from where I live, but Don is happy to work with me over the phone. Most dealers figure the phone call is just a troll.
- If I arrange to show up and he happens to be in the midst of something else, he seems to make a point of acknowledging me and not just leave me feeling like I'm chopped liver.
- Don doesn't slag other gear just because he doesn't carry it. That seems to be endemic among other audio dealers. I can always count on him for a fair opinion.
So, there are good dealers out there. Maybe Don's style is just a good match for me. Either way, if you happen to be in Pikesville, I'd recommend a visit.
