Dealer Bias: Do They Really Add Value?

Angela - I don't know if it holds up looking at overall demographics, but my impressions of the current bricks-and-mortar stores pretty much mirror yours. With a reasonable level of savvy in this market, paying 90% or more of retail for anything would appear to happen most often due to convenience, not wanting to have to spend the time to really shop. Now, before everyone re-iterates that they have a great dealer who provides so much more, etc., I'll just say that I know that, I believe that, and I think it's great. If that's the way you have built your system and enjoy going about it, it's a great way. It's a lot of fun to go to a high-end shop that has it's act together, that knows you, and that carries great stuff. But it's very clear to me that there are some very successful shops that there is no way I would pay a premium for their advice or services, and that the way they make the majority of their money is people walking in with more money than time and saying, "give me something good (and preferably impressive)". I'm also not being deragotory by saying they have more money than time - everyone reading these posts is clearly willing to invest a lot of time and energy into this hobby, but there's only so much time to go around and there are undoubtedly people who want something nice without all the reading, shopping, etc. I'm that way with cars - I drive a very nice car and appreciate what makes it nice but would never spend the time to get as educated about cars as I am about electronics. I probably paid more than I had to by at least a bit, but it didn't take long, I love driving it, and the time I saved more than offset any extra cost. In any case, the only high-end shop around where I live that is worth developing a relationship with charges 95% of full retail, I know I'm not going to pay that, so I steer clear. They're a Dynaudio dealer and a friend who bought his system there and went to one of their open houses said that they had about four interested buyers for a pair of the Evidence speakers ($85K/pr). Maybe they're all audiophiles who have just reached the point in their pursuit that, through all the guidance they've received from this shop, have decided that this is clearly the next step on their path, but that seems unlikely.

I just think back to the pre internet days when I had to rent a Mercedes and a $1000 suit if I wanted to get in the high-end room. What kind of value is that? The only way they'll get me back is if they pick me up at my house in a Mercedes.

The condescending attitude mentioned by Cyberman is a classic example of the kind of unsophisticated, low life scummy "service" delivered by most audio stores, in my experience. Further to my rant, it also seems that even when they do carry a certain manufacturer, they don't have certain models a) in stock b) on demo or c) "set up properly". And even when they do, they want to take off Miles Davis or Beethoven and play Mannheim Steamroller's Fresh Aire 17. That's why only their customers drive Mercedes. (To be fair, Cornfedboy, your dealer sounds like a rare find, and I hope he is happy and prosperous. But I still bet he doesn't carry Levinson AND Audio Research or Martin Logans AND Magneplanars etc.)

I admit that I have been lucky to find a good dealer and have seen the type of sevice that you talk about many times in other stores. I am curious that if you dont use dealers how do you pick equipment? I am not critisizing at all and think that maybe you know something I dont.

I feel the only way to pick a piece of equipment is hear it in your system. I go to a lot of stores hearing what I want then I try the top couple in my own home. Do you listen to dealers then buy on the net? Do you just buy based on other peoples opinions with out hearing it? If so dont you loose money in the long run by having to sell pieces that you dont like? Or end up with pieces that are inferior to others in the same price range?

I reiterate I am very curious and not attacking anyones methods. If you dont use dealers how do you pick the best piece for your system?

My main complaint about the local dealer's is they are salesmen and not audiophiles. They have NO clue what sounds better or how to make it sound better but they do know what makes them more money, that is why I was told that some $1600/pair B&W speakers sound better then my avalon acoustic's when I was looking for an amp, does that make any sense? It does not to me.
P.S I hope none of you ever have to deal with this dealer because they are boneheads.