A visit to the (Audio) Doctor


Looking at audio equipment can be a painful experience, sort of like looking at new (or used cars) or a trip to the dentist. I spent 4.5 hours at Audio Doctor in New Jersey. It was a great experience. Dave left a meeting early to see me. He knew that I was not looking at his very high end stuff, but he spent the whole day with me. No pressure, changing speakers many times and going back to a couple of them repeatedly. I have it narrowed down to two speakers, Vivid 1.5 or Janszen Valentia with air motion. Leaning toward the Vivids (pending wife approval). The shop is full of lots of incredible audio equipment at all price ranges. Clearly this is a business that is run out of appreciation of sound rather than maximizing profits.I am hesitant to go to small intimate shops like this out of concerns or pressure. This was just the opposite. Highly recommended.
crwindy
Being in retail is tough especially with the yahoo’s on the internet being able to say anything about a business. Take a look at the following retail extortion site for what Upscale Audio deals with. I like the way these guys are not taking it lying down.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/upscale-audio-la-verne

A mechanic friend of mine who owned a shop told me many online extortion stories via reviews. It is always good to have some doubt on everything you read online.
It's a really bad look when someone goes to the trouble to sign up on internet forums just to bash a dealer. Grain of salt.
@fjblair , 
Maybe they felt it their civic duty to report their experience. In this digital age, bad news travels faster than good.-And, perhaps that is better than being unaware.
If I discovered this thread and had the experience that jtrelin had, I would have probably done the same.
B
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I have at times felt that Audio Doctor's participation on other threads is inappropriate when they try to steer those involved in the discussion to gear they sell and then list the associated equipment lines at the end of the posts.  

In this case regarding whether or not to repair gear bought out of the country when they carry that line puts Audio Doctor squarely in the right.  Dave articulated his rationale clearly.

Why didn't jtrelin simply go to Audio Doctor in person and discuss the repair issue since he claims their shop is close to him?  Don't get that at all.  As the one requesting service in a sketchy scenario, a face to face might have yielded results with greater understanding instead of all the angst.