Convincing your local dealer to let you try speakers at home

+1 laryi

If it’s getting up there in price, I would think there would need to be an understanding that you would be purchasing something from the brick and mortar at the end of your trial. I mean, a pair of used bookshelf speakers? No problem. I’ve had a decent pair from our local place (really nice guy with a full retail and repair shop etc.) to try out, liked them and bought them. Then he let me try a used subwoofer for several weeks, but instead I wanted something different - he helped find me a nice used Rel even when I was willing to pay new). Saved me SO much money and I love this sub). But this is a major investment. Both sides of this transaction is kinda crucial.

If you’ve built a relationship, shouldn’t be an issue. But if you’ve never purchased from them - and/or a MAJOR purchase - there’s a bit of honor and due diligence to consider. I bet if you have a good in person sit down talk (rare these days) he’d be willing to set something up for you. But maybe go in expecting a down payment or good faith deposit toward something that will work for your space. Chances are, he’d let you try more than the DeVore’s? Although, you’ll probably love them from what I’ve heard about them.

Also, bring some pics of your room/listening area/equipment/setup. Maybe they’ll have some great suggestions on pairing if you’re open to options.

Best wishes, hope you end up with some holiday time DeVores!

@hilde45 as a midway option to explore before taking next steps, would the dealer permit you to listen to their O/96 speakers at their location with your source, your preamp, your cables? 

I personally wouldn't want to feel obligated to purchase speakers if I brought them home to try.  I also would want to risk damaging while in transit and then having to purchase them.

Try this for grins. Go to Devore Fidelity’s website and scroll through each authorized dealer, hitting the hyperlink to view each dealer’s site and lines. With some exceptions you will see that the vast majority carry what I call the small niche brands such as Well Tempered, Shindo, Leben, Sugden, et al. If audio dealers were movie theaters, they would be the small art houses rather than AMC Loews. These dealers are doing what they do for the love of the pursuit or they would not be selling such niche brands. By and large the owners of these shops will do whatever they can to please the customer but just don’t have the resources to cover the potential loss of income if a product is not available for audition because is out on loan and the inevitable wear and tear to the exterior finish of a delicate loudspeaker from being carted in and out of the store. I am not in the industry but having visited my Devore dealer selling out of his home as a pursuit of love supplementing his day job, this is my impression.