Disappointed in SACD player


Well, there I was yesterday. At the chain store who Sony has designated as their retail point of attack for SACD in the Philadelphia, PA region. Tweeter, formerly known as Bryn Mawr Stereo and Video. Formerly, Bryn Mawr Stereo(but we all know what happened there). Since my recent misfortunes with CD players, I was considering a jump to a Sony SACD player. One thing about Sony, their stuff is reliable. I found one player, the 5 disc changer. It was hooked up in a HT setup. Not even prominently. There was also another CD player in this system, along with a DVD-V player. As no salesman came into the room, I didn't pursue. I found no other player in the store. Finally, when we were looking at tv's, someone asked us if we needed help. I asked about SACD, and was told two players were on display. I asked to see the one that I didn't see. I was taken to a wall of DVD players, and sure enough, the ES9000 was there. Not hooked up, sitting there like all of the other DVD players. And in fact, THAT IS HOW THIS STORE IS MARKETING IT. As a DVD player! The guy gave me the big spiel on it, from a DVD perspective. 12 bit scan, instead of 10, etc., etc., etc. All of which is meaningless to me. I am not a HT or DVD guy. I spend my time on two channel audio. The guy left me less interested in the player than when I came in. They could not even find any SACD material in the entire store. Not even a sampler. I came in wanting to be impressed, wanting to leave with the desire to buy an SACD player. Needless to say, I probably won't be buying very soon. Wasn't this supposed to be Sony's summer of all out SACD offensive? Players starting at $350(which still will probably come), creating interest with the general public and lifting the new format to something beyond the niche of the lunatic fringe. As it is now, it is not even as recognizable as DAT, and miles behind MD(which was very prominent in the store). Both of which are monumental flops in the words of Sony.
trelja
While this is off topic, the only time I dealt with Audio One in TO was making an inquiry as to the availibility of a set of Maggie 1.6's. Was bluntly told" I have 2 pairs in stock and thats the price (MSRP)!" I advised him that I would be in town later that week and if they were still available I would like an audition. Told again "don't expect a price reduction as I have told you that is the price". Bough a pair of maggies in the US - would never deal with them for even a foot of wire...
I think they did you a favour.They told you what the price was told you there was no room to move on them.This way you dont waste his time or yours.
I think they did you a favour.They told you what the price was told you there was no room to move on them.This way you dont waste his time or yours.
Nice to see you supporting your local economy.
Leafs - There is always room to move...I've been purchasing new gear since the early 80's and have never payed the sticker price. All this was was a dealer with a captive audience who's attitude was take it or leave it! It was their attitude that negated my dealing with them. A dealer 225 miles south of me located in Montana over the phone indicated there was room to move - not much but he would work with me. My point is that a dealer's attitude goes a long way in determining if he makes any money - maybe I just caught these guys on a bad day...