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Trouble Auditioning Hi-fi Components?

I am currently planning to upgrade my stereo system. One of the specialist hi-fi dealers in my area is apparently so busy with Home Theater and other clients that they do not have time to spend with me. I cannot get an appointment after a month of trying. After all, I am only looking at spending a few thousand dollars on components. They can make much more money selling complete, custom installed Home Theater systems for $100,000+ and put them into zillion dollar houses. Unfortunately this dealer is the only one for several hundred miles that carries several brands that I plan to audition. I think it may be easier in the very large markets such as New York and Los Angeles. Has anyone else had trouble auditioning components in their local area due to the increasing demands of the custom installed and Home Theater markets? Do you feel like a second rate customer at you local shop when you want to buy ONLY audio components and don't care that much about your TV, video and don't want megabuck custom installation?
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hindemith
21 posts
 
It is the relationship with a dealer that counts.
Even if you do get the audition, you are not likely
to be happy with the relationship.

Have you ever considered treating yourself to an audio
weekend. Spend $99 on a round trip ticket to a hub
city and visit a few good 2-channel shops. I make one
day round trips to Washington-DC all the time and two
day trips all over the country. Just a thought
rosstaman
455 posts
 
I live near Yosemite Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Most folks here consider Radio Shack and Walmart their source for audio gear. For me to audition equipment entails traveling to the San Francisco Bay Area (3 hours), San Jose (4 hours), or Los Angeles (7 hours). Then spending hours in traffic getting from one place to another. Lucky for me there's Audiogon, as well as other audio sites on the internet to research equipment, ask questions, learn, buy-sell-upgrade, etc. So far, I haven't made too many mistakes and I love the sound of my system.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Play their game; make an appointment under the ruse of auditioning a theater rig. Use a pseudoname if necessary. Once you're there, humor them a bit in the theater room, then moving on to what you really wanted a bit later.
Even if you don't buy from them, I wouldn't feel a bit guilty for using their shop & buying here or wherever. Serves them right for the way you're being treated.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
In Kansas City area, there are only three high-end places worth considering. And two of them are an absolute joke when it comes to customer service and wouldn't give 'em another dime. The third one is quite good with customer service and wouldn't hesitate to give him top dollar for a product because he takes his store very seriously.

But that's what audiogon is for. By it used at a good price and demo it in your home. If you're not happy with it, you should be able to sell it for about what you paid for.

Save your extra money for when you purchase from somebody who really cares or at least pretends to care.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
If you need to spend bucks for the road to audition, the best probably idea is to
a) either buy products from dealers that guarantee a return within 'n' days minimum 15
b) or ask for advices here and buy used products online and re-sell whatever you feel doesn't match.
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