2. amps-preamps
  3. 166397-34411

Bring my own preamp to an amp demo?

I'm going tomorrow to demo a Bryston 4B3. I have a PrimaLuna Evo 300 preamp and Harbeth 30.2 XD speakers. The dealer suggested that I use a similarly priced preamp that he sells, but if I want to hear the amp with my specific preamp and the speakers I own (which he sells, and I bought from him) I need to drop it off when he opens and come back later because he has other appointments booked and needs time to connect my PL preamp, and maybe (I'm guessing) get it warmed up. I'm also going to listen to a BAT VK-56SE, and he suggested I keep an open mind and listen to an Einstein Integrated amp and thinking about selling my PL Evo 300 preamp. He wants me to have an open mind, and said he has a lot of customers that like and bought the Einstein with Harbeths. He also has an Audio Note amp demo for me to listen to as well. He's not a fan of PL, but is happy to work with me.
Bring my preamp or not?
128x128ctwith3
vinylzone
288 posts
 
They offered to lend me a preamp for a weekend when I picked up the Maggies I purchased there. I haven't taken them it yet as I wanted to wait for the Maggie's to break in.  I'll be talking to John soon about preamps.
ctwith3's avatar
ctwith3 OP
71 posts
 
I can't do a weekend loan, my traveling situation demands a week. I see he has a 30 day return policy.
vinylzone
288 posts
 
It never hurts to ask.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
Everything I've heard about John at Audio Connection makes me believe that if I lived in the area (I used to) I'd want to start a relationship with that store. Not only for this purchase, but for future purchases and for his advice and support of the gear. I have bought locally and I'm not crazy about my local store; they don't get back to me, they seem to have other fish to fry (bigger clients). They don't understand that this is a longer term relationship. 
ctwith3's avatar
ctwith3 OP
71 posts
 
I heard from the dealer I was going to in NYC. He doesn’t offer demos. Purchase, 30 days, store credit. I’m calling Audio Connection in an hour. My only concern with Audio Connection is that he will take a Bryston return within 30 days. I’ll find out soon enough. I wish there was a Pass Labs dealer somewhere near, I’d love to hear/try a X250.8 amp. I'd have to order from Overture AV in DE and take my wife away for the weekend if I had to return it. They do have nice gardens in Wilmington, so she might like that. Seriously, I just want a great amp I never feel the need to return.
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