Convincing your local dealer to let you try speakers at home


So, I had a great experience listening to some Devore 0/96 speakers yesterday. The challenge for me is that the room I heard them in is wildly different than any other room I’d ever listen in. (I’ll share a photo, below.) I really have no idea if spending $13k plus on these speakers would work out. I’d need to try them at home.

For all I know, these dealers might be ok with me trying some speakers at home. I don’t know and am not yet ready to ask.

But I’m curious whether folks here have any stories to tell about the reactions they’ve gotten when they’ve asked to try speakers at their home. If you have a story, especially if it’s a more expensive speaker, I’d love to hear your story. How did you convince them? If they turned you down, what was the reason? Did you agree?

 

128x128hilde45

Many audio stores allow in home auditions of their demo gear, both used and new. While it may be only extended to existing customers with an established relationship, some allow it for any serious buyer with a credit card used for security. Many such stores are closed on Sun & Mon so they prefer to do loans on Sat and have you return or purchase on Tue giving you a couple of days for evaluation. That way they're not without their demo gear for too long in case you don't purchase it. The only way to know if they have such a program is to ask them, or ask some of their regular customers since they would know. The stores will either allow it or not as a policy, it's not something that you'll have to convince them to do.

I never had that problem. Pick them up when the dealer is closing and return them when the dealer opens up for business the next day . If the dealer is closed on Sunday it is even better!

Same here, never had any problems with dealers to audition gear at my home. As a courtesy, I let them know upfront that I don’t buy anything unless I’ve had the opportunity to audition the gear in my system. This way you are not wasting each other’s time and resources. Most dealers would come to your house and properly setup the speakers. As long as you both have an understanding on the terms of the audition, you’re good to go.

Unless your own place resembles an open warehouse, that place doesn't look like an ideal place to hear speakers.

Simply ask them and if they refuse, find a dealer who will. Your willingness to spend that amount of money qualifies you.