Convincing your local dealer to let you try speakers at home

Think you know what you need to do. Before asking, might be worth buying something from the dealer that you were going to buy anyway, to establish the relationship (not necessarily a big ticket item). Dealers I've previously bought from are happy to let me borrow gear, no deposit needed, because they trust me and know I'm serious. That said, speakers, especially in-demand Devore speakers, are a big ask (especially with that delicate finish).

Audio Advice and Crutchfield have great return policies if you're looking to try out what brands they rep. and return in the window of their respective return policies. A local shop may have extra demo models to loan but you'll be limited to what they have and not necessarily what you want to borrow.  Never hurts to ask. 

I have mixed feelings, since I can only afford to buy smaller things from the local hifi dealer. Why would I take home speakers if I know I wouldn't buy it from him? It feels dishonest. If you do want to buy it, it's in his best interest to let you try it. All I would say is "I'd love if it worked with my system, in my room, but there is no way to tell without trying" 

If you've never bought from a local audio-stereo dealer before, and they are just getting to know you, developing a trust relationship can take time, maybe years.  

"Try" is the word they'll run from on brand new higher $ furniture grade speakers.  

"Buy" with a discussion around Return Policy may be a more acceptable approach.

And, if you do return them, be prepared to buy something else if you plan to come back to the store again. As a dealer I'd have some reservation letting people try stuff. Not until they become proven customers who buy from the store over time.    At least a discussion around the dealer coming over and setting them up for/with you may open the door in a more mindful way.  

I think one of the most advantageous resources you can have as one pursues high end audio is a close relationship with a dealer or two.

You find them by visiting them and talking with the owner (usually, not the young kid he hired to deal with newbies). Personally, I am really honest and say the stage I am in and that I am interested in finding a dealer or two to get to know. In your case just explain what you heard. Let them take it from there. If he goes for the sale then leave… if he wants to talk and really help you… you found your guy. You guys will click or not.

Many high end shops were started by audiophiles that couldn’t stop. The are vastly knowledgable and can teach you. They should be happy to spend time with you. There are many ways to achieve similar sound… so often it is better to have your pieces well chosen and synergistic than to save 15% on line. If your just starting out the choice might be one dealer has NAD and one has Rotel… you could easily end up very happy with either. If your further down the road Rowland, or Mark Levenson, or Boulder could bring you to nirvana, etc.

Anyway, I have had relationships with three or four different dealers for over 20 years each. These relationships have been extremely rewarding and beneficial to both of us. A dealer can trade in equipment and give you an excessive trade in value, notify you when he has a demo for sale that you really wanted but couldn’t afford.

Now that I have long lasting relationships my dealer, he comes to visit me. He’ll bring a piece by he thinks I should listen to. He will leave stuff for months if I am enjoying it.  He respects my opinion as well. Ok, I would not expect this… but over time you just don’t know where it can go.