Discounts vs. Agon listings

Jaybo: Again, sage advice. Well worth contemplation.

Lloydc: Your warnings are heeded; they are what I worry about.

Tiger: That's something I hadn't considered. I was surprised that initial setup performance bested any savings on new retail. Is setup something that can't be done by the layman, no matter how well read, patient or handy?

Most all my gear comes from Audiogon, except turntables. I have bought used tables on the internet, but only less expensive ones in secondary systems. Unless you know how and have the means to set one up, a dealer in this case is worth the extra.

Hello Calbrs03-

Most the equipment in my systems has been put together by buying used equipment on Audiogon (speakers, amps, preamp, transport, DAC, and wiring harness) – my equipment rack (Rix Rax) and speaker stands (Sound Anchor) are custom pieces, so they were purchased new. My turntable, I bought as a demo unit from a local dealer. The dealer gave me a discount on a cartridge, and accessories (RRL fluids, #9 stylus cleaner, zero dust, zero stat, anti-static brush). The dealer came to my house and performed the initial setup, and then returned a year later keep it check the adjustments. It has been about a year since the last adjustment, and he is planning to return in the next couple of weeks to check the setup again. This has saved me from having to invest time (I know I would never invest the time required to accumulate the dept of experience of my dealer) and saved me from having to invest money (for a high-quality tracking force gauge, protractor and level). But just as importantly, the dealer has been a tremendous resource in selecting vinyl for my collection, as he provided me with a list of recommended records by musical style, label, and edition - and the ability to drop by and listen to the items on the list (sometimes comparing the mono and stereo releases). So in retrospect, I’m very pleased with the turntable and service my from local dealer. I hope this helps to inform you in your decision making process and good luck! -Don

Thanks Don and others who subscribe to the dealer demo route--it sounds like a really smart alternative. I have doubts, however, about any dealer in my area agreeing to drive 40 miles into the sticks to set up a demo table for me. It doesn't hurt to ask I suppose, but I have doubts. I've read an encyclopedia's worth of information concerning the set up of turntables. To be frank, it doesn't appear that difficult, but after reading the posts to this thread, I obviously must be missing something major.

I've too many cds to replace digital. Many sound fantastic. Many, far too many, sound not so good. Dollars to doughnuts it's the same with analogue. (I remember somewhere in my past taping pennies to a tonearm to keep it from skating.) All the same, I'd like the opportunity to compare. The offer extended to me seemed an excellent way to get that opportunity, albeit on my own with the requisite fiddling and the subsequent headaches. Now I'm wondering if I was short-sighted and greedy, which is probably the right thing to wonder.

The Fremer DVD for $30 is a dandy way to learn, and there's details specific to VPI arms on it. You don't necessarily need some of the nice gizmos shown on it, the VPI comes with an alignment jig and a Shure force gauge to set tracking force> I'd say go for the discounted deal on the new table and pop another $30 for the setup DVD.

You were honest and expected nothing in return. You deserve the discount, and the relationship will buy you some Q&A time on the phone if you need it. Go for the ride. You should have one of those boxes sitting on your floor that you don't have to give back!

It's o.k. to want to play with analog just to learn and enjoy another medium. I think that's what many frequenting this forum did as well.

Good luck,
RFG