Gotta say, I know this is a 14 year old thread but since Gary died not all that long ago, I wanted to leave a positive in his memory. I lived in Lake Oswego for a decade, went into his shop regularly, bought minor stuff (too many kids to really buy what I wanted) and was treated like a valued customer by he and his lovely wife - time, attitude and attention - every visit. Gary was wheel chair bound much of his life, held the world's record in multiple distances and I believe invented the current style of racing wheelchair. His hi-end shop that was beautiful in appearance and sound. RIP Gary. |
hey Carl, I know you are somewhere South East, How far? Anywhere near N.C.? |
Mr. Muse. I add my two cents on Gary at Audio Gallery in Lake Oswego. After a bad experience with Gary and his stuck up, A-Train, "I'm better than you" pencil-boy attitude, I decided to stop buying new equipment from retail dealers. I'll Burn in Hell or Listen to Lawrence Welk on the black and white before before spending my hard earned big boy dollas on some low-down rat-faced rat-brained second-city, uppity, contemptible little wiener dog of a man like that I even avoid brands that his store sells because I don't want him as a repair service liason. I never mentioned it because it's his business, and everyone is entitled to a bad day. But over time, I have heard unsolicited, serious complaints from two other people in the Portland Oregon audio community. And now I see he messed with Garfish! I'm really mad! Gary should leave the audio business and take a job where people aren't victimized by the presence of his personality. * By the way, I'm just kidding about LW - He's a good guy. |
And paying 3 times the price, to boot. My CD50 is NOT a "so so" player, and I dare you to bring this Accuphase by my system anytime for a real shootout. Perhaps the 55 is not as good as the 50...I won't allow cigar smoking in my home, though, but I'm sure you'll forget all about stink weed once you hear the system. |
Just bought a CD55 off Audiogon, decent player, nothing really special, I expect a cd player selling for $3000 to sound great, personally I'm selling this so-so for an Accuphase, now thats digital at its best. |
Hi Kevin; First of all, I have a lot of respect for you and your company's products, and you recently provided me valuable info. on the difference between digital up & over sampling (you've probably read my thread). As you are concerned about negative posts about The Audio Gallery in Lake Oswego (Portland. OR.), and I made one of them, I'll explain: Several years ago when I was in the market for a good DAC, I called the Audio Gallery and talked to both Gary and Cindy-- on the surface both are very nice people. But I live 5-6 hours from Portland, and have little use for in-store demo's anyway, so I asked Gary if he would send me a Muse Model Two for an in-home audition for a week or so. He was absolutely adament, (and even irritated that I had the "audacity" to make such a request) that I listen to the DAC IN HIS LISTENING ROOM (STORE), WITH HIS SYSTEM. Our 'phone call ended on "less than friendly terms". Well, in my opinion, listening to a component under any conditions other than in your own system, and in your own room is meaningless and a big waste of time (except maybe for speakers). So, I called Muse again (I think) and got the 'phone number of ACI in Wisconsin. They were helpful, courteous, and more than willing to send me a Model Two for a TWO WEEK in home audition. I purchased the Model Two after a few days and never regretted it. They were happy and I was happy. As to Gary, his arrogant, superior sounding attitude really left me cold, and I've never had any desire to actually meet the guy. Regards. Craig. |
I realize that we are getting somewhat of the subject heading of this thread, I am certain that either Jeff or Mike won't mind too much if I add the following comment. Regardless of where you stand on the DVD-A vs. SACD front (a needless distinction in my opinion) I would not expect to see either (DVD-A or SACD) displace CDs in any significant quantity anytime soon. With the end of the Red Book royalty, CDs continue to be one of the lowest cost data carriers to manufacturer. DVD is as most know a highly successful format (most market studies show that it is anywhere from 10 - 15 times more successful than CDs launch was at the same point in it release life). To most insiders DVD players will likely displace CD players over time. This is already happening in the computer market another of the larger market segments. To the average consumer this is a no brainer, it (a DVD player) plays all their CDs, it plays DVDs and it costs no more than the average CD player, certainly less than a VCR and CD player purchased separately. What are becoming obsolete are CD players not CDs (this is not meant to take away anything from the CD55, which is a great product in every way). Most peoples (typical consumers not audiophiles) investment is heavily biased towards their software. They may own 250 or more $15 CDs and a player or two that cost less than $500 each. DVD players shouldn’t be thought of as revolutionary; rather they are the result of evolution. Kevin Halverson |
Kevin, it is wonderful to see a manufacturer, particularly a head man, out here mixing it up. Some people have the idea that designers are entombed within vaults, separated from the rest of the world. In my experience, many, many of these guys ARE out in the field, putting some wear into their shoes. Really glad to see you are one of them! Have a lot of respect for your company. While I have yet to buy anything(I'm a tube man), I've studied your products a good deal. In my particular focus is your digital equipment, very highly regarded. I've yet to jump in as I(like a lot of us), are waiting for the SACD/DVD-A format war to be waged. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say DVD-A would prevail. In the meantime, I've foolishly resisted upgrading my CD player over the past 3 years because I was overly optimistic in my assessment of when the new stuff would be here, and how it would shake out. Again, great to see you here. |
While I am not surprised that someone might want to compare the CD55 and the Model Nine Signature, I am somewhat (make that very) concerned by the comments about The Audio Gallery. Can anyone relate their negative experience with this dealer. I have always found Gary and Cindy to be very easy to deal with from my perspective (being a manufacturer). While this is very different from being an end user I am still surprised about these comments. |
Anyone else? (Experience with Muse 9S & Resolution CD55). Sorry you guys had problems with Gary, but, thanks for the warning. |
I also had negative experience with Gary at Audio Gallery, and ended up purchasing my Muse Model Two DAC-- with two week audition-- from a very helpful store in Wisconsin. |
Gary at the Audio Gallery in Lake Oswego, OR is a complete loser. If his was the only store in the world that carried the be all, end all in hi fi equipment, I would prefer to listen to the music on the AM section of my car radio than to ever deal with him again. He has no class and the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Terrible attitude. Trust me on this one... I am being extremely conservative in my description. |
Gary at the Audio Gallery in Lake Oswego, OR is a complete loser. If his was the only store in the world that carried the be all, end all in hi fi equipment, I would prefer to listen to the music on the AM section of my car radio than to ever deal with him again. He has no class and the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Terrible attitude. Trust me on this one... I am being extremely conservative in my description. |
May want to try Gary at The Audio Gallery in Lake Oswego, Or. (503) 699-8888. I know he has handled Muse and possibly Resolution as well. Let me know the results if you do. |
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I am resolution audio dealer in NY, where are you located? |
I have one. It is detailed without being harsh. Wonderful player. Mine is still breaking in. I don't think it quite has that beautiful mid bass fleshy tonality of the CD 50 yet but it is getting there. I'm a believer |
