Would you trust a local dealer to help you put

Hi Emerson,

No matter how well intentioned a dealer may be, they cannot tell you what speakers in a given price range will sound best to your ears in your room. You've got to make that choice yourself, based on research and auditioning that is as extensive as possible, and perhaps also by buying used, to minimize financial loss if it doesn't work out.

Since speakers have more of an influence on the character of what is heard than any other component in the system (assuming at least that everything is of reasonable quality, and that no gross incompatibilities are present), that has to come first. And in following the evolution of your system from afar my impression has been that most or all of the components you have been through have been of very good quality, and there have been no significant compatibility issues.

Once the speakers have been purchased, it may then turn out that an amp and preamp that you already have will be suitable matches. If not, it shouldn't be hard to determine suitable choices, based on further auditioning and/or help from a dealer and/or inputs from the membership here.

Hope that helps. Best regards,
-- Al

the answer is no. the dealer's ears and brain is not my ears and brain.

i am an empiricist.

i would rather listen to different components without dealer input.

experience is the best teacher in audio.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. But of course, a dealer can make suggestions/recommendations, but the ears and judgement of the customer is the final arbiter and decision maker on what sounds good or not good. I suppose one simply trusts the dealer to make reasonable recommendations.

Maybe. If I got some good word of mouth feedback from other audio buffs in the area I'd go talk to the local dealer. It would also depend on the vibe I got when walking into the dealer. Most of the time I've seen some of what Elizabeth details. That or the place just wanted a big $20,000+ HT build. If you just wanted to buy a couple of pieces of equipment they really wouldn't want to talk to you.

The best dealer in the world doesn't have your ears,taste or room.
I have been an audiopile for over 40 yrs during which time I've lived in 12 major metros and have yet to find a dealer that knows much about classical music .
Any dealer HAS to sell what he has to stay open, unless
they are spoiled trust fund kids,(common in audio) ,since they aren't worried about money- but for the same reason those types usually are so arrogant they make Dick Cheney seem humble.