Would you trust a local dealer to help you put

Why not let somebody invest 10K of your money for you instead?

Whart, and everyone, in my original post, the premise is whether or not to trust a dealer to "help" put together a system for around 10k. Once the dealer does this, then the decision is made whether the sound of the system warrants a purchase. This would require much listening /auditioning. Andrew, my reference sound goes back several years to a McIntosh and Paradigm S8 system I heard, and also to a system I had in the 80's consisting of a Nikko integrated, Dual turntable and ESS AMT 2 speakers. But I realize I need to get out to some dealers and hear some systems.

foster, i misunderstood the premise. then yes, of course, take advantage of what a good dealer can offer you. (and by that, I don't mean tap their knowledge, and then buy on line), a good dealer is, to me, worth the premium if they can offer the kinds of support that i mentioned as well as an array of good two channel equipment. sometimes, the 'premium' is not a premium at all.
mr tennis- yes, of course, independent research is not only important, but fun, it is part of the hobby. however, trial and error can be expensive.
one of the added benefits of using a good dealer is the opportunity (not always, for every piece of equipment) to get a home trial before you buy.
that can save grief, and money.

Here's an example of a good dealer interaction.

When I was looking for a pre-amp, compatibility and good results with my existing phono rig was a consideration. I was interested in the ARC sp16 that I ended up buying, but wanted to make sure the phono section was up to snuff. The problem was the sp16 phono input sensitivity versus the low output level of the Denon DL103R cart, which I did not want to have to change.

So the dealer ( a very small home audio shop in Baltimore area) let me bring my Linn with DL103R in and give it a try. As expected, not enough volume was possible. When I insisted that this was a problem, he offered to let me try and buy a used Electrocompaniet step up device from an associate of his (he was NOT an Electrocompaniet dealer and the unit was not a current model anyhow). So I did the audition again with the Electrocopaniet and bingo, so I bought the ARC and got a good deal with the Electrocompaniet.

I had to know to stand my ground on the input sensitivity issue but once I did the dealer did what he needed to do to make things work and make the sale.

Absolutely. I've used dealers to assemble my system with no regrets. And I'm happy to say that I have developed long-term relationships with them.

But go to more than one. Obtain their input, evaluate their input, then decide if you want to move forward with their input.

Sometimes I follow their advice, sometimes I go in a different direction.