Would you trust a local dealer to help you put

i guess i am a somewhat different kind of audiophile. i only like panel speakers and have not found a solid state amp that i have enjoyed listening to.

thus i will select tubed amps and preamps, panel speakers and probably a tubed digital source.

since i pretty much know what i want, a dealer is somewhat unnecessary.

and yes, when it comes to integrating all the components of a stereo system and the room and the ac, a manufacturer may not have the last word.

but a dealer doesn't know about the customer's ac or his room "problems.

point is as, i have said, the more a consumer is unsure of his preferences, the more a dealer adds value. the more a customer has a very good idea of what he wants, the more the customer is self sufficient.

i tend towards components that are not in production, so a dealer could not sell them to me.

live and let live. there is room enough for the direct approach and a dealer network.

let the buyer decide if a dealer adds value or not.

there is however, a certain appeal and fun factor in trying out components bought from manufacturers who provide a home audition period.

part of the fun in this hobby is the quest--trying components until one has had enough.

i think a dealer will have limits as to how many components
he or she will let a consumer audition.

Wow Mr t, you really want to make that statement above? You make yourself sound like a narrow minded no it all. I apologize if you've had a stroke or some such.

hi tmsorosk:

all i said is what my preferences are and that since a dealer sells components in production, i would have to buy them used.

obviously you are entitled to your opinion, as i am mine.

i did not discuss my knowledge of anything.

I was getting lackluster performance from LP playback, so I went to my closest dealer for the first time in years (I have been buying used). They tried to sell me a cartridge that was much more expensive than I thought made sense for my system.

I went to a another local dealer. I was thinking a new cartridge or turntable was needed but after relating what gear I had and my reaction to it he suggested first trying a modestly priced phono stage. He set it up in a system similar to mine to audition it and the results where so good I bought it.

This has made LPs much more fun to listen to and I feel like I spent less money, wasted less time, and got better results than I would have on my own. I will go back to this dealer for future upgrades.

There are several dealers in the area who have a good reputation for giving good advice, not just pushing the highest margin equipment.

On the other hand there are some great deals on used gear that are no longer components of the month and some interesting brands are not sold in my area or are only sold direct.

After some time went by, I finally went by a dealer in my area today. For the first time since my first year in audio years ago, I actually talked to another living soul who is an audiophile and interested in this stuff.. First such conversation I've had in person after years of emailing other philes. Although this fellow is the owner, I remember him from the past as always being an amiable, pleasant fellow who loves to talk audio. It was good to see this dealership still owned by the same gentleman and still in business. And what surprised me, is that he owns a pair of the same speakers that I do! So I got some advice and encouragement. It was a good experience that has motivated me to hang in there with my current setup. So glad I had a talk with him. By the way, the parking lot and the dealership was empty, other than one salesman and the owner. I thought the place was closed except I saw an "Open" sign on the door. I guess Monday evenings in August are slow, or perhaps this exemplifies the state of audio. This dealer sells home theater too and I'm sure that's what keeps his doors open.