Are Dealer Recommendations Useful or Useless?

Seriously, Peter. Nobody is going to know your system's pros and cons like you do.

I believe any consumer should rightfully be suspect about any dealer's recommendation for a product they carry always has the potential to be subjective since they are in business to sell. Yes, I know there are some good dealers and bad dealers out there.

As a friend had said in a recent post, the best thing one can spend on their system is time. I'm convinced now that there is no substitute for time.

And I think the way you've been buying and/or borrowing power cables and in-line conditioners to demo in your own home is an excellent example to determine for your system, which works best for your system and your own preferences.

-IMO

Hi,

I find that the best dealers are those that run a smaller operation. They tend to carry fewer products but know EVERYTHING about them. They also take the additional time to make sure you are getting what you want. The trade off is that they charge closer to manufacturer's suggested retail price because they don't sell high numbers of products that have huge mark ups. You also feel guilty auditioning products and learning about them and then buying them on sites like audiogon! For this reason I make sure to buy from both!

Isn't the fact that a dealer carries a specific product line a recommendation for that product? Hopefully, they have mixed and matched their electronic lines with their speaker products such that each complements the other. I don't think you should be surprised, nor suspicious.

The best experience I've had at a retailer was when the "consultant" refused to recommend or share his likes and dislikes. Sound is subjective and we all hear differently. What they like and listen to has no bearing on what you like or will listen to (of course, unless you want it to!).

BTW, that was Goodwins Hi-End in Massachusetts.

Quicke, then exactly what was the 'consultant' consulting?

I think I understand the point you are trying to relay.

But the sad part is that nobody is ever going to benefit from consultant's knowledge base and experience.

If the 'consultant' is not sharing his expertise, then he is not deserving of a commission.

Unless, of course, he get's you a nice cup of hot coffee and quickly swaps in and out the different products you are demo'ing.

Of course, the other side of this coin is that I'd rather have the consultant who is trying to earn a commission relay his 'expert' opinion such that it was more of a fragrance rather than an odor.

Imagine that our entire country took on the same philosophy as your 'consultant'. Regardless of subject matter.

First thing we'd have to do is disband the National Education Association and shut down the public school system.

Hey, wait a minute. I think your consultant may be on to something here.

-IMO