Yeah, John's so different from the guy I was dealing with in Summit.
The main difference - John wants to educate, inform and help someone without knowledge so they can make their own decision that is best for them. The guys in Summit, I feel, took advantage of my ignorance (and good nature), by "giving advice" that was, ultimately, in their own best interest. In the end I felt like Flipper in Animal House. I fucked up - I listened to them.
John
1.) Got me in UNDER budget
2.) Loaned me used Vandy-2s
3.) Travelled 1/2 hour each way to my house to properly set up the loaners, after I didn't do it correctly (no tilt) and had lousy sound.
4.) Loaned me some type-4 bi-wires to compare to my Kimber 8PR wires
5.) Didn't push me towards double bi-wire instead of the single when I ordered it. I later changed to true doubles on my own volition. He had no complaint about the post-order change, but said, and I quote "I'm thrilled you're doing this, it will make a big difference, but I didn't want to push you to spend the extra money."
6.) Has followed up by phone a couple of times to make sure all is good
Is he doing all of this knowing a satisfied customer may buy more in the future? To some extent I would have to think so. But I believe he really is a nice guy, and wouldn't take advantage of anyone.