2. misc-audio
  3. 129101-1644

Should high-end shops be "OBLIGATED" to advise about component matching for best sound?

Being involved in high end audio for at least 35 years, I always wondered why audio shops don't go out of their way to advise about system matching.  I am sure a few go the extra mile, especially if the customer is looking for an entire system and willing to spend $10,000 to 50,000 ( and that would be lower side of premier systems).

Some of us "may or may" not be in this category, or even the medium of this scale of  $20,000-$25,000  Many of us "philes" may be close to the $10,000-$12,000 mark in expenditure.

I get the impression that too often high end dealers would like to sell you far above what you want to spend. There is nothing wrong with good and reasonable salesmanship to extend a customer's budget.  Often audio stores recommend entire systems in an ala carte fashion.

In addition, what happened to  the "stepped system" displays (with some variation). That may sound  like a mid-fi audio store selling approach, but high end stores could do the same thing displaying systems from $2000, $4000, $6000, $8000, $10,000, $12,000 etc   Each step would  have  speaker cables and ICs best suited for each system.   In my opinion, this "MIGHT" REDUCE the trail and error merry-go-round trial of buying and selling.

Lastly, I realize that a large percentage of customer may be looking for one or two components( separates in this case counting  as ONE COMPONENT).   There is no set way to build a quality audio system, but dealers need to get more involved with customers in making buying choices.  If not, then many shops will disappear over the next decade......  

I know the brickbats will fly over this thread because I sound lie an old fogey ( Well, I am an old fogey! ) However, should make for a spirited discussion!!      Thanks, SJ     

 

sunnyjim
jamnesta
155 posts
 
Much overthinking going on here, system matching is to be expected and central to what any serious audio store has to offer.
68pete
1,003 posts
 
I would think a good store would. The better the sound the better they look.Good stores have support, thats how they keep you.
honeybee2012
112 posts
 
Yes.  That is why we have high end.  I pay for service and advice. If I don't get it then they are not high end and i won't be back
bigkidz
3,392 posts
 
Like previously stated, dealers only carry specific brands that they deem good for their customer base and market.  They don't carry off brands to often as they want a brand that will last a long time, has money to develop new products, and they can get parts for down the road.  I would think that most set-up systems that they feel sound good.  I have seen my local dealer set-up systems for various price points with very good results (Audio Connection in Verona, NJ comes to mind).  Are they obligated, should they, who knows.  There are audio people that I meet that will only buy new from a dealer, not sure how many of those types are still around, but I come across them a lot.  Happy Listening.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To aka--ca.  I could have used the word "mandated" instead of obligated, but saw that as too strong and confining word   However, to just summarily "brush off" this thread because you offer some convoluted legalese  explanation that pleases you, is not very friendly or collegial   Member  "Willie wonka", at least considered what I said and offered reasonable criticism that other members also made; and, some members actually agreed with me. If what I proposed or put on the table for consideration is not worthy of some thought by you, well bully for you and you should move on and out of the discussion

Unfortunately, over the last few years,cynicism /or animosity toward threads that go off the specific or technical, and ask a general industry questions,or raise issues about the changes in the high end audio scene. I think there are some dealers who just want to sell you anything because they got to pay to turn the lights on every day. 

I once walked into an high end shop in Honolulu, gererally inquired about a pair of the YG "Carmel" speakers when they first hit the market at $18,000.  The owner turned them on for me, and they sounded very very good, but not "$18,000 good" what ever that is, or supposed to be. However, he never ask me what my electronics were at the time( which were in $1500-$2000 range.)

Nevertheless, I had  the feeling that the dealer thought  that if I listened  long enough , I would tell him to wrap them up and deliver them.  It was like ( comically) believing that I would catch the "buying flu" just by my proximity  to the product and the time spent in the showroom. The dealer was a nice guy, but in my opinion was a poor salesmen  Having been a audio salesman for 15 years or so in 1980's, I always felt it was better to ask  what the customer wanted to spend and keep him in that ballpark. Sometimes, I was criticized by others for not trying to step up the customer to the next system level. Nevertheless, I sold a lot of  hi-fi. 

Lastly, I think it is worth it to occasionally stop a minute and look at the macrocosm of the high-end market and business .Our precious hobby, obsession, or neurosis is driven by technology and profit. This does not mean we have to be dragged along with what is "trending" or topical.  

 Thanks to all who have responded so far.   S.J.

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