Who is the WORST Audio Shop?

I’ve had similar unpleasant experiences with audio dealers who did their best to figure out what I was willing or able to spend. They assumed I was looking for a Best Buy store to buy a low budget stereo system.  Unless they know you they seem to do their best to chase you out of the store.

I dropped in on a dealer in OC, Ca to discuss a new system. He was really put out by my failure to schedule an appointment with him. He eventually allowed me to listen to a system he had ready to go but made sure I knew he was doing me a big favor.

Another dealer – a famous OC audio shop -  flatly refused to let me listen to his Magico S3 speakers because he was too busy to turn the system on. This was at a LA/OC Audio Society sponsored open house – usually the perfect time and place for auditioning new gear.

I now have a great dealer who understands audio equipment and customer service. It’s like finding a good doctor – you have to kiss some frogs.

All,

Chasing the "Grail" since 1972. I have had Good, Bad, Ugly experiences and all the Shades of Grey in between with dealers.

2016 was a good year! Both in-person and through FedEx / UPS route.

Jan 2016- Elusive Disk; Bought an Audiodesk. It leaked and dripped all the fluid onto my hardwood floor in the 1st 24hrs. In (9) days it was replaced by the factory with the new Pro Model.and I have been satisfied.

Jan 2016- Ordered a Spectral 30SV from Goodwins Highend ; Rec'd it finally on June 30th. I was very happy for (7) days even placed my order for a pair of DMA400s. Then the 30SV decided that it did not want to play well with others ( my Manley Steelhead & Pass Xono phonostages ) Went through a 1 1/2 month of Hell !!!! Short story of it; Alan Goodwin lost a $44,000 sale. And Spectral lost a 20yr Spectral owner.
But Alan Goodwin was a standup dealer through all of this.  

April 2016- Had my '88 vintage LP12 completely tuned by a master of the Linn  by Tom at "Ovature Audio" in Ann Arbor, MI.

April 2016- Bought a Kuzma Sta S  from Brian / Essence Audio at Axpona; Great deal, Great Service, Great setup.

May/June 2016- Bought MIT Oracle ICs , Oracle Speaker Cables from Scott Markle in AZ. And Oracle power cords from Joe Abrams. Both excellent service.

July/Aug 2016- Time spent  trying everything Alan Goodwin could think of to get the 30SV to play well with others;including an expedited trip 
to the factory. No Luck! Ugh!!

Sept 2016- Mark at Reno HiFi sent me a pair of Pass XA160.8s to audition for (2)weeks; then I asked for another (2)weeks. Gave me a Great deal and they are my current amps. 

Oct/Nov- Bought NOS Telefunkens from Brent Jesse for the Steelhead. Others have posted unfavorable reviews of him. but I took a chance. NO Complaints from me. Fast service (he is local to Chicago), well packed, The "Magic" of tubes that I was looking for, and QUIET!

Some records while at Axpona, also (6) stillpoints for my Avalons and (2) copies of Santana Abraxas UD1S 001 -- "It is Spectacular"

Lyra Kleos from "Needle Doctor"
Dynavector XX2 MKII from Brian at "Essence Audio"

Diffusors from Music Direct and GIK Acoustics.

NO Problem with anybody mentioned. The couple of problems that did happen; were taken care of professionally.

Best Wishes to All on this Journey.
It is what You make of it.