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My Experience with Dave from Audio Doctor NJ

First off, let me say that I am a novice when it comes to digital music setups. I started this thread looking for advice on my next purchase:  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/trying-to-decide-on-my-next-purchase/post?postid=1580061#1580...

I am considering buying a NAD 50.2.  I received a very helpful response from Dave at Audio Doctor in NJ.  Helpful, because it offered me what seems to be a better alternative, in my price range, the Innous Zenith.  I did some quick research and was impressed with what I read.  Anyone who can, please chime in on their experience with a  Innous Zenith MKII.

A couple of hours later I received a phone call from Dave.  We discussed many topics such as the pro's and con's of the NAD 50.2 versus the Innous Zenith, and things that I could do to improve my listening experience. He asked me why I chose to use a NAD 12/NAD 22 v2 with a pair of Tannoy 8 dcti speakers because they don't pair well, and he's right.  Some music sounds really awesome, but sometimes the highs are too bright and some transitions are too much "in your face."  

He recommended several speaker brands that would pair better with my setup, such as a pair of Legacy Focus SE offered by another dealer on agon, or Legacy Caliber speakers.  He also recommend tube amps or integrated amps that would pair well with my Tannoy speakers.  We spent about 30 minutes discussing other digital music considerations, leaving me with a lot of useful food for thought, as well as, helping me understand more of the complexities of building a good (enough) digital music system.   I truly appreciated his advice and desire to help me make an informed decision no matter what I purchase.  

Now, I wasn't born yesterday so I was a bit surprised that he recommended I reach out to another dealer regarding the Legacy speakers - even though he sells them.  I also appreciate that he did not try to sell me anything.  A lot of people sell the products/equipment I'm looking for - but caring customer service is hard to find.  I've yet to purchase anything from Audio Doctor, but they will definitely be on my short list when I finally decide.  
128x128oldschool1948
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
I hate spell check... Nordost cables....

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
500 posts
 
the NAD can be made to sound very liquid, analogue like with a few tweaks and the right preamp
I hope I can get there with the M12/M22 v2/8 dcti combo and a few tweaks :-).  My problem is identifying which tweaks to make and in which order. 

I'm in the DC area where there are a number of high-end stereo stores.  I plan to visit a local NAD dealer and do some listening comparisons, get some more advice, and go from there. 

Everyone, thanks for the advice.  I do hope more is forthcoming.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
@oldschool1948.  certainly some great dealers in DC area....

might i also suggest a quick call to Alan Jones at Hi-Fi buys in Buckhead, they do quite a bit with NAD and the  Bluesound OS... might be able to help with system synergy getting most out of NAD..
he carries the big DCS stack, so he knows what superb digital can sound like.

best to you !!!!
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,678 posts
 
Wow!
In this overly negative world we seem to live in I'm really happy to hear a good report about someone! Makes me want to check out their shop,

Thank you! 

JD
richopp
760 posts
 
So nice to read about these dedicated audio professionals.  When I had my store I think we spent more time LEARNING than we did selling.  Back then--early 1970's--manufacturers were bending over backwards to provide education to dealers that was not only "their" product-based.  I found that having a professional audio consultant available provided a better ROI than all the advertising co-op money I got in a year.  Naturally, we wanted to sell what we carried, but there were instances where we sent customers to other dealers for items we simply could not carry.  For example, with over 300 speaker manufacturers around at any one time, and each one offering many different products, it is impossible for ANY dealer to satisfy every customer with every desired product.

We made more sales by taking systems to customer homes, setting them up, and letting the customer find the exact "sound" he/she was looking for than we did with "hard sell" tactics or even by cutting retail prices. 

By the way, back then there was something called "Fair Trade" that was strictly enforced by manufacturers.  You can look it up if you don't know what that was.  I imagine it is still around today, even though it is illegal, but is enforced the same way it was back then.  Screw up and they pull the line from your shop, period, no discussion.  In one case, I heard they went into a competitor's shop, re-possessed their current inventory, and cut them a check on the spot for it.  Interesting times! 
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