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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
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! 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I will have to chime in here on the side of Dave who also spent a fair bit of time on the phone with me going over my system, my expectations and my options.
Yes of course you can assume they would desire to sell something to me at the end of the day but there was NO sales push at all.

In fact I do owe him a return call for something else he was investigating but have been under the weather of late.
I can say he did seem to be very knowledgeable in the areas of my concerns and I would have no hesitation dealing with him at all including purchasing equipment at this stage.
ron17
607 posts
 
I had an Aurender N100h for several years and just upgraded to an Innuos Zenith mk2 SE a few months ago.  It was a major upgrade in every way especially ease of use.  Ripping CD's with the Aurender was difficult and time consuming but with the Zenith it's so quick and easy.  Also Innous gives you the option of using Roon (which I do and love) and Aurender does not.  Very happy with the Zenith. 
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
503 posts
 
ron17, thanks for the input.  The SE is out my budget, but the MKII is well within range.  
ron17
607 posts
 
The Zenith mk 3's will be released this month so you might find a mk 2 demo for a good price.  Good luck with whatever you choose.
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