Borrowing equipment from dealers

Getting discounts from local dealers is a simple matter.  In my experience, it only takes 4 words, "How much for cash?".

I never expect local dealers to match internet prices.  Dealers add value, and cultivating a good relationship with dealers is worth more than the couple of bucks I might save.

Exceptions of course for products not carried locally.

Some like dedicated audio in AZ will let you audition but if you send back it may cost you 15-20% on say $5k. Plus shipping 
that’s a big piece of change. I don’t know of Any that let you audition with no deduction of Monies , except Mojo Audio for their very good digital 60 days,, and Svs Subwoofers- speakers , full $$refund 
With Svs subwoofers, speakers 45 day audition ,they will even pay the freight back !!

The first time you walk into a store, even if you are ready to buy then and there, no dealer will send you home with anything valuable unless it is paid for on a trial basis.

As the others have said, build a relationship over many years and then
you might be allowed. 

Bottomline is the system is "Broken" when it comes to auditions.

I hope to implement some changes.

Another Tannoy Forever Nut.

At the same time you can build a relationship with audio enthusiasts instead of a dealers, and you can audition stuff at their homes. 

By being a loyal customer, I not only have been able to audition gear in my home, I have gotten free minor repairs, including free parts, from a local dealership. 

The relationship is mutual--I once lent my amplifier to the dealer who wanted to use it in an audio show.  The dealer builds, or has a special builder in Italy build, amps, preamps, linestages, and DACs.  This particular amp was built in Italy to be a replica of a Western Electric 133 amp (including vintage parts).  A visitor to the show came in, looked at the amp and asked how much it cost; the dealer quoted a price, sort of off the top of his head, of $22k.  The visitor looked a bit surprised and replied something like "really? I'm looking at twenty thousand in parts." (prices were based on original acquisition cost of parts, not the current value).