How many dealers do you use?

I generally have a dealer that I know well and knows me. Typically the relationship lasts for twenty years or more. The alignment first comes from the brands he/she carries, as this shows a common sensibility. I occasionally buy some things on line or from another dealer as he is not able to carry every brand. For instance the Transparent dealer was already in place. His insights and exposure to products is greater than mine. He is constantly learning, goes to audio shows at least once a year, advanced training classes (e.g., Linn master class). This does not mean I am not learning constantly, I am… but he does this 50 hours a week. He Is exposed to dozens of high end systems that he has installed in vastly different acoustical space.

I will as a question of a product and get back a very detailed and nuanced objective description using standard audiophile terminology which allows me to decide if what ever it is will have the effect or quality I am looking for and if it is cost effective to me.


I credit my dealer with joint design of my system. He pushed me to try a component I was not interested in, that had a profoundly positive impact on my system. My system is both of our favorites.

It would be great if there were some really good ones around. I'm not sure I'd support them, why? So they can be supported?

I can find a better reason for a LOT smaller brick and mortar store with a repair facility, ACCESS to a variety of new and used products, on consignment for trade or sale. It would be nice if there was the a good source for analog supplies too. Vinyl, R2R any media.. I don't want to support a 20k per month store front AT ALL.. 

I see no added value just added COST.. I know shoot the messenger. 

Regards

I have deep relationships w three dealers and casual ties to others. They are a constant source of friendship and trusted ears. While I get to hear and experience a lot of gear, they have many insights. Having said that, I have bought some items they direct model with ok results 

I don’t have anti dealer sentiment , in Memphis there are no hi-end dealers any more . Over the last several years I’ve made purchases that have supported dealers such as Goldprint Audio, Nashville Hifi , Atelier 13 , Amherest Audio , Moon Audio to name a few while not setting a foot in their stores ; those purchases were made via phone/email correspondence . Likewise,I’ve also bought manufacture direct from Daedalus Audio, Audio Art Cable, Silnote Audio, to name a few that don’t sell through dealers. Additionally, I have also made purchases from few manufacturers that have dealers but also sell direct e.g. Modwright Audio, Finale Audio. And yes, I’ve made purchases from the Cable Co, Audio Advisor and Music Direct for isolation , contact enhancers and the like. All of the aforementioned are "dealers", they simply operate with different business models. I don’t tie myself to one particular dealer as no dealer carries all brands , and see no reason to get tied into a specific one if the dealer doesn’t have what I want just so that dealer can be supported.