Preowned Wilson Audio Chicago Dealer

I had a similar bait and switch interaction with Albert Portis. I was interested in either one of 2 AudioQuest Niagara 7000 Power Conditioners he had listed on Audiogon. Since he had 2 listed for weeks I did initially low-ball my offer and was turned down. Another week or so later I decided to meet his asking price (it was still well below retail). When I made the full price offer he told me 1) the double listing was Audiogon’s mistake, and 2) he had “just sold” the one 7000 he was listing. BUT he could offer me a like new (out of the box but never titled) PS Audio PowerPlant 15 with full warranty for about 1/2 list price. I had been debating between these 2 units and the deal was great so I went for it.  In AP’s defense, the unit arrived with factory cellophane still on it and appeared brand new. The unit worked great and later when I had issues the unit was replaced by PS Audio so it wasn’t a knock off. Note: This was well before COVID so that is not a factor.  

So while I did end up a satisfied customer, I wasn’t comfortable with the process. It seems like this is a standard mode of operation for him. Agree with others that he is extremely knowledgeable.  I will purchase elsewhere going forward. 
 

Matt

Hi all, FWIW I too have dealt with Albert multiple times and there are shreds of truth in these posts from both sides.   For reference I just scanned a small video I took when I was in there in the spring and there are multiple Wilson’s in the shot.  So he does have them and I don’t believe there’s some mischievous bait and switch plot going on.  I’ve also had him talk me out of Mac gear before.  When he’s not a fan of something he’ll tell you as much.  I’m in sales and I respect that vs. just telling the customer what they want to hear.  Look it up it’s called the challenger sales model. You earn trust by being honest.  I would agree it probably hurts his business overall, but can respect it .  
 

So is he difficult to deal with, sometimes hard to get ahold of….etc yes.  Does his style suit everyone? No.  Will he open his very prodigious showroom and let you demo for hours with little to no pressure? Absolutely.  I’d have no problem working with him again.  And as someone else mentioned his deals are very fair.  

He has had the same Audio Research Ref5se for sale for almost three years.

I tried to get him to sell me one of these two Rel S/3's 4 years ago and he wouldn't break up the pair. I've always wondered what the heck was going on to have them years later, but maybe he does, maybe not.  The mystery is getting free advertising.

i have spoken to albert several times over the years, always fun conversations, pointed sometimes but he is definitely a guy who feels out who he is dealing with in early interactions, as most sharp retailers in any business do

certainly not vouching for him nor his business practices, but i would say, as we all get older, we often get somewhat crankier in our day to day disposition, and extensive knowledge in a subject often leads to one also being opinionated and even directive, as a matter of human nature ... so not surprised albert has gotten this way (or maybe he was always this way 😆)

i just get pretty amused when folks like the op posts something like he did, but now -- he wasn’t naming names 🤣 ... thinks that lil ol qualifier coats him in teflon and kevlar from incoming...

...and he says he used to run a hif retail shop in new jersey... this would be the least street smart retailer in the state 😂