2. misc-audio
  3. 181163-181

Hi-end audio is a big zero

This is no knock on dealers, It's just how hi-end audio is.

I go listen to some speakers. He has them set up like crap - jammed between 3 other pair. Running on electronics I would never choose so I have to try and compensate for what I imagine they are contributing to the sound. Then after 30 minutes, I am expected to shell out the $4,500.00.

I narrowed it down to two transports from an online retailer. And who knows if those 2 are even a good choice?  Told point blank, I am not allowed to buy both and return the one I don''t want. Just pick one and buy it. Shell out $1,000-$3,500 based on what?

One e-tailer will allow purchase 3 speakers totally $12K and return the two I don't want. Sorry, i have a conscience and can't do it to him.

Read all you want. Talk all you want. Listen at dealers all you want. But unless you listen in your own room, it's all meaningless. I'm talking even just 5 to 30 minutes can be all it takes. But that is basically impossible.

Sure you can buy and sell on A-gon or Ebay if you find what you want have the time to go through the process.

If the prices weren't so high or I did not care about sound quality maybe it would not matter.

cdc
cdc OP
1,826 posts
 

Thanks for the sensible responses. My experience with B&M dealers has overall been positive and it really is the most practical way to make a decision. They do the best they can working with what we've got. Trying to balance customer service with also making a profit

ebm Interesting you mention that. That what got me going on this subject. Had to get a new boombox for work as mine died after 24 years. Being pretty cheap, I've bought about 10 boomboxes and mini-systems so far. It's been an enlightening experience. Sure it's not hi-end but the same concepts apply. I've been accurate at least half the time on what to expect. Like, a bigger driver gives more bass. But even that doesn't really describe how it will sound.

kota1I agree about Parasound service. Another one, Soundapproach in VA is exemplary.

Maybe the best way to do this is narrow it down with budget and performance to 2-3 products and then try to audition those? Then as deadhead1000 said, just focus on the music

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,605 posts
 

To the OP, Read all you want. Talk all you want. Listen at dealers all you want. But unless your listening room is acoustically treated, expecting a good sound from a decently put together system is all meaningless and waste of your money.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

@lalitk +1 on acoustic treatments

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

@lalitk x1000 on room treatments. 

jwei
158 posts
 

I always start with reading reviews -- professional reviewers like magazines with a grain of salt and a microscope to read between the lines, and user opinions on sites like Agon.  That all gets me a short list before I go to the dealers.

I listen at dealers to find if something sounds bad.  I don't expect it to sound good unless the dealer is exceptional in his demo setup.

If something does sound bad, I figure out whether it is a product issue or a demo setup issue.  Obviously, if it is a product issue, I'm on to the next candidate.

I appreciate the time, effort, and financial commitment the dealers have devoted to providing the demo experience.  And it's good to talk to experienced salespersonnel who have listening experience.

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