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Convincing your local dealer to let you try speakers at home

So, I had a great experience listening to some Devore 0/96 speakers yesterday. The challenge for me is that the room I heard them in is wildly different than any other room I’d ever listen in. (I’ll share a photo, below.) I really have no idea if spending $13k plus on these speakers would work out. I’d need to try them at home.

For all I know, these dealers might be ok with me trying some speakers at home. I don’t know and am not yet ready to ask.

But I’m curious whether folks here have any stories to tell about the reactions they’ve gotten when they’ve asked to try speakers at their home. If you have a story, especially if it’s a more expensive speaker, I’d love to hear your story. How did you convince them? If they turned you down, what was the reason? Did you agree?

 

128x128hilde45
tablejockey
3,893 posts
 

Unless your own place resembles an open warehouse, that place doesn't look like an ideal place to hear speakers.

Simply ask them and if they refuse, find a dealer who will. Your willingness to spend that amount of money qualifies you.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 

Seems that no one has been refused before. I've had at least two dealers in town say "We don't do that." 

It's easy to ask and I'm not shy. Maybe this was a silly thread since the answer is so obvious.

larryi
3,983 posts
 

You will have better luck if you are a regular, and reliable customer (one that does not abuse privileges).  The problem with in-home demonstrations of speakers is that it is so easy to damage the finish of speakers in transit and it setting up at home.  The dealer can easily get into a conflict over whether some scratch or chip was was done by the customer or already in the dealer's model.  

rsf507
2,314 posts
 

May also have to do with size (yes size matters) of speakers. Are they bookshelf or large heavy speakers like the larger Wilson's or even things like the Acora speakers that weigh close to 300 pounds! Is the dealer supposed to deliver and setup?

musicaddict
370 posts
 

Twenty odd years back the good Colorado Springs and Denver audio retailers would let you do weekend demos, if you were known and or used CC as security. I listened to a lot of preamps and power amps over the years.

I never did ask to take home speakers. Floorstanders would be a chore but I'd have done it. Fortunately the ones I chose did work fine in my home (and lasted 16 years...).

I would think in the changing times that borrowing equipment is more rare now than before, but the best high end dealers probably should get it.  I'm curious to hear the recent experiences of others.  thx.

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