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Reasonable not to be offered a trial on a cart?

Hi everyone. This query is in respect of a cart but applies to any audio component really.
In this day and age it's getting harder to maintain a relationship with a single dealer. I realise this means that approaching a distributor/dealer for the first time means they have no way of knowing whether I'm a timewaster. Often I'll pick up on the buzz of a favoured component, seek it out, and if poss secure a home demo. There's only been a handful of items I've not gone on to purchase.
I have my eye (ear?) on a particular high end cart (I won't reveal it's identity for the time being). However the UK dealer, while happy to audition it in his system, will not consider making it available for home demo, claiming this would be expensive and impractical (understandable considering he is 200 miles from me).
But this I find perplexing-he claims even if it is run in, it won't sound good ie components NEVER sound good listened for the first time in an installation.
Now, I do understand a one off listen of a new component in an alien system may be disorientating, and the cart could hardly be left with me, but surely in the Golden Age of audio, home demos were used as the last stage in clinching a deal to buy the component.
Or am I incorrect, maybe carts never were available for demo.
Any thoughts on the dealer's reticence, and his assertion that all components are likely not to sound of their best when first installed in a system.
spiritofmusic
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Thanx for your input everyone. I totally understand that dealers lose out in terms of time/expense on home trials, esp. in this day and age of timewasters, and reduced margins.
But like spkrs I believe the cart is so open to getting the final choice wrong that I've had to move on from this dealer, luckily to another stocking the model I'm interested in, who is happy to extend the courtesy of home trial. Chances are he'll get my hard earned cash, but not the first guy. Btw I'm interested in the Soundsmith Straingauge.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Too much risk of unseen damage and too many variables in how it was installed and set up go into what an end user will do, or not, with a cartridge that is out of control of a dealer makes it one of those components that can't practically be home demoed. I buy cartridges sound-unheard based on friend's opinions and reviews and have finally found a line that consistently provides me with musical enjoyment.
dgarretson
2,598 posts
 
I think cartridges are an area where research on these forums can be of great help. Negotiate and buy low(the retail mark-up on new ones is high relative to electronics) and sell high(used prices are relatively high, given the perishable nature of these items.)
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jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Now you have me confused Spiritofmusic, did you actually find a dealer who will lend you a Soundsmith Straingauge, or are you just phishing?
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