Trouble Auditioning Hi-fi Components?

I'd be really "ticked off" too if my local dealer kept putting me off because they are "busy" with HT, and I've not had that happen. It sounds like you can't even get an in-store audition. Is that correct? It takes them set-up time for that, so ask them if you can take the components home for a few days?

I've discovered the need to be creative and flexible when it comes to auditioning audio components at home. I've auditioned via mail order with 10-30 return privilege; I've used my local dealer a fair amount; I've bought used from A'Gon just to audition, and then re-sold; I've tried friend's equipment occasionally.

Some of the big stereo stores will allow mail order auditions, especially if they know you are serious, ie I've bought two amps from Progressive Audio in Ohio-- with return if not satisfied. I think Audio-Video Logic in Iowa will do some of this too. Of course you're out shipping and you pay near retail-- sometimes. But to me, mail order with return privilege is really valuable as I live "off the beaten path". Good Luck. Craig

I've had exactly the same experience. I saw a post the other day from someone travelling to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area who wanted to know about high-end salons to visit. I honestly could not steer him to any shops of particular interest as most have devolved into little more than HT installation fronts.

Now if the poster had but asked about topless bars, DFW is awash in them. Audio shops are a different and sad story.

I live in New York and if I wish I can audition for the whole week every day with different dealers arround NY and NJ areas. Some of the NY dealers are also busy with rich folks that want $100k HT and don't give a $hit or even knowledge about 2ch system.

The nearest stereo shop is 40mi from me (Circuit City). After that, its 150mi and when I get there, the setups, rooms, etc. are so different it's not possible to know how things will work in my system. Enter Audiogon. I've taken to finding good prices, listening to the equipment in my system and in my room, keeping what sounds right and reselling what does not work. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Man did your post ring a bell with me. I have a Linn dealer in my area that is of absolutely no value whatsoever. His suggestion for my turntable problems was for him to ship it to Florida for me and, I quote,"it'll work great right out of the box". As a Linn dealer it appears that he isn't even obligated to know how to work on an LP12. Yes, he is busy with HT installations and his clients are of the "rich and famous" category. There is only one "real" store in Boise which no longer carries Linn due to the requirements of dedicated listening rooms and mandatory inventories. I ran into the local sales rep for Linn at this store while he was trying to find a retail home for the Classic line. (It seems Linn of Scotland recognizes a need for additional coverage in this huge country of ours) Anyway, since it was obvious that he was not going to get the Classic line placed in this market area I suggesting that perhaps I would be interested in assuming this role. I didn't even get so much as a return phone call inquiring about my ability to become a retailer. I even called Linn USA (who obviously didn't want to step on the reps toes, so to speak) and didn't get a return call from them. Go figure. I am a little ashamed to admit that I recently purchased a Wakonda, Genki and a pair of LK 240's to go with my existing Sara's and LP 12. I feel a fool for enriching what appears to be the enemy. On the bright side I received excellent help and service from The Audio Gallery (Lake Oswego, Or.-a 400 mile drive for me!)for these products. Cindy and Gary are very worthy of my hard-earned dollars. I maintain that it is stupid to not court a long term relationship with all people who desire to audition a retailers products. Some of us who are not rich occassionally place our priorities in a league with the rich. Money is money or am I missing something here? Thanks for giving me the opportunity to rag about an issue that has been bothering me for a few weeks. I am note clueless, but I don't understand.