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Hi Fi Dealers in NYC - where to find them?

Here's a phenomenon I want to share with you. I'm not far from NY City but had a hard time finding decent hifi dealers where I can audition different gears (speakers, pre, power amp, turntable, etc) for buying in the future.

I know hifi dealer is becoming a rarity even in big cities like NYC. The two dealers in NYC I visited were snobbish, pushy and money-oriented. They were not willing to demo equipment that a customer is not buying on spot. I admit I'm not nearly as knowledgable as them. But a potential buyer needs to be educated by ways of auditioning.

Maybe they already have plenty of business. Aren't they loosing potential buyers because of the way they treat customers?

Anyhow, do you know any decent and friendly dealers in NYC, NJ and CT?

Thanks in advance.
r0817
kiza
99 posts
 
I think that Kenny is back to Sound by Singer. Great guy.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Wow Take 5 Audio, a blast from the past. Glad to hear they are still around. Sad to say I can't say the same for Rhymes Records (long gone) or Cutlers Records (still kicking but a shell of its former self).
joey54
434 posts
 
Audio Connection in Verona, NJ is the best dealer I have come across in the NYC area. They are experts at getting system synergy right and work very hard to be sure that you are happy with your purchases. John and Nick are both very knowledgeable and Nick is an expert on turntable setup.

I have had good experiences with Sound by Singer and Innovative Audio as well.
r0817 OP
55 posts
 
Thanks so much for all the info.

Actually I visited Innovative Audio in NYC once and my experience was good. But the gears they demo is beyond my reach - Wilson Audio, Spectron, etc.

I thought they carry Dynaudio line which I was interested in audtioning. However, it seems they're phasing it out with only 2 models availabe - Contour s1.4 and another floor stand model.

FYI, I already got a pair of Harbeth P7ES3 and am in the processing of find the pre/power or integrated amps for it. Also, I need to upgrade my source - a solid SACD/CD player and/or a turntable. I would visit AudioConnection and get some advice about turntables.

Thanks.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
If you're interested in a Linn or Rega turntable, Accent on Music in Mount Kisco has several on the floor and have a bunch of cartridges too. I know I mentioned them before, so please don't think I'm pushing them on you. I just really appreciate their way of doing business.

Mt Kisco is in Westchester, off the Taconic and/or 684.

Also, check out Reference Cinema & Sound. They used to be in Mt Kisco, but their website says Bedford Hills. The gentleman who owns it or is a part owner (Frank Huang, I believe) is a great guy. I couldn't afford 99% of what they had at the time, but he let me listen to a ton of stuff anyway. He had a bunch of great suggestions as far as what brands/models to listen to in my price range and where to find them. Right off the bat I told him my range, and he still talked to me and let me listen to stuff for over an hour. He was setting up a Halcro/Verity system and a CJ/Verity system for a demo. After he dialed everything in, he handed me the remote and said 'spin some of your CDs; the customer won't be here for another hour.' How many people will let you listen to a $75k system knowing that you can't even afford the power cords? How many will make recommendations on gear they don't sell and where to buy it? Hopefully I'll be able to afford some of the stuff he sells someday.
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