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Upscale Audioif you need tubes, Kevin is the man!
Each year we do a survey to see which dealers deserve special mention. Who has impressed you the most in the last 12 months?
Custom Electronics, Omaha NESerious customer service, before and after the sale. No hype or high pressure, just a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. Been around for 25 years, too! Thanx for a great shopping experience, Larry. (No, I don't work there.)
Northwest Audio Labs in Corvallis, OR. Owner Jim Ott has provided exceptional service and knowledgable technical advice in the eight years I've dealt with him, whether to buy new equipment or to get parts for my SOTA Sapphire when a source seemed not readily available. He's low-key and someone who listens carefully to what his customers indicate as their needs.
ListenUp Audio/Video in Colorado Springs is the place. Gary Wrasse has worked with me for the past three years and has taken me step by step from audio nightmare to audio heaven. A good dealer and consultant is simply the most important audio component.
Given most of my experiences with dealers, I'm surprised the High End survives at all. Like many people, I simply love the sound of well-recorded music reproduced on fine equipment. So, comforted by the fact that I'm well satisfied with my current system, I can continue to isolate myself from the slings and arrows of outrageous dealers.
Audio Odyssey in Iowa City, Iowa. The owner, Scott, and my regular salesman, Bill, are reasons I go back a few times a year to see what's new. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and wonderful to talk to. They do not pressure you into buying something, but listen to what you want or think you want. This is the way everyone should be treated when in the market for stereo equipment at any price level. If every dealer treated their prospective customers like this, I feel our industry would be in great shape for years to come. Thanks, guys, for 15 years of great service and friendship.
Soundex in Willow grove PA. This company defines what the high end should be: a full range of equipment, no condescending attitude and knowledgeable salesmen (Frank Betz) who offer advice when asked but also know the value of letting the customer just have the time to listen! Generous (for me at least) loaner program and after the sale support. I owned a pair of Levinson 33h