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When you're new to high-end audio, a helpful dealer is imperative. I walked in just after lunch one day and left just before dinner, a much wiser and discerning listener.
One of the keys to enjoying the tweak audio hobby is having a good place to learn about the art of sound. A good dealer can also help you make good choices for your personal needs when it's time to buy.
My local dealer (K-Labs Audio, Tulsa, OK) has been one of the most helpful and enlightening I've ever come across. My knowledge level has increased primarily due to them. They treat their customers like their friends. I'll never shop anywhere else. I'm a customer for life!!
Sound Hounds of Denver CO is absolutely the best and most helping shop I have been to. New the hobby, and not knowing much, they took time with me and taught me things that I have never even thought about. They let me go in and listen to products for hours. I have never felt so welcomed and understood. They are fantastic.
Sound Plus and Commercial Electronics, both of Vancouver, BC. Audio retailers, however, need to overcome a problem that is virtually pandemic in their business: trashing the products that are not for sale on their shelves! Much could also be done to cultivate a dialogue with customers. Afterall, these goods are not bought with the frequency of groceries. Encourage the customer to come back frequently. To the credit of Earl Heinrichs at Sound Plus, I am almost always offered a cappucino when I visit. Now...about that Linto?!
Dan at Arizona Tube Audio is the best stereo salesperson that I have ever encouterd. By selling me a set of RoomTunes and telling me how to set up my speakers properly he has taken my system several steps further towards audio nirvana. He always has time to answer my many questions, even the ones that must seem incredibly stupid to him. If the time ever comes that I need a new amp, or pre-amp, or cd player, Dan's the man. If You live in the Valley of the Sun, you have to check AZ Tube Audio out. They are also on the net, but I don't know the address.