Vote

The dealer allows no-obligation home trials.

He doesn't try to foist the latest multichannel formats on me. They lead me to a back room where they have a turntable. He knows if they show me any movie stuff I will leave. I just bought a new tube preamp from him. It was the best $6000 I have spent.

But I'm not looking for one either!

Yes, in the city of Fort Collins, CO. A one-man show at Audio Alternative.com. Actually the owner/op Rick is about service and quality. Willing to share what has proven, over the years, to be very accurate information. Especially analog, turntable setup, room setup, etc. He carries equipment from approximately $1000 on up to sky's the limit. There are other shops along the Colorado front range I frequent, but this shop is the one that I always feel welcome and non-pressured. Another shop that has been good to deal with is Sound Shop in Colorado Springs. Again, they are service-minded and offer quality gear from low to high. Too many shops adopt the snobbish attitude and delight in teklling you that your gear at home is sub-standard and should be replaced. You know when a Marantz dealer tells you that your Linn CD player is no good and tries to show some $500 CD player exactly how smart that guy is. A customer does not spend $3500 on a CD player without some research. So yes, I have found a few dealers that are interested in making you happy first and the sale second. Take a lesson audio dealers—it's time to listen up!

Audio Alternative in Atlanta, GA. Big Al rocks!

but choices of equipment in HK are limited

Compassionate, helpfull, down-to-earth.

Silver Screen & Sound in Towson, Maryland. It's been a few years since I dealt with them, but they (Art & Dave) guided me honestly in my purchase. I've not found a need to upgrade, which is why I have not been back. Great place to do business!

AUDIO CENTER IN DEERFIELD BEACH, FL IS THE ONLY GREAT DEALER LEFT IN SOUTH FLORIDA. THEY SETUP SYSTEMS FOR BUDGET MINDED CUSTOMER AS WELL AS THE FLAMBOUYANT ONES. WHAT A CONCEPT. IN ADDITION THEY ARE EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PATIENT. IN OTHER WORDS A GREAT DINOSOURS IN A TIME OF SURROUND IN A BOX AND MULTI SPEAKER/DIM SWITCHES IN A BATHROOM DEALERS.

John Rutan of the Audio Connection, Verona, NJ. John and his team are a class act. They all go out of their way to make sure you are happy, including in-home trials and system matching. Nick is the king of turntable set up! Go see them!

I have two and I visited them every several months to see what's new, to listen to what music they are currently playing andof course they are the first words out of my mouth for a recommendation to friends.

I do my homework before I walk in the door. As a consequence I am more aware of my options. I have found every dealer focusing on how much can I get $$$ rather than presenting "sound" options.

I have been shopping with Audio Advice in Raleigh, NC since 1984, when I moved here. Their business has grown substantially since then, but their service is still top notch, before and after the sale. Great folks!

Aduio Etc. in Orange, CT. They carry a broad line of different manufacturers, they know what they're talking about, they are very friendly and courteous, they work with you to make sure you're happy, and they work with you on price.

Where else? Audio Outlet in Mt. Kisco. Frank and Wayne are wonderful to work with and very down to earth. I like going there and sharing recently-found CD treasures.

Myer-Emco in the Greater Washington, DC area. It's a local chain (half-dozen stores or so), and so may seem too "consumer-y" to some, but their staff is extremely helpful and just great to talk to, they'll take all the time in the world to help you, and I have never felt pressured there. Their selection is on the small side, especially for two-channel, but I've bought stuff from them that I am extremely happy with.

Haven't looked that hard, though...

Audio Alternative in Atlanta. They still do two-channel right, even though they do not ignore HT either. They treat customers right, too.

Audio Concepts in Dallas, TX. They're knowledgable, friendly and they suggest components which fit well into both my system and budget.

Audio Connection Of Verona, NJ. I have dealt with John Rutan and company for the last five years. Their product line is vast. Their knowledge and honesty has brought me to my current stereo and surround sound systems, both of which I am very pleased with.

The Audio Consultants in Evanston, IL. The guy I work with there takes the time to answer my questions, adds no pressure, and allows me to take home anythign I want. I also recently spoke to the owner of Holm Audio (also in a Chicago suburb). I found him to be a pleasure to speak with. He even offered to meet me at his store on one of the days it is closed so I could audition speaker cables . . . an unheard of offer these days anywhere.

Great shop, super brands and top salesman has been a close friend for over a quarter century now! Not only does his current shop carry great brands he has been doing hi-fi for so long he has excellent rep contacts with many other great brands they don't carry and can get just about anything I desire.

Yes, I've found an audio dealer who is not interested in just dollars and cents, and how much you can spend. He trys to work with you, and is always willing to let you listen to other equipment, even if he knows that you probably won't be purchasing it, just to expose you to it. I've learned alot more about the high end of audio in the few years I've known John Rutan from Audio Connection.

I would have liked to say a resounding "YES" and that I recommend them to a lot of other people but have been recently disillusioned.

Hi Fi Fo Fum in Toronto. I have never met a dealer anywhere who knows more about the products he stocks and sells, and how they all go together. Interestingly, I have even seen him send a would-be customer to the competition down the street because he refused to sell him the "wrong" component. A really honest and insightful guy!

Most of the time I have encountered good advise from inmates at Forum Sites, audio-buddies, magazines and some reviewers that take some of their time to answer questions. People like Wes Phillips,Sam Tellig, Doug BlacKburn, Bob Crump, Steve McCormack, and many, many other good audio pros who's best desire is to help audiophiles/enthusiast. Sure, there are some great dealers too, but not that many on my area.

There is an excellent dealer, here in Brussels, Noir & Blanc, selling only a solution in line with his philosophy of sound reproduction and, of course, the customers' needs: He's a real pro!

All dealers are the same, if they don't sell a particular line, then that line is junk, but all the lines they sell are great.

Fidelis in Salem, NH. Great equipment and great people. My home away from home.

I've used GNP Audio in Pasadena because of their service department. Also, they are very friendly and knowlegeable. It's a 60-mile drive, but worth it.