Critic's Corner

RE: Only a dealer...

74.215.224.21

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Critic's Corner ]

I recently had this same debate with a writer for Positive Feedback. This seems to be how this dialog developes:

Dealer/writer: Go to a dealer near you and listen to equipment that you are interested in purchasing.
Consumer: There are no high end audio dealers within a reasonable distance from my house, and I therefore cannot audition equipment. What am I to do if I want to enjoy high end audio.
Dealer/Writer: Go listen to a dealer near you and listen to equipment that you are interested in purchasing.
Consumer: Um, sir, you are not paying attention. There are no dealers in my area. What should I do then? What are my alternatives?
Dealer/Writer: Go to a dealer near you and listen to equipment that you are interested in purchasing.

See the problem? And lest you think I am making this up, I'm not. This is precisely the dialog that has taken place between you and Jim Austin and myself and the PFO writer. We identify a problem, you provide a solution, then we politely inform you that the solution is not possible, and all you do is restate the same solution which is not possible. In other words, you are not providing any answers, repeating the same non-answer, as though we will suddenly remember that dealer we forgot down the street.

The question is what is an audiophile to do IF THERE ARE NO DEALERS IN THEIR AREA AT WHICH THEY CAN AUDITION EQUIPMENT, THEREBY ELIMINATING THE POSSIBILITY OF LISTENING TO EQUIPMENT AT A DEALER.

Seems to me, and, I presume, Jim Austin, that there are only two solutions: (1) Do not buy high end audio equipment (that will help the industry, which, at the end of the day, will likely shut some manufacturer's doors), or (2) Buy based upon reviewers and word of mouth.

If you can think of another solution, I'm all eyes. But please, please, please do not reply "go to a dealer and listen for yourself." I think this is Jim Austin's point - that while buying unheard is not a great solution, it is the only solution available if some of us want to enjoy this hobby. Unless, of course, you would prefer us not to enjoy the hobby.

Edits: 05/13/08

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

 Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Critic's Corner ]
[ Comment ] [ Edit ] [ Delete ] [ Copyright Warning! Click for Details ]
[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2008, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]