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Thread: High End Audio Dealers
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October 31, 2021, 11:52 AM #51
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Re: High End Audio Dealers
Buddha once said, "I am not what you think I am", "You are what you think I am". Think about it. Nothing changed on my end.
Audio always was and always will be a niche market. That statement has not changed its meaning over the years but you found a new meaning in the fact it came from me and somehow took it upon yourself to scold me for it? Why? What makes you entitled to do so?
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October 31, 2021, 12:26 PM #52
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Re: High End Audio Dealers
What a hypocrite.
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October 31, 2021, 12:32 PM #53
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Re: High End Audio Dealers
Don't hide behind a one word statement thrown from the comfort of your keyboard. Learn to build effective sentences if you want to converse as a responsible adult not afraid to express himself. Just be ready to have to eat your words when you encounter an opponent that eats guys like you for breakfast. It that is too much for you to handle, refrain from doing so and take some character and courage building classes.
You have contributed ZERO value to this thread so far.
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October 31, 2021, 12:43 PM #54
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October 31, 2021, 12:47 PM #55
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October 31, 2021, 01:42 PM #56
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Mark
Kharma DB9 Signature
Pass Labs XP32......incoming
Pass Labs X350.8
Esoteric N-05XD
VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
Manley Chinook Phono Pre
Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
Kharma Elegance speaker cables
Kharma Elegance interconnects
REL Subs
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October 31, 2021, 01:50 PM #57
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Re: High End Audio Dealers
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October 31, 2021, 02:13 PM #58
Re: High End Audio Dealers
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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October 31, 2021, 02:18 PM #59
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October 31, 2021, 02:45 PM #60
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Re: High End Audio Dealers
wouldnt a week penalty had been enough?
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October 31, 2021, 02:47 PM #61
Re: High End Audio Dealers
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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October 31, 2021, 02:53 PM #62Mark
Kharma DB9 Signature
Pass Labs XP32......incoming
Pass Labs X350.8
Esoteric N-05XD
VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
Manley Chinook Phono Pre
Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
Kharma Elegance speaker cables
Kharma Elegance interconnects
REL Subs
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October 31, 2021, 03:21 PM #63
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Well this thread went down hill while I was away. So back to high end audio dealers. I only have one close to me and he has always been super nice and accommodating. He just doesn’t sell anything I want.
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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October 31, 2021, 04:02 PM #64
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Apologies everyone for the distraction this morning. Now back on track with civil discussion.
I’ll try to provide some more insight if everyone is interested. If you have any specific questions, I’ll try my best to answer.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 31, 2021, 04:08 PM #65
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Mike if you are referring to the mild disturbance no questions here. Forums are very fluid with people coming and going. Sometimes what we see in responses by people is a reflection of maybe a person in the midst of a bad time in their life. Everyone has their own way of dealing with issues. Anonymity is a great shield to stand behind and let things vent. I wish him well.
Apologies everyone for the distraction this morning. Now back on track with civil discussion.
I’ll try to provide some more insight if everyone is interested. If you have any specific questions, I’ll try my best to answer.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro[/QUOTE]Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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October 31, 2021, 04:14 PM #66
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Mike, I thank you and the moderators for keeping a civil and inviting discussion forum going.
So, unfortunately, there are no dealers even close to me. To look at any gear it takes a 4-5 hour drive. .McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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October 31, 2021, 04:15 PM #67
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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October 31, 2021, 04:31 PM #68
Re: High End Audio Dealers
I guess things changed dramatically in the few years I was out of the hobby . Even where I grew up... I know Audio Classics is in Binghamton (Vestal), but not sure if there are any others? A good place for McIntosh, especially used, but can't really call them high end. In Syracuse (my second home) there are no high end stores. I assume you could go to the Benchmark facilities and purchase their gear .
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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October 31, 2021, 06:05 PM #69
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Legacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors
Travel/Rip: Apple MacBook Pro 16” 2023 M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD for Audirvana+ v3, iTunes, REW Audio Analyzer, dbPowerAmp, DVD Audio Extractor
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October 31, 2021, 07:42 PM #70
Re: High End Audio Dealers
There is another side to the Audio Dealer - Customer coin as it were that also bears discussing. This may strike some as controversial and it is not my intent to inflame or offend anyone so please read this in the spirit that it is intended.
The vast majority of write-ups on this topic, and certainly the latest article PTA, focus on the negative customer behavior angle to things. The fact is, there are myriad examples of good, mediocre and bad on both sides of the aisle, both dealer and customer. Also the article in PTA calling out the fact that a dealer will be our "best friend" is a bizarre use of the term. True friendship, by its definition, at least to me, includes mutual interest of both parties in the other however it does NOT include one party deriving financial profit from the other. That at least IMHO tends to skew the relationship one way or the other and that is certainly not friendship. I think though that the author was using the phrase loosely and to make a slightly different point so I'll leave it there and hope to avoid spawning philosophical debates on the subject!
More to the point...
The money that gets spent on high-end audio is for most of us, like our cars, automobiles (above and beyond the basic need to have a car for conveyance), hard-earned money that often must be saved after life's priorities are paid for, over the course of months and sometimes years.
High-end audio is one of the few and possibly, the only luxury item market, where dealers expect manufacturers to protect territories and in many cases, expect customers to adhere to them no matter what "just because" and where a few dealers out there think that just because they operate in a region and have a given logo to sell that they are now "your dealer". I have experienced this first hand 3 times and will explain in more detail why I'm calling out this aspect.
Consumers who spend their hard-earned money have the right in any markets to spend where they get the best combination of;
- product including availability of product at the level we are interested in; that product is often people & their knowledge as well
- true hands-on knowledge of those products
- price, warranty, support (after all, business is competitive)
- service
- respect as a customer and overall customer care and decent treatment from a human point of view
No one thinks twice about going to multiple automobile dealerships in various cities and towns and sometimes even nearby states to seek out and drive cars we are interested in and to shop for the "best combination of the above points" relative to our personal priorities. It's the same for boats, motorcycles, jewelry, art work, furniture or anything else. "Best" is relative to our personal priorities and is often a mix as for example, many of us may elect to pay a few percent more if that auto dealership is closer to our home or has a better service rating or treated us better or has the actual model of car we are interested in and is hands-on knowledgeable about that model, not just the model 2 or 3 levels lower with the sales pitch "the upper model is simply better, you should buy it from me as I'm your dealer" being their only response.
In my line of work, the same thing holds; I am either selling the best combination of (superior people, knowledge, hands-on experience, service, results and price) or my firm may lose the deal! It's a balancing act where higher price may be positioned as a "value-sell" in terms of superior track record and proven results, more experienced people, knowledge level, customer care, etc...but rest assured, customers don't buy "just because" we offer something to them and are close by.
It's mystifying to me that high end audio, as a market, has dealers with the EXPECTATION that just because we move to a zip code that is reasonably nearby or we've called them to ask questions about a specific product in a manufacturer's line that they offer that when they only have the unit 2, 3, 4 levels below that and cannot answer even the most basic questions about the more advanced unit or speaker I am interested in, why they think I "must" buy from them or that somehow they are now "my dealer" and I owe them my purchase.
If a seller of anything, audio, cars, jewelry, furniture, whatever.....can provide the product, knowledge, service, price and overall treatment as a customer, etc...and add value to my life, then and only then do they get the sale. It's really that simple. Why in high-end audio for some reason people seek to enforce different rules than for any other area of Seller - Consumer relations is quite honestly beyond me.
I've run into the negative side of these behaviors 3 times and the posts above reflect that I'm sure.
All this stated, there are many audio dealers who definitely provide all the points above, present company (the forum owner) included :-) Those rare and good people in this industry don't deserve the tire kickers and purely price mongers who will use and abuse them either.
FWIW...Legacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors
Travel/Rip: Apple MacBook Pro 16” 2023 M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD for Audirvana+ v3, iTunes, REW Audio Analyzer, dbPowerAmp, DVD Audio Extractor
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October 31, 2021, 07:54 PM #71
Re: High End Audio Dealers
There is no “Mike” near me. At the level of money I am now spending a home demo would be nice. Hellofa drive to borrow something from northern NC to southern FL.
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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October 31, 2021, 09:02 PM #72
High End Audio Dealers
I totally agree with you, 100%. This has been a major bone of contention for me too. If I can buy a new Corvette from Boston, a new Porsche from California, why can’t I buy a McIntosh amp from those same areas?
I purposely seek out brands which do not have such archaic rules. At this point, I really only have one that still thinks this way. It’s quite silly: I sell a pair of speakers to a fellow in Illinois and now you want me to point him to the local dealer for the amp and preamp he wants just because of some archaic rule? I think not. What happens in this situation? We will discuss all the brands I can sell him and none of the ones I can’t. Your brand loses out.
It reminds me of a story about Audio Research. I have a very good customer in Dublin, IL, quite a trek from Chicago. He called me one day and said, “I want to try tubes!”. OK then, we began talking about amps, preamps, etc. I placed a call to my rep Aldo at ARC and asked if I could sell to him and they said, “no, you have to send him to the dealer in Chicago.” I advised the customer of their reactions, he was more pissed off than I was!! (I think annoyed that he couldn’t spend HIS money where HE wanted to) and he also added that he didn’t like the dealer in Chicago, so guess what? We went with VAC. They were very happy to get the big order. ARC lost out big time. Pure stupidity.
When I first got into the business, territories and that way of thinking were still strong in manufacturers minds. Today, that’s gone out the window for the most part. Under Darryl, I have heard Wilson has done a 180 on territories as well. They’ve come into line with modern thinking around relationships vs zip codes.
I want to give credit where credit is due. Alon at Magico was really a leader in this new thinking. I remember years ago, he stood up in front of all the dealers at Magico HQ and said, “stop asking me about territories. I don’t believe in territories. Whoever owns the relationship with the customer, owns the deal. End of story.” Music to my ears!
But you have to understand, there are a LOT of dealers who do not like the new world order. They bitch that manufacturers don’t send them leads (I’ve always said, it’s not their job to send me leads, it’s my job!). They complain about not having territories any more. They are struggling to operate in the new world order. Territories are what I believe, created some arrogant, poor customer service experiences (think: the old, grumpy rude New York dealer).
What was the thinking around this old way of thinking? “The dealer invested money in our brand, we need to ‘protect’ them.” or “Our product is so amazing, the customer will buy from where we advise them to buy from.” Totally archaic.
The investment doesn’t stop at the purchase of the demo gear, that’s just the beginning. Thankfully today, we are seeing, for the most part, the modernizing of the industry in how we engage with customers. I think Amazon and how people buy today is really what fueled this change.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 31, 2021, 09:51 PM #73
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
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- 1,369
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Mike, after I flew out to audition the Fyne Audio speakers and you opened up your shop for me on the weekend, I would certainly buy the speakers from you even if there was a dealer here in the Twin Cities. Unfortunately, covid hit and despite being a physician, I had to take week furloughs when we went from seeing 100 patients per day to 15. Also my wife decided to do some remodeling and my son decided to go back to college so he can become a nurse practioner. So speakers are on hold for at least another year.
My point is that you were gracious with your time and that was very important to me.My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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October 31, 2021, 10:00 PM #74
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Wow Mike. That's two long posts in two days. Has all that Halloween candy wound you up?
Bud
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
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October 31, 2021, 10:01 PM #75
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Thank you and thank you for all you do. The past two years have been super challenging for our healthcare providers. My wife often leaves at 5:30am and doesn’t return until 1:30am the next day, then up again at 5:30am and gone for another 18 hour day. I KNOW I couldn’t do that. It takes a special kind of person to do what you guys do.
As a side, my wife just resigned from the hospital to become a nurse at a special needs school. WIll offer her much better work/life balance. She wanted to stay until the worst of Covid was over (and fingers crossed it is). I figure if she can care for me, she can take care of anyone. The struggles related to the man cold are real.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 31, 2021, 10:01 PM #76
Re: High End Audio Dealers
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 31, 2021, 10:05 PM #77
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
- Posts
- 1,369
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Thanks Mike! I have been off work since the 3rd week of July due to being involved in a very serious bicycle accident (thank god for disability insurance). I go back to work in 3 days and I am not fully recovered but we are very busy with unvaccinated COVID patients. Your wife was smart to get out. Nurses are so overworked and under paid. We lost at least a dozen great nurses as they were tired of dealing with covid.
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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October 31, 2021, 10:06 PM #78
Re: High End Audio Dealers
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 31, 2021, 10:10 PM #79
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
- Posts
- 1,369
Re: High End Audio Dealers
I sure was but I hit a concrete post at 15 mph just below my right knee. It threw me 12 feet onto the pavement. I fractured ribs, fractured my knee, tore the post cruciate ligament, separated my shoulder, tore cartilage in it along with a torn labrum, tore trapezius and subscapularis muscles. I had shoulder surgery in August and next March I undergo knee replacement. I was in the hospital for a few days.
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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October 31, 2021, 10:20 PM #80
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Yes, but. Yes buying "long-distance" and waiting for Fed Ex to arrive feels normal for me now, whether it's a carton of dog pee pads or a high-end interconnect or a new amp. For me the "but" is that for hi fi I need, and want, that relationship with the dealer. I want their advice (may not take 100% of it) and I DEFINITELY want to feel appreciated. And I want them to be happy to take my stuff back on trade towards something new. It's a "relationship" (doesn't have to be "friendship"). A relationship I can lean on if something goes wrong.
I'm pretty fortunate to be working for many years with one dealer who's long-distance from me but will ship me ANYTHING to try at home. And with another dealer, with a national reputation, who will also let me borrow anything to try at home, and is only 7 miles away.
The good news is that long-distance is not a problem for some dealers now. They are the future IMHO; they can provide personal service even over long distances. And some of them are wracking up quite the frequent flier miles visiting customers' homes!Sources: Naim ND555/555PS | Roon Nucleus | Naim Soltstice Special Edition turntable and phono stage
Amplification: Naim 552/500DR
Interconnects: Ansuz/Chord Music/Naim SuperLumina
AC Power: Ansuz C2
Speakers: Magico S5MkII
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October 31, 2021, 10:23 PM #81
Re: High End Audio Dealers
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 31, 2021, 10:30 PM #82
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October 31, 2021, 11:25 PM #83
Re: High End Audio Dealers
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2021, 12:07 AM #84Legacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors
Travel/Rip: Apple MacBook Pro 16” 2023 M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD for Audirvana+ v3, iTunes, REW Audio Analyzer, dbPowerAmp, DVD Audio Extractor
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November 1, 2021, 09:47 AM #852chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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November 1, 2021, 02:50 PM #86
- Join Date
- Mar 2018
- Posts
- 435
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Many years ago we had at least 5 or 6 hi fi shops in Tampa. One store had Advent, Yamaha and Dual while another store had Bose, Sansui and Thorens, etc. We went to audition equipment and see what was new. In those days price shopping was not on our agenda. Then Sound Advice came into the area and changed the whole thing.
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November 1, 2021, 04:05 PM #87
Re: High End Audio Dealers
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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November 1, 2021, 05:43 PM #88
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November 1, 2021, 05:54 PM #89
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Wow,
Sorry to see this , i used to race bikes many moons ago and got hit out training one afternoon , got put up for months, wheel chair the whole bit, so this hits close. Packed up riding for almost 2 decades, but started back 3 yrs ago , seriously last 2yrs , its dangerous im careful of routes chosen, but a nut inna car is everywhere , it's a chance im willing to take Due to the benefits of being fit again, I love it , will absolutely keep riding until i cant ....
Regards ...* An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *
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November 1, 2021, 06:00 PM #90
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November 1, 2021, 06:06 PM #91
Re: High End Audio Dealers
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 1, 2021, 07:09 PM #92
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Visited my closest dealer today, operates it out of his home. Very poor room acoustics and setup with no way to determine what anything sounded like. Demo requires them to deliver and set up in your house. Going to listen to the Wilson speakers at another local dealer Wednesday. If it goes anything like today I am done dealer shopping and will just buy second hand off Audiogon based on reviews. Frustrating
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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November 1, 2021, 07:25 PM #93
Re: High End Audio Dealers
I'd much rather hear in my home than in a dealer's room that sounds nothing like my room! I'd be happy to have them bring the Wilsons to my home so I could hear them.
Sources: Naim ND555/555PS | Roon Nucleus | Naim Soltstice Special Edition turntable and phono stage
Amplification: Naim 552/500DR
Interconnects: Ansuz/Chord Music/Naim SuperLumina
AC Power: Ansuz C2
Speakers: Magico S5MkII
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November 1, 2021, 07:33 PM #94
Re: High End Audio Dealers
Catch 22. You cannot discern the qualities of the equipment, amp and preamp in this situation today. So I have them deliver and set up and it sounds horrendous, nothing like what I expected. Now they have two days invested in hifi delivery and retrieval, no sale. So does this make me the asshole customer? If you are going to be in the business properly set up your listening space so your customers can make a reasonable judgement of the sound of what you are selling. Still frustrated.
To add....If I am a distributor of a line of equipment and I am too lazy to get my ass on the road to visit my dealers shame on me for not getting any orders because the dealer has a subpar listening environment. The lines in this listening room made Jays top list so no bestbuy midfi crap.
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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November 1, 2021, 09:30 PM #95
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November 1, 2021, 09:32 PM #96
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November 1, 2021, 09:32 PM #97
Re: High End Audio Dealers
That "unknown space" is the customers home(!) I don't understand why people are more interested in hearing hi fi gear in a dealer's room than in their own home.
Once you buy it - where will the gear reside???Sources: Naim ND555/555PS | Roon Nucleus | Naim Soltstice Special Edition turntable and phono stage
Amplification: Naim 552/500DR
Interconnects: Ansuz/Chord Music/Naim SuperLumina
AC Power: Ansuz C2
Speakers: Magico S5MkII
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November 1, 2021, 10:07 PM #98
Re: High End Audio Dealers
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 1, 2021, 10:51 PM #99
Re: High End Audio Dealers
The dealer has poor sound in a known space , his home ..!
So do you think he is now capable of going into an unknown to him space ( your home ) and produce decent results..!
I dont think so ...!!!
You taking it home to hear it in your space really means naught without the expertise to make the setup correct , ideally you want a dealer with an optimized as possible setup so you can determine if the product performance envelope makes it to your expected level of playback, if so then the next step is to take it home and optimize your listening room to accomodate the setup ..!
Regards* An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *
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November 1, 2021, 10:52 PM #100
Re: High End Audio Dealers
I would guess that someone must have a terrible room at home for any gear to sound drastically different than in a dealer's room, assuming the dealer has a decent room. A few years ago I was at Magico listening to a comparison of the Magico S5 to the S7. While the S5 was playing I commented that it sounded just like mine. Alon Wolf said, "That's the point". However, my S5s are in my living room, not a custom designed, and super quiet, listening room.
Bud
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
You should ask your dealer to bring the CH stuff he wants to sell you for home audition in your system. IMO there is no way to tell what will sound better in your system.
MSB Reference vs CH C1.2