Yes, right on there Gordon. Infact whenever there's a demo and we think it sounded great, maybe the case but when at home, in our own personal settings, these highly praised items can sound totally different. They would either add positive results or simply just not make the mark.
Then there's always the justification to try to make it work; room correction gizmo's, tweaking, placement options & trials, and oh! It has to work simply because it's highly rated and costs a lot of money... whatever.
Over the years I developed a simple strategy, as much as I would like to believe the reviews and what their worth, I first get in touch directly with the importer or dealer. Then I ask them for a home trial. If they agree, that means they are confident in their products, plus they trust their customers with the item. Whatever their policy is, if they want a deposit, driver's licence, I'm happy to oblige, afterall they're also taking a risk.
If the dealer says no to a home trial, simply means they're not confident, lack of trust, don't want to take the risk and pretty much not interested in your business. Thank them kindly and I walk out the door.
Now, I'm not saying that every dealer needs to do this but if there's a will there's a way. Plus once you receive outstanding service, that trust builds up to a strong relationship, regardless of price. That's where they will lend you whatever they have knowing that you will take care of the item, and you also have an obligation to return it as new. This takes years of commitment.
I have notice though over the years this kind of model is deteriorating, most probably due to on-line platforms taking over, quick sale perceptions and what you hear is what you buy in store. No other way around it...
It's certainly great to be able to access various media, including the printed material, such as Stereophile and TAS, just to get an idea. However, at the end of the day, the ultimate demo is and will always be a home trial, in your personal settings.
Like I said, between you and the seller, if there's a will there's a way. Make it happen!
Cheers mate, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ
Then there's always the justification to try to make it work; room correction gizmo's, tweaking, placement options & trials, and oh! It has to work simply because it's highly rated and costs a lot of money... whatever.
Over the years I developed a simple strategy, as much as I would like to believe the reviews and what their worth, I first get in touch directly with the importer or dealer. Then I ask them for a home trial. If they agree, that means they are confident in their products, plus they trust their customers with the item. Whatever their policy is, if they want a deposit, driver's licence, I'm happy to oblige, afterall they're also taking a risk.
If the dealer says no to a home trial, simply means they're not confident, lack of trust, don't want to take the risk and pretty much not interested in your business. Thank them kindly and I walk out the door.
Now, I'm not saying that every dealer needs to do this but if there's a will there's a way. Plus once you receive outstanding service, that trust builds up to a strong relationship, regardless of price. That's where they will lend you whatever they have knowing that you will take care of the item, and you also have an obligation to return it as new. This takes years of commitment.
I have notice though over the years this kind of model is deteriorating, most probably due to on-line platforms taking over, quick sale perceptions and what you hear is what you buy in store. No other way around it...
It's certainly great to be able to access various media, including the printed material, such as Stereophile and TAS, just to get an idea. However, at the end of the day, the ultimate demo is and will always be a home trial, in your personal settings.
Like I said, between you and the seller, if there's a will there's a way. Make it happen!
Cheers mate, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ