Now I know we are all told time and time again to try before you buy but here is a story of what happened to me today: Around 2pm this afternoon I walked into a large hifi retailer and after walking around for a while I spoke to the deputy manager. I am looking to buy the Marantz PM6003, Marantz CD6003 and Wharfdale Diamond 10.1. I asked for a demo, he couldn’t manage this due to the shop being busy, fair enough I thought. Can I book one? Didn’t get a straight answer, he didn’t seem keen and wouldn’t offer me a convenient time during the week. He then went on to explain that at this price point (£600) you can’t beat this system, now here’s the question: Would you agree with this? I mainly listen to rock and dance but my taste can be quite varied. I am also looking to buy an Onkyo TXSR608 possibly at the same time, once again this couldn’t be demoed but I explained this would be an excellent match to the Kef KHT-3005 that I all ready own. Would you agree with this too? The deputy manager said we could do a deal on both purchase but with this being popular kit there are plenty of online retailers selling it and I can’t demo it in store why buy it from them? What are people’s thoughts?
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Buying without demoing in store
- Thread starter bballtom
- Start date
They don't deserve your money. If you're buying blind anyway, do it from the internet and save yourself a packet.
If you really want to buy from that shop, INSIST on a demo, don't be mucked about. Once you've had your demo, if you decide you want the kit, remember: cash is king, more so now than ever, with retailers struggling, so use that to your advantage and haggle like hell. Don't accept the first offer they make for a discount, keep going. If they won't play ball (but they will) tell them that you're willing to walk away. They'll come round.
Good luck, and have fun!
If you really want to buy from that shop, INSIST on a demo, don't be mucked about. Once you've had your demo, if you decide you want the kit, remember: cash is king, more so now than ever, with retailers struggling, so use that to your advantage and haggle like hell. Don't accept the first offer they make for a discount, keep going. If they won't play ball (but they will) tell them that you're willing to walk away. They'll come round.
Good luck, and have fun!
thing is they know they will sell that kit at that price to people without demoing it as they live and die on their whf 5 star reviews. btw i guess its rs
Sounds like either Richer Sounds or Superfi...apologies to both if I'm wrong, but the deals sound familiar to those guys.
Least they can do if let you hear the gear. They'll never replicate your living room, so ask them where you stand if you take it home on his recommendation, don't like it, will they give you your money back? Some will, others won't. Unfortunately, he's given you a load of bullocks in saying "you can't beat that system" for £600. You can, probably and opinions are divided on how you can achieve this and how good those Wharfey 10.1s are. The Marantz gear is quality, no question, everything else about your experience isn't. Chances are the guy was busy and tried to fob you off, so play him at his own game. Or go somewhere else.
Least they can do if let you hear the gear. They'll never replicate your living room, so ask them where you stand if you take it home on his recommendation, don't like it, will they give you your money back? Some will, others won't. Unfortunately, he's given you a load of bullocks in saying "you can't beat that system" for £600. You can, probably and opinions are divided on how you can achieve this and how good those Wharfey 10.1s are. The Marantz gear is quality, no question, everything else about your experience isn't. Chances are the guy was busy and tried to fob you off, so play him at his own game. Or go somewhere else.
Go to another dealer and demo before buying. If they couldn't even arrange a demo then they don't deserve your money.
Their prices are competitive with all the other main shops across the internet (price fixing anyone?) and I was offered the chance to bring it back if I weren't happy but without bringing a load of kit home to test or spending more than my budget I won't have anything to compare it to. It's quite a lot of money for me to spend and not being entirely happy with their customer service (even though they did let me have a quick demo of a 3D TV which was cool) I'm thinking go elsewhere or just buy off line. Anyone know of a decent company in Kent (east preferably) or east London that I could try?
Do you have another store you can visit? If you are not getting the service pre-sale you are very unlikely to get it post sale.
If you need the service and support that a good dealer provides then look to other local stores. Perhaps the store is offering a great price and that is what they are actually selling rather than great product and service.
As for the Marantz combo yes it is very good and certainly one of the best off the shelf brand new systems you can put together but it may not be right for you - hence a demonstration. You might find that when you listen to it you prefer to spend a little extra on the speakers and get even more from the system - something the Marantz can happily deliver.
As for the KEF / 608 combo - the Onkyo will do the trick as will the Yamaha 667 but once again you need to decide which is correct for you and if you perhaps want to take a step up. The 3005 can happily match up with amps at twice or even three times the price of the Onkyo.
If you need the service and support that a good dealer provides then look to other local stores. Perhaps the store is offering a great price and that is what they are actually selling rather than great product and service.
As for the Marantz combo yes it is very good and certainly one of the best off the shelf brand new systems you can put together but it may not be right for you - hence a demonstration. You might find that when you listen to it you prefer to spend a little extra on the speakers and get even more from the system - something the Marantz can happily deliver.
As for the KEF / 608 combo - the Onkyo will do the trick as will the Yamaha 667 but once again you need to decide which is correct for you and if you perhaps want to take a step up. The 3005 can happily match up with amps at twice or even three times the price of the Onkyo.
They don't deserve your custom. In this day and age, when almost anything can be bought on the internet cheaper than it can on the high street the bricks and mortar hi-fi retailer has to offer something that you can't get on-line. Re-pay his complacency by taking your custom elsewhere. And definitely try before you buy.
i'm amazed you can't demo! i thought all places would love to give you a demo given the summer month slump in this industry. Places like audio-t will lend you a piece of kit for a few days to try at home! seems a chasm of difference between them and this shop you're on about.
Go elsewhere! oh, and don't buy the wharfy 10.1s, they're not great!
Go elsewhere! oh, and don't buy the wharfy 10.1s, they're not great!
First off thanks to everyone for their posts.
It seems pretty unanimous that I should go elsewhere so I shall. I've just emailed 5 companies that stock what I'm looking for and all sell it for the same amount so will look forward to their replies.
Does anyone have any suggestions for other kit I should demo in my price range (or slightly above)?
It seems pretty unanimous that I should go elsewhere so I shall. I've just emailed 5 companies that stock what I'm looking for and all sell it for the same amount so will look forward to their replies.
Does anyone have any suggestions for other kit I should demo in my price range (or slightly above)?
the record spot:Sounds like either Richer Sounds or Superfi...
My thoughts exactly. Actually I am betting its the former. As everyone pretty much seems to have said, HiFi is very much a personal preference thing. Theres vast differences in sound between different manufacturers, you need to make sure youre buying something with a sound you like.
My thoughts exactly. Actually I am betting its the former. As everyone pretty much seems to have said, HiFi is very much a personal preference thing. Theres vast differences in sound between different manufacturers, you need to make sure youre buying something with a sound you like.
The Dali Lektor 1's are our choice with the Marantz combo but I can see why some prefer the 10.1's. As for the KEF's a higher priced Yamaha - RXV1067 - would be a good step if it doesnt break the budget too much.
To be fair to RS, although they are poor at in store demos, they offer a two week no quibbles trial of what you have bought with a full refund if you are not satisfied (on most of their hifi). So you don't need an in store demo when you have a fortnight to decide whether you like it or not in the best place to hear it. YOUR YARD.
Hey NIck, you still at work then?. Surely you don't wanna talk hifi when you get home as well....
Mrs won't be happy.
Mrs won't be happy.
Cidershed:
To be fair to RS, although they are poor at in store demos, they offer a two week no quibbles trial of what you have bought with a full refund if you are not satisfied (on most of their hifi). So you don't need an in store demo when you have a fortnight to decide whether you like it or not in the best place to hear it. YOUR YARD.
Fair point - but some of demoing for me is about setting up a couple of different systems in the room and then swapping between them to see which, if any, you prefer.
To be fair to RS, although they are poor at in store demos, they offer a two week no quibbles trial of what you have bought with a full refund if you are not satisfied (on most of their hifi). So you don't need an in store demo when you have a fortnight to decide whether you like it or not in the best place to hear it. YOUR YARD.
Fair point - but some of demoing for me is about setting up a couple of different systems in the room and then swapping between them to see which, if any, you prefer.
If it was me, I'd go elsewhere purely because of the persons attitude. However, regarding buying without having a listen first; unless you can run the gear in, in your own environment, I can't really see the point.
Once bought an Arcam 7se and B&W 602's on spec to go with an old Rotel amp I already had. Sounded dreadful, I was really disappointed...stuck with it (lack of experience, money, gall)...two weeks later, after plenty of use, sounded sublime.
Personally, I fancy the amp / CD combo you do but with the Arcaydia speakers instead of the 10.1's.
All the best and good luck on your mission (no pun intended 🙂
Once bought an Arcam 7se and B&W 602's on spec to go with an old Rotel amp I already had. Sounded dreadful, I was really disappointed...stuck with it (lack of experience, money, gall)...two weeks later, after plenty of use, sounded sublime.
Personally, I fancy the amp / CD combo you do but with the Arcaydia speakers instead of the 10.1's.
All the best and good luck on your mission (no pun intended 🙂
All the kit you have named sounds good; but if you're about to buy over a thousand pounds worth of kit they ought to be able to arrange a demo. Send an email to a few independent retailers and see who will offer a demo or interesting alternatives. It is always worth a drive to find good retailers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
- Jun 27, 2008
- 567
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- 18,890
bballtom:Now I know we are all told time and time again to try before you buy but here is a story of what happened to me today: Around 2pm this afternoon I walked into a large hifi retailer and after walking around for a while I spoke to the deputy manager. I am looking to buy the Marantz PM6003, Marantz CD6003 and Wharfdale Diamond 10.1. I asked for a demo, he couldn't manage this due to the shop being busy, fair enough I thought. Can I book one? Didn't get a straight answer, he didn't seem keen and wouldn't offer me a convenient time during the week. He then went on to explain that at this price point (£600) you can't beat this system, now here's the question: Would you agree with this? I mainly listen to rock and dance but my taste can be quite varied. I am also looking to buy an Onkyo TXSR608 possibly at the same time, once again this couldn't be demoed but I explained this would be an excellent match to the Kef KHT-3005 that I all ready own. Would you agree with this too?
It's your money. A lot of people are happy to buy their stuff without a demo, but if a dealer can't be bothered with you before the sale, he's certainly not going to be bothered with you afterwards when things might not have gone to plan and you're not entirely happy with your £1500+ purchase.
I'd prefer the Marantz combo with the Monitor Audio BR2's for the same price, and I find the KHT2005's suit the 608 (607/606) better than the 3005se's do. The KHT3005se's work much better on a £1,000/1,500 AV receiver.
The deputy manager said we could do a deal on both purchase but with this being popular kit there are plenty of online retailers selling it and I can't demo it in store why buy it from them? What are people's thoughts?
The KHT3005's and the Marantz products can't be mail ordered, so even though there might be retailers out there with these on their websites, they can't sell them via their website and ship them out - these products are collect only in store.
It's your money. A lot of people are happy to buy their stuff without a demo, but if a dealer can't be bothered with you before the sale, he's certainly not going to be bothered with you afterwards when things might not have gone to plan and you're not entirely happy with your £1500+ purchase.
I'd prefer the Marantz combo with the Monitor Audio BR2's for the same price, and I find the KHT2005's suit the 608 (607/606) better than the 3005se's do. The KHT3005se's work much better on a £1,000/1,500 AV receiver.
The deputy manager said we could do a deal on both purchase but with this being popular kit there are plenty of online retailers selling it and I can't demo it in store why buy it from them? What are people's thoughts?
The KHT3005's and the Marantz products can't be mail ordered, so even though there might be retailers out there with these on their websites, they can't sell them via their website and ship them out - these products are collect only in store.
Do NOT spend that money without a demo. Its frankly ridiculous that this "hi fi dealer" wont give you a demo. Its something that they should be bending over backwards to arange for you. Sod them and spend your well earned somwhere that appreciates you as a customer.
P.S i think i know the store you are talking about and if it is, it has seriously gone down hill. Big time. Ive used this store a LOT in the past and was always happy with the service. My last two recent purchases have been pretty dire experiences in terms of customer service.
Anyway, rant over.
P.S i think i know the store you are talking about and if it is, it has seriously gone down hill. Big time. Ive used this store a LOT in the past and was always happy with the service. My last two recent purchases have been pretty dire experiences in terms of customer service.
Anyway, rant over.
Cidershed:
Hey NIck, you still at work then?. Surely you don't wanna talk hifi when you get home as well....
Mrs won't be happy.
Working from home on this occasion. I try not to work late in the shop as at least I can site with a beer in my office at home!
Hey NIck, you still at work then?. Surely you don't wanna talk hifi when you get home as well....
Mrs won't be happy.
Working from home on this occasion. I try not to work late in the shop as at least I can site with a beer in my office at home!
SHAXOS:Do NOT spend that money without a demo. Its frankly ridiculous that this "hi fi dealer" wont give you a demo. Its something that they should be bending over backwards to arange for you. Sod them and spend your well earned somwhere that appreciates you as a customer.
P.S i think i know the store you are talking about and if it is, it has seriously gone down hill. Big time. Ive used this store a LOT in the past and was always happy with the service. My last two recent purchases have been pretty dire experiences in terms of customer service.
Anyway, rant over.
SHAXOS is dead right. In this day and age, a retailer should at least show interest in their prospects and try to accomodate them. Go elsewhere and, if it were me, I'd go back to that retailer, tell him you've bought it, tell him where from and tell him why you went elsewhere in the first place. Rub 'is nose in it!. And people in the trade wonder why I deal direct with EB. This post sums it all up to a tee!!!.
P.S i think i know the store you are talking about and if it is, it has seriously gone down hill. Big time. Ive used this store a LOT in the past and was always happy with the service. My last two recent purchases have been pretty dire experiences in terms of customer service.
Anyway, rant over.
SHAXOS is dead right. In this day and age, a retailer should at least show interest in their prospects and try to accomodate them. Go elsewhere and, if it were me, I'd go back to that retailer, tell him you've bought it, tell him where from and tell him why you went elsewhere in the first place. Rub 'is nose in it!. And people in the trade wonder why I deal direct with EB. This post sums it all up to a tee!!!.
To be honest I got the distinct impression that I would be doing him a favour buying from them not the other way round. Started giving me all the hard sell talk about possible stock running out and there is loads of interest in it. Basically a nice easy sale for him: walk in and stick £1k+ over the counter without him having to lift a finger! I don't think so!
Really want to name the retailer (and location) but let's just say it's a large HiFI / AV chain in the centre of London. I may give my local branch the benefit of the doubt first but got a feeling I will probably never shop with them again!
Really want to name the retailer (and location) but let's just say it's a large HiFI / AV chain in the centre of London. I may give my local branch the benefit of the doubt first but got a feeling I will probably never shop with them again!
bballtom:
Their prices are competitive with all the other main shops across the internet (price fixing anyone?) and I was offered the chance to bring it back if I weren't happy but without bringing a load of kit home to test or spending more than my budget I won't have anything to compare it to. It's quite a lot of money for me to spend and not being entirely happy with their customer service (even though they did let me have a quick demo of a 3D TV which was cool) I'm thinking go elsewhere or just buy off line. Anyone know of a decent company in Kent (east preferably) or east London that I could try?
bballtom
Might be worth giving Homemedia a call, they are based in Maidstone, don't know about matching RS/Internet prices but they are a top independent retailer with two excellent demo rooms
Give them a call and talk to Simon or Martin, they will certainly help you
Good luck, let me know how you go
Their prices are competitive with all the other main shops across the internet (price fixing anyone?) and I was offered the chance to bring it back if I weren't happy but without bringing a load of kit home to test or spending more than my budget I won't have anything to compare it to. It's quite a lot of money for me to spend and not being entirely happy with their customer service (even though they did let me have a quick demo of a 3D TV which was cool) I'm thinking go elsewhere or just buy off line. Anyone know of a decent company in Kent (east preferably) or east London that I could try?
bballtom
Might be worth giving Homemedia a call, they are based in Maidstone, don't know about matching RS/Internet prices but they are a top independent retailer with two excellent demo rooms
Give them a call and talk to Simon or Martin, they will certainly help you
Good luck, let me know how you go
For me reading this, the fundamental thing which strikes me, is that these people do not love what they do and are merely sales people. Even if you get a demo, you won't get the service. If they love music and hifi, they would do even if they didn't think you would buy because its human nature to indulge in the things we love doing and to share with others.
One of the best demo's i had was at Home Cinema Centre in Edinburgh. I thought I wanted one thing and it sounded great, but other things sounded better for what i wanted. What you can often get is regurgitated commentary and opinion. You could tell they all loved what they do. PS - I would also hear the Dali's with the Marantz also.
One of the best demo's i had was at Home Cinema Centre in Edinburgh. I thought I wanted one thing and it sounded great, but other things sounded better for what i wanted. What you can often get is regurgitated commentary and opinion. You could tell they all loved what they do. PS - I would also hear the Dali's with the Marantz also.
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