sse@flash.bellcore.com (Samuel S. Epstein) (03/22/90)
I recently bought components from Audio Outlet, a mail/phone order high-end audio dealer in Mount Kisco, New York. The obvious advantage of buying from them is that they offer products from lots of manufacturers, and their prices are low. It turns out that Frank, who runs the business, is also very knowledgable about hi-fi. What's more unusual is that he's made a real effort to see to it that I'm happy with my system. One thing I particularly appreciate is that if he doesn't have an answer, he simply says so. He's done research to find answers that are important to me. I've also appreciated his timely help over the phone with some technical problems that I encountered during non-business hours.
chowkwan@aero.org (Raymond Chowkwanyun) (03/23/90)
I would put in a good word for Audio Advisor. The things I like
about them are:
1. 30 day trial period. (Check first to see it applies
to the item you're interested in, this policy doesn't
apply to everything they sell). I've returned headphones
I didn't like without any problem (they didn't even ask
why I was returning them. i.e. no 3rd degree about why
you'd want to return such an obviously fine piece of
equipment etc.) I find this 30 day policy especially
useful for auditioning wires.
2. The sales staff is knowledgeable and have first hand
experience with the products.
3. My own bias: I'm interested in the product lines they
carry: VTL, Cardas, Audioquest, VPI. They have other
lines too. Ask for the catalogue if you're interested.
They're in Ann Arbor Michigan at 800 669 4434.
-- raysse@flash.bellcore.com (Samuel S. Epstein) (03/23/90)
I did some business with Audio Advisor before I got to know Audio Outlet. My experience is that Audio Advisor is an honest, well-run business. However, they gave me post-sales information less liberally than they gave me pre-sales advice. I think that some of the advice they gave me had more to do with what they had to sell than with what would be best for me. In my experience, Audio Outlet's service is much better. Concerning component trials, I don't know what Audio Outlet's general policy is, but they lent me cables to try out. (I didn't ask for this service until I had established myself as a customer.) Concerning availability of components from different manufacturers, I think that both dealers can get almost anything. My impression is that Audio Outlet is more willing to take steps to get components they don't normally stock. One disadvantage of Audio Outlet is that they don't have an 800 number. Their toll number is 914-666-0550.