yoga mats

Reconnaissance
There are a wide range of retailers as well, from mass-marketers like Circuit City, and Best Buy to “boutique” audio-only stores such as Audio Consultants in Chicago, Gramophone, in the Baltimore/Washington DC area, or the well-respected San Francisco Stereo in California. If you’re shopping one of the larger retail outlets, you can expect to find a myriad of brands at low prices, marketed by youthful sales associates who may or may not have the knowledge to help you make the best choice. Shopping at an audio-only boutique store usually means access to more brands (many you may never have heard of, and usually at higher prices), and access to more knowledgeable sales represent Your next task is to take a drive to your local audio stores and mass-merchandisers (like Best Buy, Tweeter, or Circuit City). Bring a little notebook or pad and pen with you. If your destination is a mass-merchandiser, find the home audio section of the store as soon as you get in the door. Don’t be distracted by the other offerings: avoid the computer section, pass the appliances and focus on home audio nothing else.

Take note of the brands that are offered, observing price and features. Are there any pieces available for audition there at the store? Does the store look well stocked with demonstrator models? Next, look helpless. The sales people working the floor are going to approach you and ask if they can assist you. Politely ask them to tell you about the features of the piece of equipment right in front of you. Note their reaction to your request. Do they stammer, or proceed directly into a description? Do they ask you any questions about what you want in a piece of equipment? Once they walk away, write your impressions down for later review.

If your destination is an audio-only store, treat your trip as if you are going on a first date. Take note of the surroundings. Does the store look clean, and well-maintained? Do they have a multitude of types of equipment on display? How long does it take before a sales associate asks you for help? How wide is the price range between items in each category? Once you’ve been approached by a sales rep, ask questions about the establishment, like how long have they been in business, and whether they offer service for the products they sell. Finally, ask yourself if this dealer is worthy of building a relationship with?

There are two key service features that you should expect of audio-only stores. First, audio-only boutiques will often allow you to test equipment for a limited time in your home. Think “test-drive for home audio.” This allows you to see how the item will perform in the real world and in the place where it’s going to see the majority of its duty. This customer service feature by itself should be enough to entice you to at least try a local audio-only dealer.

The second feature is that many well-established audio-only stores will deal in previously owned equipment. It’s the audio equivalent of a late model pre-owned automobile. You can get a slightly used piece of equipment that comes with a warranty and has been reconditioned to perform as new. This allows you to increase your listening pleasure and save a buck or two in the process. And many dealers will allow you to “trade up” to a new piece of equipment for a small incremental amount when you sell your equipment back to them.

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about if you’re looking to truly have great home stereo. It seems daunting at first, but after a little adjustment period, this will all feel like second nature. Take your time. Relax. Breathe. If you use these suggestions, I promise you’ll find your buying experience will be less stressful, and you will gently ease yourself into the wonderful world of home audio.

From Anthony Armstrong