mark wrote:
Thanks for all the replies, appreciated.


Doesn't make sense to me - you want a pile of 'expensive names' and yet you
want to be able to brag 'I got it cheap'....?


Firstly being a tightwad is nothing to brag about! But I do agree with
you to an extent. Its not the cost per se I object to, though it is a
lot of money for me. Its the "retail" price that bothers me. I don't
really want "dealer service" and I don't want to pay for it.

Of course £150 off £1500 isn't much compared to the savings of just
buying a £600 cheaper system. But it might well bug me for the next 10
years. Of course £150 over 10 years is even more inconsequential, but
I'd still rather keep it in my pocket.

Regarding auditioning...this is also a dilemma and does largely
undermine my thinking. I do know someone with the speakers I want, but
yes, I am largely relying on other people's opinions and reviews
regarding the Arcam stuff. (Ok, I admit I like the appearance of it too
and I am suckered in by their clever branding, but that's a thread in
itself.)

Maybe I should just grow up, go and have the salesman set up an
audition of some different brands and pay the full whack...

Mark


Go to a dealer, get a demo, ask to take the kit home on a trial.
Normally this will involve swiping a credit card before you get out of
the shop with this kit.

If you decide you don't like it, bring it back, and its cost you nothing
but time, and has saved you from spending money on something you don't like.

If you do like it. Go back and make the dealer an offer. If he doesn't
like your offer, give the kit back, and you are no worst off, but at
least you have some kit you know you like. Then you can try and get the
same kit elsewhere for a discount. But given the kit has already left
his shop, he may be more inclined to offer a discount on it.

Of course, this could all fall down if they send you home with demo kit,
and not the new stuff you wanted to get the discount on.

--
Nick