How do I find an audio advisor who does home consultations?


I live on Eastern Long Island and am looking for someone who could do an assessment of my system. Over the last couple of years I've taken the leap into a better quality vinyl system, but just can't seem to get the sound right consistently.  In the past year I purchased a Rega Planar 3 TT, a Line Magnetic tube integrated amp and a Heed phono stage.  There are times it sounds great, but not consistently. I've told two different dealers that my CDs sound better than my vinyl and the response and look I get is like I've spoken heresy.  

I'm in the middle of trying the myriad tweaks (vibration control, new rack, cork mat, record cleaner), am looking into my electrical system (think I have a dedicated line), power conditioner and so on.  I'm considering new phono stage and cartridge as well.

I know how electrical issues ( air conditioner running, dehumidifier on another line) influence sound, but is it possible that vinyl is influenced more that CD's?

Anyway, I'm willing to pay for someone to assess my system in my home as opposed to going to a dealer and guessing that I need this or that without hearing what I am.  Are there dealers that charge an hourly rate to do this?


udog

Showing 5 responses by udog

Chayro I may have given the wrong impression about my dealings with dealers.  They have been extremely helpful.  In fact, after one discussion related to the CDs sounding better than vinyl, he re-aligned my cartridge, thus improving the sound, and has been very helpful.  I brought in my integrated tube amp to test it with B&W speakers I ultimately bought, so it was a win win for both of us.  
In the meantime, my listening room (my basement) was renovated and its taken a long time to get it back together and the vinyl setup is the weak link.  With temps in the 90's in the northeast, AC and dehumidifiers have been going full blast with my system suffering as well with surges, drop-offs and inconsistencies with the electrical system.  Pointing toward better power conditioning.  Thanks for the other suggestions, will be looking for audiophile groups in the area.  This site has a few listed and will look into them.  Keep the suggestions coming.
austinbob, I can see how expensive this can become.  Went to one dealer who had 20k speakers and an ultimate VPI system that was the best I ever heard.  I don't know if there's a market for it, but I personally am willing to pay 100-200 for a good listening session, don't know if this already exists.  Is it out there?
Thanks for the many suggestions and help.  I have used Audio Den, in fact they realigned my cartridge and helped match my amp with a new pair of B&Ws, so I have had some help.  Just looking to see what else is in my area and other resources.