2. amps-preamps
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Tips on dealing with audio dealers

Where I live we don't have stereo stores that handle high end audio equipment. So, I need some guidance. Can I order a preamp from an audio store and have it shipped to me? I know Mcintosh won't let you do that. Does Audio Research? How about prices? Are they set in stone or negotiable? I don't have a dealer and have never dealt with one so can some of you guys suggest a good one? I am considering the REF6 but for a good price I would consider a 5SE. I have heard there are a number of 5SE's for sale but I haven't run into any yet. Any advice you guys can give me would be helpful and much appreciated.
wemfan
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
Keep us posted on your search.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
If you want to buy McIntosh stuff look no further than Audioclassics.com, They are the top seller of new and used McIntosh on the east coast! you can buy a preamp from them no problem. Also, Fine Sounds Inc owns McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Farber, so it should be fairly easy to find out about these products by calling one place. audioclassics.com there are in Vestal NY.


Matt
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
The real question is what is the rest of your system? The ARC preamp may be excellent or not depending on the synergy of your system and just because someone has brand x amp that doesn't mean that brand x preamp should be used or would sound the best.

If you let us know what components you have I am sure we can make some good suggestions.

Troy
Audio Doctor
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wemfan OP
66 posts
 
mattmiller, I do know Audioclassics. I have purchased 3 MAC pieces from them in the past with good results. I had to do it through someone else because of MACs shipping policy. Now, I am really wanting to move away from MAC and try something else and right now ARC is what I am considering.

Audiotroy, I also have a thread going called "I need a preamp" where I give details on what I am trying to do. Please look it up and respond if you would. 

I have two systems that I want a preamp for. They are set up together so I have been using one preamp and just connecting it to which ever system I am in the mood to listen to.

MAC mc275VI  Klipschorn 
Krell FPB 350mcx  B&W 801 Matrix seriesII
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
You should be able to work out with ARC who your supporting dealer should be and there will most probably be some latitude as you seem to be far from one.
for example when I lived in Charleston SC with no dealer in the state they told me pick from nearest three and build a relationship. two were in NC and one in Atlanta.
my REF5se went to my dealer and he installed tubes, listened to it and caught a few errors ( simple cosmetic stuff but errors none the less resolved them.
Ayre and Aesthetix suggested I do same so 
DAC and power amp business went to Atlanta dealer a five hour drive away.
to say that I have special relationship and enjoy phenomenal support from these two dealers is an understatement 


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