Hi,
One of the perennial problems for me living in regional WA is the inability to audition stuff before purchase. I have learned from quite a few mistakes how critical it is to do this - whatever the specifications on paper there is a huge subjective element that comes into play when you make that final decision to stump up the money. An example is DACS - I am looking to add to my little collection but there is such a massive proliferation of high quality DACS that it is impossible to decide by just looking at specs and reading reviews. You can generally find a positive (or negative) review of pretty much anything.
It is pretty common in the UK and the USA for hi fi shops to allow home auditions. Not so much here it appears.
Now my question. Are there any hi fi shops around Australia that will do loaners or allow returns if you are not satisfied with the gear? Graham Slee has an excellent loaner programme and I have already auditioned their stuff.
Thanks,
Rob