The only thing that's the same is the name. As if I would recommend a bad speaker!Quote:
Originally Posted by User211
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The only thing that's the same is the name. As if I would recommend a bad speaker!Quote:
Originally Posted by User211
Hi everyone,
I've been doing some local research, which can be a bit of a nightmare; everyone has an opinion, and is keen to voice it!
I’m planning to arrange a visit to Cloney Audio (specifically to explore the brands they carry: https://www.cloneyaudio.com/brands
I’m interested in auditioning some speakers and possibly amplification, but it’ll be my first time in a long time visiting a high-end dealer for a serious demo.
If you’ve been to Cloney or have experience with their demos, I’d really appreciate your insight:
How far in advance should I book an appointment?
What’s the demo process like—do they encourage you to bring your own music, and is there much flexibility to compare different components?
Any particular brands or setups they excel with that I should prioritise?
General impressions of their service, expertise, and overall approach.
I’ve seen they emphasise system matching and have decades of experience, which is exactly what I’m after.
If anyone has visited recently or has worked with them on a system, I’d love to hear your thoughts before I reach out to them.
Alistair
Heard the Super Lintons the other day and they are superb. In fact I would consider a pair myself!Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
I have no experience, but from a quick browse in the "shop" section £3 to £5k is going to be a challenge in that dealer for a system. They don't seem to have much mid range gear.
As you said, they look a bit more high end, so personally I would give them a call, or drop in, and discuss your requirements with them, and see what they suggest.
As for taking your own music, you may not need to if they can stream, but make sure you have a robust play list.
It's a pity you don't have Richer Sounds in Dublin, but there is a branch in Belfast, a two hour drive away. They have a wide range of products to cater for your budget and beyond, and their staff are enthusiastic and very helpful. Just give them a bit of notice, and they will have everything ready for you to audition.
As you’ve name checked me thought I’d better contribute.
Just to big up Fanthorpes in the dealer stakes. They provided excellent service when I purchased my Luxman amplifier from them in all respects - very fair with their trade in amounts, arranging a home demo and the actual purchase experience.
As far as recommending components is concerned I’m very happy with my system in a similar sized space as yours, happy to list them if you’re interested but might bust your budget.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c00d955d06.jpg
Good luck!
Evening all,
Yesterday, I had a few hours free, so I thought I'd pop in to Cloney, have a listen to some of the speakers on my shortlist (Spendor, ProAc, maybe Wharfedale), and generally get a feel for what's out there.
I was really looking forward to it. A proper hi-fi shop. A chance to talk to someone who knows their stuff.
It didn't go well.
I hadn't phoned ahead, just took the opportunity whilst I was in town
When I walked in, it didn't look too busy, there was an older gentleman behind the counter – I assume a senior salesman or possibly the owner. I said hello, explained I was putting together a new system with a budget of around £3-4k, and asked if I could listen to a few speakers.
His demeanour changed almost immediately. He didn't say it outright, but his tone shifted to something colder. He asked a couple of perfunctory questions, then said something like, "Well, we're quite busy today. Let me get someone to help you."
That someone turned out to be a younger lad – Saturday boy energy, polite enough but clearly not experienced. He didn't seem to know the products well. When I asked about the difference between the Spendor A1 and A2 – whether the floorstander would be too much for my 5x4m room – he gave me a vague, mumbled answer that didn't address the question. When I asked about amplification matching (I'd read Spendors can be a little fussy), he just said "they work with most amps."
I tried to steer the conversation – told him about my room, my taste (warm, engaging, not fatiguing), my interest in second-hand options. He nodded along but didn't really engage. No follow-up questions. No suggestions. No "let me set up a demo for you."
After about ten minutes of me pulling teeth, I thanked him and left. Didn't get to hear a single speaker.
Now, I understand that hi-fi shops are businesses. I understand that margins are tight and that a £3-4k sale isn't going to make anyone's year. But I wasn't asking for a private audition with the owner – just basic courtesy and a bit of product knowledge.
What really stings is that I was prepared to spend money. Not Linn/Naim money, but real money. And I walked away feeling like I wasn't worth their time.
So, am I being too sensitive? Should I just accept that some shops prioritise high rollers and buy online instead?
I don't want to name and shame unfairly. I'm genuinely asking whether I should give them another chance or take my business elsewhere.
Thanks for listening.
Alistair
Not unusual IME. Not all 'proper' dealers are like that but a lot will only perk up if you're spending well into five figures.
Go up to Richer Sounds in Belfast. Richer staff usually very helpful. Been using them off and on for 40 years without one bad experience.
Hello Alistair,
Sorry to learn of your disappointing visit to an audio dealer near you. Whilst I respect your wish not 'to name names', a simple search suggests a likely name. Clicking on their name shows that they have very good customer reviews, but have also received a few very bad reviews. No-one expects any seller to have a 100% satisfaction record; there are always some who like to complain, but the treatment you were given is unjustified and will do little for their reputation.
Often high street outlets are reluctant to spend a lot of time in providing in-store demonstrations is that a likely customer will thank them for the demo, will go away and 'think about it', and then buy the components on-line for a lower outlay.
So what I suggest is for you to describe your intended listening room in detail, providing photographs if possible, showing the disposition of all doors and windows, and where you intend to place furnishings. We have Members here who might be able to advise, and perhaps sell you and deliver a suitable system.
Don't give up.
If you want to try a dealer, I would suggest again Richer Sounds in Belfast. I see from your last post that you just dropped in to Cloney unannounced. Now I'm not going to excuse the way you were treated there, but I will say that dealers like appointments, to better prepare them to set up some products and make time for you. And Richer Sounds will be no exception, so be sure to give them a call first.
I've bought a lot of stuff from them over the years, and apart from last year's £2k telly I've never spent more than a couple of hundred, and I was never made to feel that spending big would get me better service.
But really, to get the most bang for your buck, listen to advice offered on AoS - I wish I'd done that before buying my stuff ten years ago, my set up would look (and sound) better than it does. Of that I am certain. So Barry's suggestion is also valid :)