This is something I’ve noticed lately. A lot of hifi shops and hifi manufacturers have helpful staff, but just as many are extremely rude and arrogant.
I’ve had people speak condescendingly about my amp when I’m demoing speakers. Same thing for my speakers. I’ve even had someone, and I kid you not, tell me my streamer has shit sound quality.
It seems like hifi shops are either extremely helpful or just downright awful. The same with manufacturers, they either recognise that there exists alternatives or everything sucks ass compared to their product.
Same with all this high-margin tech. Quarterly bonuses, sales targets etc all mean that some sales goon will belittle you in a second for another £10. Choose your aesthetic, listen carefully, and don’t fall for extended warranties or cable bullshit.