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.
It’s a male dominated hobby. Filled with nerds (myself included). It also is an expensive and, at times, elitist hobby. So, you get some attitude.
I also think hi-fi stores have a lot of “tire kickers” for customers; customers who just come in to demo gear without any intention of buying. Which is probably frustrating for the store owner/employees, who often work on commission.
It isn’t right for people to be condescending. Frankly, there have been times when I came into a store planning on buying something, and their attitude was so poor that I just took my money elsewhere.
But yeah, it really really sucks.