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.
There are some very smart, enlightened and courteous dealers who listen to potential customers and are happy to demo what they sell regardless of how you dress or what equipment you have. As enthusiasts we would do well to take our business to them.
I have been very very satisfied with the service I received from the very kind folks at Neko Audio http://www.nekoaudio.com/ in San Jose, CA. I’m a very satisfied customer.
Even though they carry some stratospherically priced equipment, they also have access to far more affordable brands that give great value for money and provide a ton of listening pleasure instead of being luxury items for their own sake.
They are very happy to listen to your needs, demo equipment to you and recommend what would fit in your budget. We need more shops like Neko Audio imho.