Naim Dealer Satisfaction USA/Canada

Well, I'll be the first on this side of the pond. Since moving to a Naim system 6 years ago, I have dealt exclusively with Gene Rubin Audio in California. The best audio dealer I have ever worked with bar none. I do not even bother calling anyone else any more.

Ditto for Rick at Audio Alternative in Ft. Collins.

Would love to have a local dealer...

The Tropical Linnie
Flat-Earther circa 1984
LP12/LVII/Karma/Cirkus/Trampolinn/Wakonda/Genki/2*LK240/Katan/Creek CAS3040

Another vote for Rick at Audio Alternative. I've moved 1500 miles away, but he's still the man to see about Naim and Linn questions.

I deal now with Gene also. He's a nice enough guy, but it's just a shame that I live in the 6th largest city in the US and cannot audition or, for all practical purposes, recommend Naim. No matter where I've lived over the last two or three decades, there's always been a Linn peddler within reach...

I have not YET bought anything from Gene Rubin-- but I will in the future. Probably a turntable of some sort. He is a very nice and knowledgable guy.

He isnt too fond of NAIM speakers however... He's got a preference for Spendor and especially Quad, about which there's an ongoing thread at the moment.

I must split my vote between three dealers:
1. Gene Rubin, who provided excellent support when I was in the distant hills of East Tennessee many years ago.
2. Bob Levin of Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle, Washington. As many in the Seattle area will testify, Bob does a superb job representing the Naim line, offers great advice and support.
3. I must also mention my very enjoyable memories from way, way back, at Pro Musica in Chicago. Ken Christiansen's enthusiasm and "light touch" (sales-wise) could serve as an example to all audio dealers. I remember one time stopping by, when he enthusiastically said "we've just finished an active set-up in the basement--would you like to hear it?" No pressure to buy, just a willingness to share something that was fun.

Markus

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My experience with my closest Naim dealer has been one of extremes...

Once I got over their "different than everyone else" approach, I began my induction into Hi-end audio. I auditioned and bought my complete (from source to speakers) system from them a piece at a time. Every step of the way was a real education. I listened and learned. It took me about 5-6 years to do it, but I had a system that sounded great. I loved it.

Fast forward 10 years ahead from my last purchase. >>> A wife, a house and 2 kids later.

I now decide to visit this same dealer with my 11 year old son to see (hear) what's new. He plays a song or two on a 112/150 set-up and asks what my system is. When I tell him, he asks me "what are you listening to that CRAP for?!"



My son and I were in shock!!! I bought my complete system from HIM! Now he tells me it's absolutely worthless! He tells me I should use the heavier "boxes" for doorstops!

Therefore, my vote for the undesputed world's (from best to) worst Naim dealer is Ears Nova in Great Neck, NY.

I now buy used Naim gear and avoid all this kind of nonsense!



Thanx for listening,
TNJB

The best Naim dealer in the Toronto Area (and only dealer) is Steve at Hi-Fi-Fo-Fum. Great service, friendly advice and atmosphere, and always offering to help tweek a set-up or loan equipment for one to try before you buy.

Ears Nova
TNJB
I guess Josh hasnt changed much over the years.
My first encounter with Josh was way back in the late 70's early 80's. I was just a young lad at the time thinking I had a pretty good kit. ( Dual TT, NAD int. hooked up to a pair of JBL L112s)
I walked in looking for a CD player. That must have pissed him off. He asked what kit I had and began to rip into it. I was on the verge of tears and about to run out but somehow I felt that I should stay. My inner voice was right. That day I came in looking for a CD player but instead walked out with a Rega Planar 3. Looking
back, Josh's "tough love" approuch set me straight. The Rega was the cornerstone of many systems to come.
Unfortunately, I never followed up with Josh. His tongue lashing still smarted for years to come. I got caught up the "round earth" merry-go-round world. Switching among various types of equiptment until about several months ago when I decided to get off.
I was always curious about Naim and felt it was time to act on my curiosity. I went to the NaimUSA website to look for a dealer and there it was... Ears Nova. I cold chill went up my spine. Twenty two years later I would be back to see Josh. No longer a young lad, this time I was prepared to take the heat. It wasnt that bad this time around. I guess age has mellowed him a bit.
Well, I am now a happy Naim owner and still have that Rega 3 that I purchased from him years ago. I have come full circle.

Emil

I live in the southeast USA and there has been a longevity problem with Naim dealers. I'm not aware of any that have been around for years. But, there is now good news for all of us in the Carolinas.
I had the pleasure of spending last Saturday in Charlotte, NC with Jim cash of Imagine Audio. Super guy! He's very low key, he listens to you (what a concept!) and he has GREAT tunes to demo equipment.
As I understand it, Jim had worked for a local dealer for years and was their LP12 specialist. He now has the Naim line and several other very good brands. He tuned my LP12 and it sounds great.
We need a good local dealer. So, look him up when you get a chance.

In Toronto, there is only Steve of HiFi FoFum. I dont think we need another Naim dealer in this great city. Steve service is THE BEST.

To all, especially Emil:

Don't get me wrong... I said in my previous post that I did learn a lot when I first started to deal with Ears Nova. I recommended them to everyone that would listen to me!

If I understood your post, your original (old) system that you had when you first went into Ears Nova, was bought elsewhere. It was somewhat understandable (regardless of how un-professional it may have been) to trash the equipment you had from some other stereo shop.

In my case, what got to me was that Josh was trashing his own stuff!

Believe me, I wish this whole change for the worse never happened... but that was on his doing, not mine.

Thanx for letting me vent.
TNJB

TNJB
Im not defending Ears Nova. After I read your post, it reminded me of my first experience with him. Cant believe that they are still around but I guess they must be doing somthing right.
Innovative in Manhattan was my other choice.
Accent on Music in Mt Kisco is quite a drive for me but I understand its worth the trip.

Emil

No excuses.

I just thought that I would troll the three " dealer satisfaction" polls one more time to try to increase the vote count.

At present it stands at 148.

68 exceptional
45 good
17 mediocre
18 awful

That is about 75% exceptional/good
or about 25% mediocre/awful

Depends whether you're an optimist or a pessimist !!

VOTE NOW

Cheers

Don

And North American dealers are better than UK ones.
I didn`t vote i swear.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

And Manu is the best of all Canadian dealer!!!

BTW, did you found a solution for my Burndy cable?

Bernard Paquet

Thanks Bernard, But don`t forget Steve, Robert and John.
BTW, not yet.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

And North American dealers are better than UK ones.

errrr.....not according to this poll, Manu !!

25% on both sides of the Atlantic seem to be classed as mediocre/awful, but you do seem to have a higher proportion of exceptional dealers, including yourself....

There do seem to be more dealers on your side willing to take part in this forum than on this side. You also seem to have got a bigger proportion of votes taking account of the number of forum members and dealers. Perhaps you take more interest in service ??

Hopefully the few dealers at the botton will take big steps to change perceptions. My experience, however, is that the exceptional dealers at the top will actually put more effort into delivering even more exceptional service still.

Cheers

Don

quote:

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Originally posted by Bernard Paquet:
And Manu is the best of all Canadian dealer!!!

BTW, did you found a solution for my Burndy cable?

Bernard Paquet

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STEVE (HiFi FoFum)is the BEST.................