So this is the dealio; I wanted to demo the SCM40 actives against the passive version (with a NAP250) - So I thought to myself..., that can't be too hard? I'll check out who carries both Naim and ATC in my area and drop them a line, which was something along the lines of:
"I am wondering if it could be possible to book a demonstration of ATC’s SCM40A and SCM40 with a Naim NAP250. I am particularly interested in this speaker / power amp combination. You can choose the source/pre you deem fit"
2 dealers got back to me; dealer A and dealer B
Dealer A replied first "We are sure we can help you, perhaps it would be useful for us to have a chat about your system plans" - To which I thought, OK, you could've said, "Yes, we have the kit you want to demo, or we don't" but fair enough ... So I give dealeroo A a ring.
The guy was pleasant and very polite - You know, that middle-class / middle-age salesperson demeanour, the type that makes you feel all warm inside and finds everything you say funny, yeah... that type.
Anyway, the first thing he said after I described my system and explained (again) what I wanted, was "Oh I have a power supply that will make your NDX shine". When I said it was not an NDX that I had but a ND5 XS, he said it might not be a good enough source for the SCM40 - (fair enough, he's entitled to his opinion) This was followed by him telling me he did not have the speakers I wanted to demo in stock, and that I would really struggle to find a hifi dealer that had both passive and actives SCM40 for demo. Fair enough, but the bit that took the biscuit was "we could use a pair of SCM11 because they'll give you a good idea of the 'ATC sound" - I was a bit taken aback to be honest... His solution (when I said that the SCM11 was not what I wanted) was to suggest that maybe he could ask Naim for a pair of Actives as demo "If I tell them that I will sell them"
Is this the way most dealers do business? He basically broke every rule in the book
Dealer B got back to me a few hours later, his response?
"Yes, have both speakers in stock as well as a NAP250. I'll use a NACN272. When would you like to come?" No, opening pleasantries , no 'kind regards' at the end. The dude didn't even put his name on the email, but guess which one I'll be visiting....
[RANT OVER]
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by Massimo Bertola
I wouldn't know. I had to google disingenuous, and I am not sure I understand what or who you are referring to. If it's the dealer, I don't get the connection; if it's me, I understand even less. Sorry, nothing personal but I not always catch the nuances.
I don't think I have anything else to contribute to the topic with.
Massimo
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by analogmusic
It's not you being disingenuous Massimo, but it just doesn't help anyone to walk into a hi-end hi-fi shop with trainers and looking like one has no money.
What is one trying to prove anyway?
the goal is to develop a good relationship, audition lots of good hi-fi and buy something that gives years of music enjoyment.
One has to keep in mind, a Naim dealer is not Currys, Dixons, or Richer sounds (all very fine stores, by the way)
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by feeling_zen
I dunno. I wear ratty trainers and fairly tatty clothes. I simply am not into spending on rags. But I've never ever had a dealer assume I had no money because of it either, back in the UK or on my travels since. I've had it in some places, but not hi-end hifi dealers.
I seem to remember from my days working in the trade, there was always a loaded customer that could outdo a homeless person for looking skint. And usually they were retired rock musicians. But, if the dealer thinks you've got no money and their time is valuable, sure, you won't get attention. How they come to that conclusion though depends on a lot of factors like demeanor, speech... smell.
I also think dealer A's response was the right one. I wouldn't just kneee-jerk offer exactly what anyone asked of me even if I could do it. Good service usually entails asking about the context and what someone is really trying to do. And sure, after discussing it they may come to the same conclusion. To assume otherwise would be like diagnosing your own illness on WebMD, going to a hospital and asking for specific operation.
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by hungryhalibut
Disingenuous means dishonest or deceitful. I’m not really sure how that applies to someone going into a Naim dealer dressed scruffily. They are not deliberately trying to fool anyone. When I went to see my dealer last week I was wearing a tee shirt, shorts and sandals. Why was that? Because it was hot. Similarly, I’ve worn a suit. Why was that? Because I was going directly from the office. There was no difference in how I was treated, other than that when I went in my tee shirt last week I was greeted by ‘piss off mate, we are a Naim dealer, don’t you know, and you don’t look like the sort we want in here. I’d suggest you go elsewhere’.
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by Perol
Back in the late eighties I went into a hifistore coming from a manager meeting very well dressed, the owner/seller met me with trainers and wrangler's, not very dressed hair and coffee in one hand.
He was inviting but not extremely hygiene tbh
He did not sell Naim but was a first class seller an knowledge second to none, able to build up a relation ship on his initiative it became a decades friendship, he sold a lot of kit to me.
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by analogmusic
Disingenuous means dishonest or deceitful. I’m not really sure how that applies to someone going into a Naim dealer dressed scruffily. They are not deliberately trying to fool anyone. When I went to see my dealer last week I was wearing a tee shirt, shorts and sandals. Why was that? Because it was hot. Similarly, I’ve worn a suit. Why was that? Because I was going directly from the office. There was no difference in how I was treated, other than that when I went in my tee shirt last week I was greeted by ‘piss off mate, we are a Naim dealer, don’t you know, and you don’t look like the sort we want in here. I’d suggest you go elsewhere’.
I think it's all developing a relationship with the dealer HH. Are you deliberately trying to not understand or what?
Once the relationship with the dealer is made, then it does matter?
in any case I didn't particularly like the tone of the post from the OP.
HI-fi is a journey (well it has been for me and some friends who own Naim) and part of the Naim enjoyment is the journey.... It's all been tremendous good fun for me.
And part of this journey is made possible by the dealers who try to make a living in a difficult business.
Be nice to them.
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by Muttonjef
It's not you being disingenuous Massimo, but it just doesn't help anyone to walk into a hi-end hi-fi shop with trainers and looking like one has no money.
What is one trying to prove anyway?
the goal is to develop a good relationship, audition lots of good hi-fi and buy something that gives years of music enjoyment.
One has to keep in mind, a Naim dealer is not Currys, Dixons, or Richer sounds (all very fine stores, by the way)
I think one has spent too much of ones time watching Downton Abbey repeats.
If one was to perambulate into a Blighty HiFi emporium, wearing ones Gieves & Hawkes chalk stripe suit, Cheaney Brogues, leaning on a James Smith & Sons umbrella, they would immediately identify one as a Merchant Banker!
Toodle-pip Lord Analog
Posted on: 25 May 2018 by analogmusic
If I was a hifi dealer, I think [@mention:69004037368204356] would be my dream customer. He's going to be nice and polite, well dressed, prepared to spend loads of money, and work hard at developing a relationship. In a sense a little scary, but on the other hand it's all about the money.
A dealers dream customer one is one who loves hi-fi and has deep pockets 
, one who can afford a PS555DR, a 552DR, 500DR and such things....
I worry that indeed we are the last generation that will buy Naim....?
I guess a relationship with a dealer (from new) should start with a Uniti star or Nova.....?
Oh whatever, I'm out, going back to my Dave and 282 to listen to some music.
