In Home Audition and Return Friendly Online Retailers

[armaraas]

Hello, as the title suggests I am looking to make a list of retailers (most likely online only, but doesnt need to be) who are easy to work with to do an in home audition of speakers or equipment and do easy returns if necessary. I guess it may be more useful to do a general thread for everyone to use if needed rather than my own selfish needs. I am looking to audition towers personally, but if the dealer has a good return policy it shouldn't matter too much what someone is looking to audition. My main criteria are:

1. 30 day no questions asked audition/return window (14 seems to short to me if you're trying to coordinate multiple pieces of equipment at the same time for comparison)

2. Free shipping at least one way (I can deal with return shipping for a few sets of speakers, but if I have to pay initial shipping and return on something, that's one less set I can potentially audition and return)

3. No restocking fees (Qualify this as no fees for returns in like new condition, some places may charge if the speakers are physically worn in some way, damaged, or parts/manuals missing. If you're auditioning with a chance of returning, you should know better than to lose or damage anything...)


Retailers I'm aware of so far:

Aperion- free shipping both ways
Axiom- free shipping to you, must pay return shipping
Audio Advisor- free shipping for purchases over $199, must pay return shipping (I have an email out to them to confirm this and no restocking fees)


These are some obvious ones I'm aware of, but hoping maybe some people will know of other places I haven't found or thought of. I know of a couple more that might fit, but I haven't looked at them too closely on their policies yet. Hopefully this is a useful idea, but let me know what else you have...

 

[flippo]

crutchfield

crutchfield.com

 

[j_garcia]

AV123 on certain models (bookshelf), does shipping both ways.

 

[cornelius]

Ohm Acoustics are a GREAT company to deal with. These are excellent speakers with a very loyal following - I've found it very hard to go back to conventional speakers since owning a pair!

http://www.ohmacoustics.com/hometrial.cfm

120 day home trial, with the option to customize.

 

[Adam]

There are also the brick and mortar chain stores like Best Buy and Circuit City. I'm not aware of any restocking fees, but I haven't shopped there in a while.

You can also ask any audio/video dealers in your area about their audition policies. They might let you check speakers out at home without any commitment or risk.

 

[armaraas]

Thanks everyone. The Ohm Acoustics look interesting, but probably won't work for me, it doesn't appear they have centers that will fit in my available space.

The big box stores do not interest me too much, CC by me never has anything of interest, and BB does have a magnolia, but the last few times I went there no one was ever available to answer questions. There's not much around me for smaller dealers except custom installers, who do not have much available (work out of their homes). Most other audio stores are a good 30-40 miles away, so I'm thinking by the time I drive around, audition, try to find something to take home to audition, it is just as cost and time effective to try a few brands from online.

Has anyone heard of AAD, American Acoustic Development?
http://www.aadsound.com/

There are no dealers near me, but they do sell direct with free shipping to and 21 day trial period.
http://www.aad-direct.com/main/aadd-Home.htm

 

[Warpdrv]

SVSound, excellent products, no questions asked return policy... 45 day in home trial, but shipping is on you...