Just had a fantastic experience from an AV shop I thought I must share. I found myself at HiFi Specialists in Vereeniging, just looking for some interconnects. Started chatting with Schalk Burger - no not the rugby player 
(How's THAT for a misleading headline ) He couldn't help me with my interconnects, but I think the drool gave me away... he enthusiastically offered to put some of his equipment through their paces for me. No, I didn't ASK him, and I didn't drop any hints, he simply OFFERED.
Of course, I had to consider this first.
...NOT!
The sound room was impressive to say the least. AV display consisting of Paradigm floorstand fronts and center, and Acoustic Energy surrounds, Harman Kardon receiver - a big-un, I forgot to check the models, way too excited (I'm clearly an av amateur). Panasonic projector to round it all of. I don't think I need to say that these weren't exactly entry-level equipment... First he put on the Open Range dvd, made us experience an old-school western shootup. My sister accidentally followed me in I think she owes them a new couch. (firefights rule!!!) Those Paradigms impressed me. About as much as Kate Beckinsale in Underworld with the leather outfit. And that's a LOT. Then came Robbie Williams live at Knebworth. Two minutes later, with tears in my eyes, I offered him my sister for the Paradigms, but he refused.
But rewind about 10 minutes. When I entered the sound room, the first thing I noticed were... the Paradigm Reference Studio 20 V4's. I read the review in AVSA June issue, nuff said. So after the refused barter, our host (note, he's now a 'host', as he had coffee brought in) turned our attention to the stereo system. The Paradigms were paired with Musical Fidelity XT100/Triple X amplifier, and Musical Fidelity X-dac CD player. Ahhhhhh....
I'm converted. I want stereo. He played some percussion cuts, some bass guitar sections, some vocal/instrumental tracks, Tracy Chapman, Tracks from the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack. I couldn't find fault with a single note. Sure, I'm a novice, but I know good sound when I hear it. And this goes beyond that. Of course, this is a bad thing, cause I arrived home, just looked at my crappy speakers, and thought about sweetening the original deal by including my mom in the trade offer.
But I can only recommend popping in at HiFi Specialists for some friendly people, who know their field and product, and treated me to a memorable experience.
No, I don't work for them. And no, I've never met any of them before.
(How's THAT for a misleading headline ) He couldn't help me with my interconnects, but I think the drool gave me away... he enthusiastically offered to put some of his equipment through their paces for me. No, I didn't ASK him, and I didn't drop any hints, he simply OFFERED.Of course, I had to consider this first.
...NOT!
The sound room was impressive to say the least. AV display consisting of Paradigm floorstand fronts and center, and Acoustic Energy surrounds, Harman Kardon receiver - a big-un, I forgot to check the models, way too excited (I'm clearly an av amateur). Panasonic projector to round it all of. I don't think I need to say that these weren't exactly entry-level equipment... First he put on the Open Range dvd, made us experience an old-school western shootup. My sister accidentally followed me in
I think she owes them a new couch. (firefights rule!!!) Those Paradigms impressed me. About as much as Kate Beckinsale in Underworld with the leather outfit. And that's a LOT. Then came Robbie Williams live at Knebworth. Two minutes later, with tears in my eyes, I offered him my sister for the Paradigms, but he refused.But rewind about 10 minutes. When I entered the sound room, the first thing I noticed were... the Paradigm Reference Studio 20 V4's. I read the review in AVSA June issue, nuff said. So after the refused barter, our host (note, he's now a 'host', as he had coffee brought in) turned our attention to the stereo system. The Paradigms were paired with Musical Fidelity XT100/Triple X amplifier, and Musical Fidelity X-dac CD player. Ahhhhhh....
I'm converted. I want stereo. He played some percussion cuts, some bass guitar sections, some vocal/instrumental tracks, Tracy Chapman, Tracks from the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack. I couldn't find fault with a single note. Sure, I'm a novice, but I know good sound when I hear it. And this goes beyond that. Of course, this is a bad thing, cause I arrived home, just looked at my crappy speakers, and thought about sweetening the original deal by including my mom in the trade offer.
But I can only recommend popping in at HiFi Specialists for some friendly people, who know their field and product, and treated me to a memorable experience.
No, I don't work for them. And no, I've never met any of them before.
