Hello again.
Yes, as an earlier poster mentioned, at the pricey end, hi-fi gear, like many interests, is something where you tend to buld up a relationship with a trusted, reputable dealer, second-to-none reputation, such as the one I see, who has been in the profession for several decades. We have got to know each other well and I still, to this day seek advice from this dealer, trust him well and buy my accessories, such as LP inner sleeve covers, cleaning fluid, dust remover kits from him.
It was during one of these early visits, after purchase, I was advised my brother made contact again.
As it happens, when I first mentioned to my brother I was thinking of buying something, he correctly advised me to buy from this particular dealer and follow his advice, as he knows far more that him (my brother).......By far the best around our neck of the woods! Brother has bought from him, but not for about 30 years as he lives away.
Since, my brother has told me, almost preachingly, each time he has upgraded bits and pieces and said in a put down way that it is what I need to upgrade to. He tells me it is far better than what I have and I need to buy the same.
Recently, my brother emailed me to say he had seen a particular turntable on a well known auction site, on 'buy it now', which the seller was heavily underselling, was nuts to let it go at the price and that it is the best hi-fi kit ever made, putting my average kit in the shade, plus to buy it immediately or miss out. He said he'd told a colleague who is into hi-fi about it also.
I, in a panic, on the ceiling and feeling rushed, sought advice from my dealer and other members of an internet audiophile's forum. ALL, including my dealer, told me to avoid buying as the deck is not at all good and unreliable. My dealer knows the history of the manufacturer and the item well!
I told my brother this, plus the fact that my turntable is the same one my dealer has at his own house and is highly regarded, but he then put it down to opinion and knowing better than most!
Also, I ask myself why this other person my brother told never snapped the offer up. My brother did buy the deck, without research.
I feel mighty annoyed that my brother always 'knows best' and rubs it in that I have recently retired, although younger, always earning far less than him and he has had senior, better paid jobs.
Sorry if this sounds complicated.