Butch's Sound & Vision — Local services in Harrison Township

In short, terrible experience, mediocre selection, lack of ability to truly compare gear, and poor salesmanship. I drove 1.5 hours to get to this McIntosh dealer and was very excited to try out and see the amplifiers, pre-amps, integrated amps, and listen to some high end speakers. My experience started off with me looking at a Rotel amplifier and having the older gentleman run over to me (yes I said run), to inform me that “we do not allow our customers to touch anything in here”. Okay sure, most of it is a few grand. I explained what I was looking for and after 20 minutes of discussion, the gentleman felt we were just “circling the wagons”; my request was simple, what do you recommend for my home theatre setup. The selection was okay and I was able to listen to some B&W 800 series, see a few McIntosh amps, etc. but their setup does not allow you to switch between speakers or different amps/preamps, making a comparison of the different equipment in the room useless, unless you are solely into the aesthetics of the gear. Butch’s had a few older pre-amps for decent prices (I would still rather take my chances on Craigslist or Audiogon), a sound room, a projector home audio room (not too useful), no power conditioners in stock, unmarked prices on basic stuff like cables, etc. The salesman did one smart thing: when I listened to 2 different systems in different rooms, while not letting me choose any music, he did use the same song on a CD, which made the sound comparison easier. The biggest issue was that no matter the technical question or request for recommendation, the answer was just “how much do you want to spend”, which in no way is helpful. I want to know what I am buying, why it works well for my setup, why it is special; the price has nothing to do with what works for...

Butch was completely dedicated to helping me get a speaker system that worked for my particular needs. He took the time to learn about my music preferences, my listening room, and my other equipment. His focus was on educating me so I could make a purchase that I'd be completely satisfied with, rather than just trying to sell me something. By focusing on the relationship rather than the sale, and he earned my loyalty.

Butch has a range of audiophile-grade equipment at nearly every price point. I know he sells far more high-end systems than what I purchased, which makes it all the more meaningful that he gave me the time, information, and advice I needed. Today, when you can just buy virtually anything online based on reviews, audio equipment is perhaps one of the last things that you'd be wiser to buy in an actual store, so you can hear it first with...

I called the shop to ask for two things: Help understanding a new receiver I had bought elsewhere Assistance with picking out some speakers that works complement my new receiver. I intended to buy these at Butch’s

Instead of being remotely helpful, I was informed that my new, factory-sealed unit may be stolen and that they’re not in the business of helping people with products bought elsewhere (which I partially understand) because they’re too busy.

I’m so upset at myself for calling this place and I will 100% encourage anyone I know who plans to spend good money on A/V equipment to shop ANYWHERE else.

Being too busy to help another person…...