Why Richer Sounds?

VoucherMan

(Mainly because I'm still pondering a new sound system for the TV)

I come across quite a few posts that recommend a visit to Richer Sounds.

Do they tend to have more choice / set-ups & better advice than other stores?

I've tried Currys (& similar) who didn't have much. Some nice sounding soundbars but I'd still prefer a decent 5.1 surround.
A local chain had a few more offerings but nothing setup other than a Bose system - & I'm planning on spending a lot less than £1000.

It's a 50 mile round trip to my nearest branch. I'd be happy if I was likely to come away with a good system, or at least knowing that they'd got one I liked & just needed to save for it, but don't want to go all that way to visit a store with little to offer.
My 'local' is the Preston branch in case anyone knows it.

withabix

Usually far cheaper.

Staffed by people who actually know what they are selling.

Stock is sometimes end-of-line (which is how they started), although these days they do sell a lot more current ranges.

Some branches have listening rooms, although conversely some branches are just pile-em-high, sell-them-cheap little shops.

Norman_Castle

Check their stock online

redped

I bought a TV from them last week - friendly, helpful staff who weren't pushy (unlike our local Currys, where literally every minute a different person comes over to see if they can help you), and with good prices - Amazon also had the TV I ended up buying, and while it was cheaper with them, the difference was less than £10.

BTW, one of the TVs I was interested in was cheaper on their web site, and the guy said that they would honour that price - so check prices online and tell them if you saw it cheaper there.

So thumbs up from me!

JethroUK

redped wrote: »

..BTW, one of the TVs I was interested in was cheaper on their web site, and the guy said that they would honour that price - so check prices online and tell them if you saw it cheaper there....!

And quite often they have special buys in store that you can't get on line too

LucianH

I've never had a problem with them. I normally research what I want before hand and then check if they have it in stock before travelling to their store. They have been very good when talking on the phone and will reserve items so you won't have a wasted journey (you can talk directly to the stores and not a central call centre). The only aspect about talking to them on the phone is to chose an "off-peak" time since the stores can get quite busy

MotheroftheKid

Also check their website, last time I visited I joined their privilege club(?) beforehand and printed out a £10 off voucher. Also from memory I think the warranty they sell on goods, with the exception of tvs, can be claimed back if not used.

squinty

To me, the main difference is that they have staff who know what they are talking about and whao are interested in selling something that suits you - rather than just selling you something.

If at all possible you should go somewhere with a listening room - where they will allow you to test combinations of amps/apeakers that suit you.

Personally I have also found Superfi to be very good, and they have pricematched other deals.

Also take a look at the what hi-fi site to read reviews, and av forums offer a lot of good advice.

thefishdude

deff check if there website, if its cheaper on there than in store they will match it. also they tend to know what they talking about it be staffed by people that are actually interested in the stuff and be cheaper than mostb places. shops do tend to be quiet small deff not super stores my local one is about size of my living room

macman

Their extended warranty scheme (5 years for a straight 10% of the price regardless) is the best around.

s_b

another thumbs up here for superfi once you explain what you want they should be able to help better than richersounds who like to push big boxes with small innards (commission sales i guess? i used to get 1% when i was in hi fi)
soundbars to me are just a replacement for poor tv speakers, my brother in law has just purchased a vierra 50 inch tv and i have to say the sound is superb from it