There are not many stores in the area I live in to try gear but I found a guy who runs a small business. I told him that I wanted to try some headphones and the type of stuff I have tried and we set up a time for me to come see some gear.
So are there any do’s or dont’s for people that may have done this before?
don’t listen to too many as you’ll fatigue your ears and forget what sounded what. also, try to stick around headphones in your price range as higher costs one’s will sound better and then you’ll be left wanting because you can’t afford what you heard.
also, if you can bring music, bring stuff you know and love in lossless if possible, as the headphones you do listen to may reveal sounds you’ve never heard before.
also, while a DAC and amp do matter, put the money into a better headphone as that will have better returns, then get those as you can afford.
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Bring your own music. Stuff you like and know well. Do it. Bring a flash drive and a dap
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Isn’t that why I would do this? After all I have been mucking round in the 200-500 $ range for a bit I want to try stuff that I cant afford but want to save up for and get but I am unsure about.
Fiio M11 is fully charged 
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Yeah that’s not bad at all, just keep it real is what I think marzipan is trying to say
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Ahh so dont go full mon and get 25k headphone 
Well it depends on your budget lol
Also that was for work so it doesn’t count
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Also avoid the typical salesman BS, and don’t let someone else change your opinion. Don’t let someone make you think it sounds good when you don’t enjoy it
Also make sure you don’t end up buying pricy accessories if you plan to buy something there, and also don’t let immediate want get to you, make sure to research if you can get it cheaper online (as you typically can)
It’s not the end of the world if you don’t walk out with something or don’t like the stuff there lol
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Yeah I don’t plan on letting anyone change my mind. Im a picky customer.
I don’t have the cashflow to buy anything today.
I made it painfully clear that I was getting my feet wet in this hobby and just trying it out.
The guy also said he can get review pairs of headphones in if there is something I want to try out.
You keep telling yourself that 
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Well I don’t have to think about the cost of it anymore since I just push that from my mind
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Actually thats another thing is try to get to listen on appropriately matched systems, I see very often people demoing 1k speakers on like 30k amps and a equally expensive source. Try to listen on stuff that would make sense for the price (although this is more common with speakers tbh)
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would an amp over 1k make a difference that is noticeable?
For some headphones/speakers yes, some high end headphones scale very well, and a 600 on a darkvoice vs a 600 on a super high end tube amp is pretty different, but it depends on the headphones. It’s not something to worry about too much, but if they have a 3k headphone amp and another 3k source on like a 1k headphone, perhaps ask to hear it on an amp that would be more reflective of that budget
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Many boutique/small business audio shops will allow you to borrow gear to demo with your own audio setup. It is worth inquiring about since that will be the way you will listen if you make the purchase and they know that. Headphones will only matter to the source gear, but loudspeakers are completely affected by the room they are in. Either way, hearing gear at home, relaxed and without a salesman looking over your shoulder will help you get good results. Don’t forget, this should be a really fun journey and not stressful!
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Yes, with speakers being able to demo them in your house is pretty critical imo to getting something you know you will enjoy
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I will definitely ask cuz not being pressured would be dope.
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What if it backfired and now since the salesperson knows you may be susceptible and could come in way stronger lol
What are you talking about??