Demonstrations and home auditions (UK only)

There is a never ending list of products to “add to your shortlist” according to reviewers – in fact if you read a cross-section of say 7 different magazines over a year, your shortlist would cover a few pages!

Choice can be very confusing so we all like to consult a friendly expert. Finding sources and people you can trust is enormously beneficial (evaluating recommendations). Once you’ve received advice your next step may well be an audition.

Origin Live offers a range of demonstration facilities in the UK

– Demonstration in your own home by an Origin Live demonstration agent.
– Demonstration at a shop (some shops may offer to demonstrate in your home as well).
– Demonstration at Origin Live’s listening room in Southampton.
– Installing and auditioning the product yourself in your own listening environment.

It’s worth outlining the various merits of each of these options. First of all, it almost goes without saying that auditioning new products in your own system is far more reliable than any audition at a shop or a show. There are simply too many variables in an unknown environment along with an an unknown system that make proper assessment difficult. Assessing equipment is very simple at one level and highly complex as you go deeper – see how to choose your hi-fi. Many people underestimate the effect of room acoustics on choice of equipment. However this is fundamental and accounts in large measure for the differences of opinion among reviewers and manufacturers on various products. From years of visiting dealers, reviewers and Hi-Fi shows, Origin Live have observed the effect of variables and a brief distillation of this experience is set out in room acoustics.

Demonstration in your own home by an Origin Live demonstration agent

We have a small but growing number of representatives who really enjoy Hi-Fi and are more than happy to travel to your home in the evening and demonstrate the Origin Live product that interests you. There is a charge for doing this which is refundable against the product price should you decide to go ahead. The charge is at the discretion of the demonstration agent and is largely dependent on the travelling time. Although this method may cost a little, it is far better than an expensive mistake caused by ordering the wrong equipment on the back of a great review or demonstration. Home demonstrators:

• Northamptonshire – rfducker@gmail.com

Demonstration at a shop

Shops have the advantage of offering A-B comparisons if they happen to stock the items you wish to choose between. Some of them will also offer to come to your home for a home dem. List of dealers.

Factory demonstration

Origin Live has its own listening room in Southampton and can demonstrate equipment – strictly by appointment only. Please phone to arrange an audition on 02380 578877 and note that we do not demonstrate cartridges.

Home delivery demonstration scheme

One of the simplest ways to audition an Origin Live product is to use our home delivery demonstration scheme. It works like this – you purchase the product that you wish to audition and we send it to your address. You then have one month to evaluate the product (bring in rival products to your home if you wish to compare). At the end of this period you can return the goods for a full refund if not satisfied.

For further information please email us at or call: +44(0)23 8057 8877