Newbie here....hi everyone! :) ...and a tv question, of course (1 Viewer)

[brian__pratt]

Just found this forum a few weeks ago and finally signed up. I have been impressed with the mature level of conversation and of course, the vast knowledge the members have.
I have been building a new HT system for a few months...and have come to the TV. Below are the details of my recent purchase...please let me know your thoughts!
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i went to a local electronics store after work...not actually intending on purchasing anything (of course, we ALL say that going in...hehe) and ended up staring at the 36" and 40" XBR sets. the salesman actually began bargaining down on his own, without my help. haha.
their original prices were:
sony KV40XBR700 40" $2999
matching sony stand $499
5-year warranty (in-house) $169
delivery $49
total = $3920.38 after tax
talked them down to $3379 + tax (3564.85)
then, using my american express price matching...i'll get it all for $3148 after tax.
does that seem pretty good? i think so, but haven't really heard what others are paying for this set.
thanks-
b

 

[Jack Briggs]

Brian, at this point you should have a big smile on your face. I'm jealous, man! Good deal.

Now, please consider a professional calibration. This set deserves it.

Welcome aboard!

 

[brian__pratt]

cool! i know i got a good deal locally (compared to the local retail prices), but it's nice to hear confirmation from others. it won't be delivered until june 8th, so if i can find a better deal (or better TV for the same/less $$), i will.

the toshiba 36" HD's looked very nice as well, comparable to the 36" XBR. is there anything i'm missing that i should look at?

and thank you!

 

[Jack Briggs]

For now, you're sittin' pretty. When the big KV-40XBR compresses the scanning-line raster into a 16:9 window, you'll be looking at an image area that's larger than what the 36-inch Tosh and Sony 4:3 sets can produce in their native 4:3 modes. Sir, this set has received nothing but rave reviews in the A/V press, and when I saw one in action, I had trouble finding my jaw somewhere on the floor in the showroom.
Eh, long wait between now and June. Take some sedatives!

 

[Bruce White]

Sounds like a wonderful deal you made!

What I'd like to know is, how'd you talk 'em down $550 and what is the american express price match?

Bruce

 

[Masood Ali]

After the pricematch, that's a pretty good deal with the extended warranty and the stand.

 

[brian__pratt]

the AMEX pricematch policy is called the "Best Value Guarantee" by American Express. it started out on all of their cards (AMEX Blue, Gold, etc)...but recently removed from the Blue card. it is an amazing perk to have. they basically let you buy a qualifying product ANYWHERE and pricematch with any other store, online or otherwise. limit is up to $250 per item, and $1000/year max. they send a check out once you fax the original receipt and the ad with the cheaper item (before shipping/tax) from another retailer.
i have done this many times and got sweet deals on my Klipsch gear and computer parts.
i probably got lucky, but i always look at online prices before going to a retail store (gives me an idea of the true cost of the item...or at least the cheapest i could ever get it at that time)....then try to bargain them as close to the online price as possible. the benefit is i don't have to have things shipped from an online store 1/2 way across the country, and local retailers are easier to return items or get service (usually, of course).