This is where it comes in handy to have good relationships with a good high end retailer. I recently conducted a pretty massive mic test using over 20 microphones ranging anywhere in price from $300 to $7000 (the recordings will soon be released to this group). I had quite a few of the mics already in my posession but I still needed to 'borrow' about 12 or 13 mics to complete my testing. I have a pretty good relationship with John Haber at Alto Music and I told him what I was doing. He was cool with it as long as I covered shipping.

I also borrowed some mics off of the guys at Vintage King where I had no relationship. I was also upfront about what I was trying to do. Both retailers knew that I might not end up buying anything. The key was being able to give them a credit card to secure the value of the mics.

I can't guarantee that you will be able to do this with every retailer but I would start looking for someone that A) has the items you are looking for in stock and B) is willing to work with you. Other than that I have never rented gear before but if you live in a decent sized city, you should be able to find someone who rents. Hope that helps, thanks.

Rob

i know i'm off topic and cranky as usual... but

hi-end is really expensive hi-fi gear....

what you're talking about is pro audio gear....

you behringer stuff is semi-pro or pro-sumer...

just to clear things up.... and to make communication smoother :)