I think the disappearance of the stereo specialty salons is something that is disappointing and unfortunate, but inevitable.
I can vividly recall, years ago, some very impressive demonstrations I heard at local audio shops and talking about the latest amps, speakers, and other audio-related topics with salesfolk who were really into the hobby and who were true experts in putting together systems.
From the early AR acoustic suspension speakers, to Dahlquist DQ-10s, to the original Acoustat X, the Infinity Servo-Static 1As, and then the big Magneplanar models, I heard some really great demos -- and with my own familiar handful of recordings that I brought from home.
By using dealers for demo purposes only, and then going out and buying whereever the lowest price could be found, we (collectively) have sadly put many good, well-intentioned dealers out of business. The kinds of amazing demos I witnessed decades ago are a thing of the past.
The scant remaining dealers are forced to carry products that are either high-end, or from small niche companies. Most of the high-end stereo shops either closed, or went into mass-market (and upper-end) home theater products. No use trying to compete with the www, Best Buy, or Circuit City.
I understand that now, if you want to buy high-end, you can go to Best Buy and hear the fine Martin Logan electrostatics hooked up with zip cord to a Rotel receiver and a mid-fi CD player. Best of all, your expert salesman will be a pimpley-faced kid that uses an ipod or MP3 as his personal reference...all that with the crowded, noisey, kaotic ambiance of a mass-market superstore.
So while I think the NET is great for information purposes and for getting low prices on gear, I must confess I do miss some of those old stereo shops I used to frequent.
In particular, there was a shop called Hi-Fi Haven in New Brunswick, NJ, that always seemed to have the "hot" gear and had knowledgeable, enthusiastic salespeople who would patiently answer your questions and spend time with you, whether you bought from them or not. I have to confess that I was a bit upset to learn of their closing and to realize that some of their best, most knowledgeable salesmen had gone to work for mass-market, mid-fi chains. That was as big of a shame as it was a sign of the times.
I know there are still a few terrific dealers out there, but they are few and far between. If you do manage to get a great demo and savvy advice from one of the few competent audio shops left, then I would encourage you to buy some product and support that dealer instead of going home and combing the www for the best possible price.
I can vividly recall, years ago, some very impressive demonstrations I heard at local audio shops and talking about the latest amps, speakers, and other audio-related topics with salesfolk who were really into the hobby and who were true experts in putting together systems.
From the early AR acoustic suspension speakers, to Dahlquist DQ-10s, to the original Acoustat X, the Infinity Servo-Static 1As, and then the big Magneplanar models, I heard some really great demos -- and with my own familiar handful of recordings that I brought from home.
By using dealers for demo purposes only, and then going out and buying whereever the lowest price could be found, we (collectively) have sadly put many good, well-intentioned dealers out of business. The kinds of amazing demos I witnessed decades ago are a thing of the past.
The scant remaining dealers are forced to carry products that are either high-end, or from small niche companies. Most of the high-end stereo shops either closed, or went into mass-market (and upper-end) home theater products. No use trying to compete with the www, Best Buy, or Circuit City.
I understand that now, if you want to buy high-end, you can go to Best Buy and hear the fine Martin Logan electrostatics hooked up with zip cord to a Rotel receiver and a mid-fi CD player. Best of all, your expert salesman will be a pimpley-faced kid that uses an ipod or MP3 as his personal reference...all that with the crowded, noisey, kaotic ambiance of a mass-market superstore.
So while I think the NET is great for information purposes and for getting low prices on gear, I must confess I do miss some of those old stereo shops I used to frequent.
In particular, there was a shop called Hi-Fi Haven in New Brunswick, NJ, that always seemed to have the "hot" gear and had knowledgeable, enthusiastic salespeople who would patiently answer your questions and spend time with you, whether you bought from them or not. I have to confess that I was a bit upset to learn of their closing and to realize that some of their best, most knowledgeable salesmen had gone to work for mass-market, mid-fi chains. That was as big of a shame as it was a sign of the times.
I know there are still a few terrific dealers out there, but they are few and far between. If you do manage to get a great demo and savvy advice from one of the few competent audio shops left, then I would encourage you to buy some product and support that dealer instead of going home and combing the www for the best possible price.