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The Demise of the Hi-End Audio Store

Ok. So I've read hundred's of forum posts from a lot of people and one question keeps popping into my head. Where does everyone listen (test out) all of this equipment? I don't know about you but I live in a fairly populated area, Cleveland/Akron Ohio area, and while there are a few (and I only mean a few) high end audio stores in my area, there are limited hi end brands in those stores. Ten years ago that was a different story, but this is the reality today.

So while I want to listen to equipment I'm interested in (Jolida, Prima Luna, Silverline, LSA, the list goes on and on), there isn't the opportunity.

Does everyone really travel hundreds of miles to listen to new components or do you do your research and buy what you think will work and go from there?

Thanks
panfish
panfish OP
4 posts
 
Foster_9,

Audiocraft in Cleveland is pretty decent. They used to be very heavy into McIntosh but it looks like they switched to other brands. I need to get over ther to listen to the Golden Ears for sure. Audiocraft used to have a few stores and carried a much wider variety. But that was years ago.

There is another store I heard of within the last week called Don Better Audio. He actually carries some rather unique product.

Thanks
schubert
4,867 posts
 
Chayro, well said.IMHO given the state of music today, an Ipod is overkill.
In the 40 yrs I've been an audiofool, I've never understood why anyone who doesn't listen to acoustic jazz or classical music bothers with audio in the first place.
I know if not for Bach, Brahms , Miles etc this old retired teacher would never had made the sacrifice my modest 15K system represents to me.
harri009
100 posts
 
Thanks PBNaudio, I will have to check them out at some point.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Chayro,

I think you're words really sum up the situation. I never thought it would come to that but life goes on.
stereolady
8 posts
 
I have personally gone into several stores, in several states. It always amazes me at how uninterested most of the salespeople are in helping a walk in customer. The stores are like ghost towns. It is not like they are too busy to answer my questions. I think in today's market, the audio shows are your best shot. I don't know of any store who can afford to stock multiple brands of ultra high end gear, when it may take months to sell! Turning your inventory is key to staying in business.
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