I agree with CS. But as a consumer it's your job to find the best deal for yourself. It's hard to figure out whether a piece of equipment is good. Many dealers balk when you want to bring your own stuff in and hook it up. Better to go with the ones who will let you. Ever hear something at a show that sounded awful that got a good review? Ever hear the reviewer mention the room set up in the review? No. Of course not. Who was right? You or them? Judgement call. This is why people read the forums in the first place, isn't it? People buy here after listening (hopefully) b/c many dealers screw you when you bring back a busted amp and tell you "act of god" or worse "they all do that" instead of actually honoring the warranty. I am not impressed by name dropping expensive equipment. And that is the worst thing about 'gon. Most of the best albums I own were recorded in someone's basement or loft - hardly as nice a set-up as the playback gear on the system lists. I have not been screwed by a dealer but I have had many try. I would be more loyal - there are a couple I support - but many just do not care if they lose more business b/c you got a heads up from them during the sales pitch: "You need new speakers with that amp", "You can't use those interconnects they aren't grounded right", "Broken cartridge? Well, I'm philosphical about the no warranty thing". Right... I'd rather give my money to indy record stores.
