On the net, via Audiogon various cables and power cords have come to me. I have auditioned pproducts from net brick and motar stores, when they were what I wanted or was looking for and passed the audition I bought them. As I rule though, I buy local, usually demo pieces. Have always gotten great service, long term loans (2 weeks to a month) and in my opinion great deals. Is a brand new piece of equipment better than a demo? Quite possibly, but is a demo better than a second hand piece again quite possibly. It comes down to this, and up to 10 or 15 percent difference the money goes locally. If we don't support our local stores, in time they will disapear and it is my bet that the quality in audio gear will go with them.
If a manufacturer has no middle man and to need to demo his equipment, he just builds what he needs to sell. With no chance to compare easily, except via friends, the quality does not have to stay there. As has been proven in the past. It is multiple outlets, from store selling new and used equipment, the net, Audiogon in particular, and people just putting stuff out there in the neighborhood that makes the market happen. There is enough room for everyone and for them all to make a buck but not a killing. As the old market adage goes, bears make money, bulls make money, hogs get slaughtered.
If a manufacturer has no middle man and to need to demo his equipment, he just builds what he needs to sell. With no chance to compare easily, except via friends, the quality does not have to stay there. As has been proven in the past. It is multiple outlets, from store selling new and used equipment, the net, Audiogon in particular, and people just putting stuff out there in the neighborhood that makes the market happen. There is enough room for everyone and for them all to make a buck but not a killing. As the old market adage goes, bears make money, bulls make money, hogs get slaughtered.