Like the originator of this thread, I haven't been on this site very long, but I have noticed several references to auditioning equipment which is not practical for many. Twenty five years ago I could and did audition equipment. Today I can not do so.
I live in the same community and it has doubled in size ( 450K pop ). However, all of the traditional stereo shops have closed. Some of these retailers are still listed as open years after they have gone out of business?? The only place that I can see/hear audio equipment is "BESTBUY." Try that for an experience. I own a pair of TEKTON LORES' with SEAS components, which I was able to try and return if I didn't like them. Two years later, they are still at my house. Today, I would like to try out an integrated amp, such as a Rogue Spinx or Nuprime IDA-16, but the only option I have is to buy or not.
This is the reality of consumer audio in America today and it is why such forums as this one and review magazines are so important. If you live in a large Metropolitan area, you can review equipment, not so for most of us.
I live in the same community and it has doubled in size ( 450K pop ). However, all of the traditional stereo shops have closed. Some of these retailers are still listed as open years after they have gone out of business?? The only place that I can see/hear audio equipment is "BESTBUY." Try that for an experience. I own a pair of TEKTON LORES' with SEAS components, which I was able to try and return if I didn't like them. Two years later, they are still at my house. Today, I would like to try out an integrated amp, such as a Rogue Spinx or Nuprime IDA-16, but the only option I have is to buy or not.
This is the reality of consumer audio in America today and it is why such forums as this one and review magazines are so important. If you live in a large Metropolitan area, you can review equipment, not so for most of us.