The Economy.. will hi end audio mfgs lower prices?

Correct, Loria the NY art dealer. Thanks for clarifying.

Esoteric is increasing prices April 1st I'm told by as much as 25% ouch!

In the near future there will be price increases for everything including audio gear. The Fed is printing money like there is no tomorrow, trillions. They have a nice term for it - Quantitative Easing. Heck, the Fed is even buying treasury debt! One branch of government buying up the debt of another, the Chinese are worried and you should be too. Use your cash to buy something valuable now!

I might be in the most unique position to answer this. As publisher of Stereomojo.com, I talk to industry leaders from all over the world on a daily basis. I was talking to a person in Russia yesterday - Russia has cancelled their version of CES for 2009. In addition, after retirning from the music industry, I have spent 15 years as owner of a Financial Advisory firm. I have talked to many people big and small in the audio industry. I am concerned we are going to lose the brick & mortar stores - already weakened by the Best Buys and, internet sales and direct sellers. What I have been told is that those store owners that sit and wait for customers to come to them will fail. Those that care about their customers and work the phones MIGHT survive. There's no doubt that audio makers are deeply stressed. It's a great time to buy as you already know. There is ONE phrase that should be a part of your vocabulary ALWAYS when shopping, and it's more importnat now than ever. It is: "Can you do any better?" Many times I have been amazed at how anxious businesses are to give you a better deal - from grocery stores to car dealers. Hotels and iarlines. even department stores. Just ask. Right now, if you ask a dealer or a direct seller if they can give you a better price, they just might amaze you. just don't be a jerk. If they say no, then move on.

BTW, I cannot give financial advise by law online, but be aware there ARE investments dsigned to go UP when the market goes down. And I don't mean gold or GLD. I've been making a lot of money the last few months. Be smart. Diversify of course. But be aware.

Jimaxp, yes, quite a few of us are aware of tricks like short selling to make money in a downturn but most of us are going to have our retirements wiped out even if we recover from the current mess by the devaluation of the dollar..it's coming.