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Will Internet Distroy High End ?

The internet has been a godsend to those who wish to trade used equipment. It has also been ok for those dealers who care to do internet business. In the long run however, I don't envy local high end dealers. As more people jump on the used equipment bandwagon it may have a serious detrimental effect on new equipment sales. That in turn may distroy or shrink the cottage industry we call "High End Audio." We would then be left with all the mass merchandisers who want to reduce us all to mid-fi garbage. What do you think ?
stokjoc
kthomas
911 posts
 
Aw shoot - Sam had me going there for a minute that we were FINALLY going to answer the subjectivist vs. objectivist debate thanks to the Internet, despite the fact that the internet has been around a fairly long time and doesn't appear to have put much of a dent in resolving the debate. Now you guys come along and rain on my parade.....
3chihuahuas
108 posts
 
I thought most hi-end manufactures does not allow dealers to sell their products via internet.aka territorial protection? I also think the manufactures are to blame as well. They priced their products so high (high margin too) that you can tell the big difference between the internet and brick and mortor prices. If the mark up is a little less, the prices should relatively by the same...no?
yyzsantabarbara
5,132 posts
 
Interesting to read this thread after nearly 20 years.
tablejockey
4,096 posts
 
This IS an interesting thread to read from nearly 20 years!

The take away.....?

Less B/M stores. Survivors, or newer stores have to be  adaptable to the Nth degree. Buyers have even more options. 

Anyone considering to get into audio retail needs a boatload of cash, ready to be flushed down the toilet of your ridiculously high priced, leased building.

Otherwise, it's a great time to be an audio consumer. 
yyzsantabarbara
5,132 posts
 
My take away also includes more options on the lower to mid price side that 20 years ago would have been considered top tier gear.
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