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is audiogon good for the audio industry or bad?

I am not a dealer so my input is only based on my limited actions...but, since I discovered audiogon and became a member and active user, I have raised thousands of dollars by selling equipment that had been stored in my basement because "trade-in values" are so low that I would have rather stored this equipment just in-case I one day needed it. I then re-invested those dollars, plus other dollars and then sold equipment that I was planning on living with and invested those dollars as well to basically upgrade 1/2 my system which I had no imminent plans to do prior to AG. The result is that I have now spent thousands and thousands on equipment over the last 6-months which I would not have done without AG. Absolute Sound drives me into retailers and listening rooms, helps educate me and helps create my wish list, but, AG helps me make it a reality. The result is that I spend far more $$ on equipment...which by the way, drives me to buy absurd amounts of source material through acousticsounds, etc...
jedhartman
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I think its a bit smug to say you basically use stores for demo then go buy from the net, you should come clean with them and pay them some fee for your "education" as I doubt you would like it dont to you and your business. I buy here and also pay what dealers charge and love the service and relationship a dealer offers
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
As far as trade, how can you prove this either way especially since there are used markets for everything. I can say that it doesn't contribute to the GNP.
Audiogon forums definitely help everyone because it allows communications and shared experiences and raises everyones level of understanding which is something that an independent audio industry will never be able to provide. Do you think the used car dealers are bad for new car dealers or the automakers? Now that I think about it, maybe we should leave the automakers out of this!
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
For the record I did note OP stated he was misread but all the same my point was in general to those who agree with exact or similar behaivior. Its too bad so many dont have a great store to deal with or things may be alot different.
Audiogon is a great place to buy and meet/network but it would be here if not for dealers previous efforts and these guys need our support if justified. I think that the end of Brick and Mortar will be like death of physical music being that the net will leave us all a bit empty inside wether it be a file to simply listen to or no actual store to check out.
sns
3,414 posts
 
I no longer visit 'actual' audio stores and audio is more a part of my life than ever. DIY is my present preoccupation, tons of self-satisfaction, dealers no help here. The web has made it possible for novices like me to undertake projects I never would have undertaken otherwise. More audiophiles of moderate means should investigate DIY upgrades, way more bang for the buck than circulating equipment in a never ending quest for the holy grail.

Having said that, I do think audio stores are important for some. I just no longer use them as I don't usually intend to purchase from them, it is wrong to use them as an auditioning outlet. I also usually prefer the home based audio dealer, much more personal service. The 'big' stores around me cater to the high rollers, most are more into home theatre than stereo.

I don't think B & M are vital to many manufacturers, quite a few generate most or all of their sales via the web and word of mouth. I believe the web is becoming much more indespensable to the health of this industry than B & M, the home based stores may be the exception. I would be tempted to start a home based business if I could raise the capital.
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