High End Audio Dealers

You tell of a scary story. Once had three Hi-End dealers in my town now there is only two. I hear one of them is not doing all that well. You will need to take that two hour journey to Atlanta. That is one problem the Net has created. It is ever so slowly killing the Hi-End dealer. I vision the time when one will buy direct from the manufacture over the net. If the dealer takes the time and and you decide you like what you hear, will you buy it from him, or go back home and buy it over the net?

Jea48, you summed up the demise of the local dealer in your last sentence! That is why they/we/I are failing!

My stepdaughter and her husband live outside of Atlanta.
There's a few good stores there, my stepson-in-law and I go out on audio adventures most every time my girl and I fly down to visit.

Go to Atlanta!

Best,

Paul :-)

Thanks for everyone's input. I have read countless reviews on the net and magazines and have put together a list of integrated amps that I want to audition. I will research the audio dealers in Atlanta and spend a Saturday there in the future.

Gee, that's two hours each way right? First I'd call the dealers (talk to the owner) and ask what they have in stock and on the floor for listening, try to make an appointment if they take such things. Second, I'd ask the owner their opinions, for example solid vs. stranded cable, tube vs. solid state.
If they don't sound helpful over the phone I'd probably skip them.
A good knowledgeable dealer with help before and after the sale.