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Should my next purchase be from a brick and mortar?

Hello all. 
So far I've pieced my 2 channel analog system together through purchases off Audiogon and internet direct sites. Have about 3K invested in my core pieces:
Tokyo Sound PE 100 SE phono preamp
Aric Audio Unlimited original all tube pre-amp
Odyssey Audio Khartago stereo amplifier
a frankenstein system I'm well aware of but sounds great and has brought me much joy over the last 3-4 years in my bedroom setup which now run KEF LS50 Metas. New living arrangements are allowing me to build a bigger setup than what I currenty have. The LS50 Metas will be the main speakers for now but now I'll have room for subwoofers to run with them. In time I'd like to upgrade to larger speakers so something beefy enough power wise for future upgrading is a plus. Possibly room correction  with the KEF/ subwoofer setup? I've also gotten into streaming digital audio with Qobuz so usb or similiar connectivity is also wanted. And a good/great mc/mm phono input as vinyl is my primary listening source. 

All this has lead to me to an integrated amplifier. I'm wanting to budget in the 5k-7k range. Spending this kind of money (to me anyway I know this is "entry level" in this hobby) has me thinking I should establish with a brick and mortar. I'm not comfortable having an expense like this shipped and then have to ship again if there are issues. I'm in LaCrosse Wisconsin so I have close access to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee and maybe even Chicago if it came down to it. Thoughts or suggestions appreciated!
 

 
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diamonddupree's avatar
diamonddupree
75 posts
 
I'm on the East Coast and bought my Musical Fidelity amp from Hi Fi Heaven over the phone. Very helpful salesperson and superb customer service. I always advocate supporting independent shops. Life would be less delightful without them. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
If you plan on buying a lot more equipment and you can find a store that has most of the stuff you want then it is not a bad idea to establish yourself. Most stores will take care of those they know are serious buyers particularly those that have the disease and they know are going to continue upgrading. It helps to drive up in a 911.
mesch
3,527 posts
 
There are many dealers in within the area mentioned.  One thing I recommend is to rearrange your system into the new living environment than consider changes. Then consider the speakers that best suit that environment. Then consider new amplification. 

I consider your Aric preamp and Adyssey amp to be very good. I own the Aric Special Pre. Was driving a BEL solid state amp with it. 

No need to be in a hurry. Good luck in your quest.
mesch
3,527 posts
 
Forgot to ask, what is your vinyl system feeding the phonostage?
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,057 posts
 
Your question prompts a few from me:

What is it about B&M stores that seems valuable to you?

Do you want to support local businesses and the people who are nearby?

Do you value the idea of such stores being available to customers in the future (like a book shop)?

Do you have a sense that the hobby, insofar as you support the hobby, is better sustained by these stores?

These are ethical questions because they are about sustaining people or values you may care about.

Perhaps none of these matter to you, in which case your question is about the strategy which best suits your consumer choices. Those might include things like prices, selection, follow-up service, exchanges, etc. Those are questions this forum is especially well-equipped to handle.
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