Thank Heavens For The Internet World Used/ Pre-Owned High End Audio Market!!!!

Totally agree to both the availability of good used higher end gear and the unfortunate demise of brick-and-mortar. 
 

My audio budget has always been limited so I’ve bought very few pieces new. Some of my best finds were in pawn shops. I joined AGon to buy a pair of Quad speakers which changed my audio life. In 50+ years of buying used gear, I was only burned once on eBay - and it was really my fault for not asking more questions. 
 

I’ve also seen the number of “stereo stores” shrink from many across a large metroplex to just two snooty ultra-high end shops. When I was hanging out in audio shops they all had used gear on consignment. I bought some used pieces that way, too. And there was a sales guy who would talk about the gear, who often knew the history of where it came from. The two shops in my area won’t deal with used gear. 
 

Overall, net gain with internet trading, IMO. But I do miss walking into a store and getting to hear different rigs and “educating my ear” to what is possible. 

I absolutely agree. I make most of my purchases on the internet. It’s pretty easy to determine what you want or need with respect to sources and electronics so great to buy used. Speakers and headphones, on the other hand can vary a lot as can personal preference so it’s hard to know if a speaker choice is the right one for you. That’s when brick and mortar stores came in handy.

For example, I recently bought some well regarded planar headphones. Went to a local shop that specialized in high end headphones, and got to try a lot of different ones. What I ended up buying was different than what I thought I was going to buy before I went to the store based on reviews and forum comments so there you go.

There was a well established audio store 2 blocks from my office. They closed probably 20 years ago when many purchasers of consumer electronics turned their focus to multimedia systems.. I bought quite a bit of equipment from them in the day and they were like friends. Anytime I had some spare time I could drop in, have a cup of coffee, and listen to different components at all price levels just for the fun of it. Sometimes they’d say “ you got to hear what these little speakers can do” and they demo some just for the fun of exploring the hobby and the gear in service of the music at all price levels. I don’t think you see that much anymore. Good times!

Thanks @baylinor for the interesting clarification. Nice to know that Mos Generator is based so close. I would venture to a show if possible.

I’ve been lucky in the last few years with "Vintage" Audio Gear. My BATVK50-SE that I bought "as is" from TMRaudio ran great for 2.5 years until a power surge at home while I was out took out the power supply. $1800 including shipping both ways from BAT in Maryland and it’s like it came out of the factory in 1999 but better !

Now I can't sell this amp because of what I have tied up in it but nor do I want to. I’ve tried other Preamps through my rig and they come close but the BAT still wins both on audio quality and conveniences. The SPL Preamp came scary close but the BAT won IMHO overall. The Black ICE F360 & ARIES are great Preamps (again from Maryland) and I use the ARIES in conjunction with the BAT and they works great together. I have the option to just use the BAT by itself for critical listening.

My DAC/Transport is the now 10 year old PS Audio Perfectwave & Directstream MK1 designs and runs great. My Klipsch Cornwall IV’s were 2nd hand and in mint shape. I blew the Tweeters last year and Klipsch helped me out thanks to the remainder of the factory warranty.

My PS Audio Stellar Phono also used has no issues after 1.5 yrs. ownership.

Linn LP12/Lingo/Ekos/Benz Micro Cart. also used (circa 1989-1990) has no issues and was recently serviced by the previous owner. Again, no issues.

Onkyo PR-SC5509 AV Preamp also purchased used. No issues.

Brick & Morter retailers who missed out on internet selling early on haven’t survived and those who have. Either did reap the advantages of online sales while keeping a physical presence or have a very loyal customer base.

Totally!  I've acquired many a piece via Craigslist...some from Audiogon, Ebay, and Reverb...