Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store


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I am currently pretty satisfied with my system the way it is right now. I am not in the market for any new purchases right now, mainly because I don't have the discretionary income to make big changes. However, sometimes I get the urge to want to go into a hifi store just to look. Eventually I will upgrade my speakers, cd player, preamp, a new dac for sure and may give class D amps a shot...but not right now.

Is it cool to go into a store just to look around, knowing you don't have the money or immediate need for an item?
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128x128mitch4t
We as audiophiles have become so desensitized to outrageously high prices for equipment due to the reviews we read. How many times have you heard a reviewer say, "and at $10,000 this amplifier is actually a bargain". Come on man.

If you have a preamp that retails for $3,000, it's likely that the rest of your system totals for around $10-15K, and with all the information we read, we may not even think twice about it.

Think of it this way: What would you do if your wife came home and said she just bought a $15,000 mink coat?
I buy a lot from independant direct audio manufacturers. I do a bit of research, an audio show demo, etc

That said when I am looking for an something my local B&M sells I buy there even if it is more than an online purchase

Salesmen feel pretty shell shocked knowing someone will just go online
Look at it this way, walk into a B&M and see something you want, you buy it right then and there and it's instant gratification all the way. You see first hand what your buying and can clearly see its condition (if your buying used), you don't even have to worry about long shipping times or getting ripped off online. Kicking the tires does have its merits.
At Harvey Electronics not only you'd "pay full list", but probably overpay as well. It is B&M tho
The best option is B&H photo-video on 9th and 34th midtown NYC. They have great choice of pro-audio(and some high-end) and prices are lower vs. many internet retailers.
Also by walking there be Jewish and bargain!