Cheapest places to buy gear?

Cheapest is not always best! There is a dealer on Audiogon who has some great prices and lots of Dutch Auctions. Just don't ask them a question about excessive shipping charges! I found this out when I received a reply that was both a juvenile and an insulting tirade! I found out from other members that they had been dealt with in the same manner when ANY question apparently offened these losers! (One member asked how old a used unit was!) I can't identify them, because I have been told they have lawyers who harrass people when the "heat gets turned up" and I don't need to be involved in a libel action. My point is, stay with someone who gives you a decent price, treats you with respect, and enjoys the audio field! Dealers who could care less about customers usually aren't concerned with anything else but making money!

I have been treated very well by both the Stereo Trading Outlet in Jenkingtown, Pa and by Toys From the Attic in White Plains, NY. Both are excellent. TFTA has a great showroom-high end audio on one side and guitars on the other.

Also agree with Audio Advisor recommendation on closeouts and/or for their 30 day trial. It is always worthwhile to pay a little more if you can get a home trial. I have gotten some "great deals" pricewise only to find out later that the item does not interface well with existing gear.

Joe:
I'm very glad to hear you've had such good experiences at my store. Customer satisfaction is of the highest priority to us. We are all quite dedicated to our craft and really enjoy walking the upgrade path with our clients. I'd like to point out that we offer a home trial on virtually everything we sell, typically 2 to 7 days before payment, and then 100% trade in up to 30 days. One of our strongest beliefs is that it's difficult, at best, to get a sense of how a product will perform for you at home by auditioning it in the store. The main reason we don't allow 30 day auditions on new, sealed products is because upon return that item, in my opinion, is no longer 'new'. I believe there is a premium value associated with purchasing a new item, sealed in box from the factory and I don't agree with the practice of selling something as new after it has been in someone else's home for 30 days. Hence, we have floor models which we use for home demonstrations. But, for practical purposes, they cannot stay with any one client for 30 days. Anyone should please feel free to take advantage of our liberal home demo policy, new and pre-owned items alike, even if you're out of our area. We simply request that you take responsibility for the cost of freight in both directions if you decide the item is not for you.
Thanks for the opportunity to sound off.
Mario