This might just be the end of brick and mortar

Bifwynne...Audio Shows open to the public is having a huge impact on the market. Yes, there is a lot of equipment sold at the shows, but more than that it allows audiophiles to hear/experience many different options and go home and order the equipment or find it on a site like AudioGon. The Audio Shows, like the one I recently attended in Denver, brought in people from all over the country. I believe there will always be a place for high-end audio shops, but there may be fewer of them as time goes by. There are lots of Home Theater installation companies doing well without store fronts. High-end two channel only stores are almost a thing of the past. The high-end world is changing and not necessarily for the worst in my opinion.

"11-16-14: Bifwynne
So how is it that companies like Audio Research, Wilson, Magico and the hundreds of other high-end manufacturers are able to push their product. Who are the first buyers of this class of gear? What are the supply and distribution chains?

I agree that B&M stores are falling by the weigh-side (sp?), so how are these companies getting their product to market ... and ultimately into the hands of retail customers."

They control their dealer network. If a dealer wants to sell the brands you list, they sign a contract that lays out everything they can and can't do. Most, if not all, of the companies similar to the ones you list, will not let anything other than a B&M store sell their product.

Some of you guys don't understand how business works. Sorry, that's the reality here. We've heard the stories about returns...I too have had a problem similar in the past. I just won't buy that way. You don't save money in the long run either. Shows aren't great places to hear products that you want. The rooms stink and you can't hear your own music for hours...YOu hear only what they have in the room. Good luck with your mail order.....There are and will be top stores....the top ones will stay in business and the lousy ones will leave..just like a real market...

I'm with Ctsooner -- good point!
Guess now what will happen with prices and with mark-up...

I'm fortunate enough to live in NY where there still exist a small number of "bricks and mortar " shops. The one that is most like the old days is Stereo Exchange in the city - walk right in, look around, listen, and they probably have it in stock to carry out. Pretty amazing considering the capital investment required to fund that sort of inventory these, or in those days.

I keep my audio and video interests apart. I appreciate the picture quality that today's flat screens offer, but I've found surround sound to be more annoying than enticing. I have to admit that I haven't bothered to purchase a true audiophile surround system, but I've never found it justifiable. On the other hand, I'm still chasing the two channel audio dragon going on 33 years now and I still enjoy it.