This might just be the end of brick and mortar

They may not put Audio Connection out of business because he is one of the most knowledgable dealers in the country. Most dealers are not Audio Connection. Most dealers are marginal as it is. Something like Music Direct offering a 60 day trial period could really hurt those marginal dealers. At this point all Music Direct has to do is convince some of the big hitters out there to come aboard and you will see dealers dropping like flies. Don't think it can happen, we'll just look at some of the lines Music Direct carries now. It would of been unheard of 10 years ago. Places like Music Direct are doing big numbers out there and some of these big boys who have recently been acquired by conglomerates are all about the bottom line. Not to get off subject but even a well known company like Ferrari is going to start producing more cars. People said it would never happen. Things are changing in the market place fast and one day you will see companies like Music Direct and Acoustic Sounds carrying a lot more high end brands. These companies have more exposure to the market via their website and mail order catalogues than small specialty retailers.

Bess at MD really knows his analog. I call him every now and then. Nick at Audio Connection really really knows his analog. I buy from Audio Connection if I am looking for something carried by both places, like my latest Dynavector cartridge. For those items not carried by Audio Connection and other local dealers that I like, Bess at Music Direct is it.

Whart, I agree with you regarding SE. I've been dealing with Dave and Alan there for the past few years. They're still the most old school store I know of around here. I have a store literally around the corner from where I live which used to be a good store - it still is if HT is your bag. Problem there is they stock ZERO. I've auditioned equipment there and after once having waited 6 weeks for a REL sub I gave up. After that, it's been SE for me - and they're 55 miles away.

So when you buy from MD you might be getting something that
has been used for 2 months so do they resell it as used? I am
not comfortable with that policy!

Taters (sudz) says:

“I just confirmed with Bess at Music direct that it is indeed a 60 day return privilege and not a 60 day warranty like some of you had said. You have 60 days to review a product and at the end of 60 days if you are not happy with it you can send it back for a full refund”

Not true and lots of hurdles to jump over.

-From the MD website:

Music Direct offers a 60-day money back guarantee on most equipment/accessories (excluding fluids, pastes, aerosols and special order items, none of which are returnable)

- "Most" being a key word.

We'll require an explanation for the return (defective, damaged, etc). Don't be surprised if we ask you some pretty detailed questions about the reason for your return.

Returns will not be accepted without a Return Authorization #, or RMA# which must be obtained by phone or email. An RA must be obtained within 60 days of the purchase, and Music Direct must receive the package within 15 days of issuing the RA. Note that after 60 days all sales are final.

If your return package is deemed acceptable after inspection, Music Direct will refund the purchase price of the returned item. Shipping costs will NOT be refunded.

- "Deemed" another key word.

Please note that if defective merchandise proves to be non-defective upon inspection, or if Music Direct otherwise determines the customer is exercising chronic abuse of the return policy, the customer will be charged a re-stocking fee at Music Direct's discretion. Music Direct also reserves the right to impose a re-stocking fee at our discretion for any returned item that is damaged, cosmetically dinged or returned missing accessories. Also please note, if you received Free Shipping with your initial order and you returned the non-defective item, we will deduct the initial shipping fee from your refund. Any and all packages that are refused delivery and sent back to music direct without an RMA number will not be refunded the initial shipping charge and a restocking fee will be added to the return.

- A simple saying: " I don't like the way it images in my system and I want to return it", I bet just won't cut it. It's going to cost you, especially heavy items. You will not get a FULL refund, maybe only the purchase price minus expenses.