Has the internet been good for audio?

I think my ability to meet and do business with a guy who may have a great idea, but lacks the backing for a full-blown roll-out coast to coast is a fantastic advantage.

The internet has killed the small shop in many cases, but I also think we are still adjusting. The next phase may be more of an audio consultant who shows people how to get, assemble and install bargains and is paid for his services.

In the past, some of the gear was so outlandishly priced, you just could not afford many of the little tweaks. With the net, you find alternate items for a fraction of the price you used to pay at a shop.

I think more choice is always a good thing. This site has been good for my audio. Since the net has taken off and become an integral part of buying my gear, what I can afford has been upped to a whole new level.
Used gear is no longer only available at a few shops within driving distance. Even spending all day on phone calling shop after shop could not get you the deals you find on sites like this daily.

Maybe not good for audio shops, but REALLY good for audio.

I have solved this dilemma by buying used gear only from people who bought the product from a local dealer to begin with.;)

for me, absolutely. I was able to do in home demos of many different products over the course of 2 year only because of Audiogon and eBay. I have more system for the $ I spent.

The internet has been very good to me. For one thing, it has allowed me to continue being an active dealer even though I live in a small town.

I'd say about 3/4 of the sales I make depend on the buyer first being able to sell something to finance the purchase. Some dealers grumble about Audiogon, but if it weren't for Audiogon there are many sales I'd never make.

When I put on my manufacturer hat, the internet benefits me even more. I imagine myself to be sort of like that guy Gumbydammit is talking about, enabled by the internet to offer an alternative when otherwise the huge costs of an effective advertising campaign would have been an insurmountable barrier.

Duke