2. misc-audio
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Has the internet been good for audio?

Before the internet, I'd go to 3 local stores and be a captive audience to whatever Stereophile told me. But now with the internet the retail stores have more competition and there are a lot more choices. Maybe too many. Some questions that run through my mind:
Is your system better because of the internet?
Was it worth the trouble?
What happens to the retail stores?
Were the simpler times better? I remember when Klipsch and Fried were the hot brands. From what I've been told, B&W actually made great speakers in the olden days.
cdc
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
once you can tell the difference between advice and advertising, its all good.
reb1208
518 posts
 
I'd have probably lost interest in audio if not for the vast amount of info available on the internet.
ausjoe
98 posts
 
The internet has the potential to reach and expose so many people to the audionerd world. So be nice!
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
The brick and mortar stores have got to evolve with the internet. So do the manufacturers. Extinction is the only other option.

I never would have paid the prices for most new gear and would still be with my 80's system without Audiogon. Nobody lost any market share on me.

mr_man
72 posts
 
Early in my audiophile journey, I realized the gear that truly impressed me was simply too expensive. That combined with the(sometimes) elitist attitude of dealers left me cold.
I abandoned the hobby for about ten years, returning once I disovered the great deals and invaluable forums of sites like this.
Incidently, the internet has also allowed me to find more respectable dealers out of my area.
More to discover