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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
Post removed 
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Tvad - I list Audio Mart as my alma mater.

The internet has been a mixed blessing in my opinion. It has provided an opportunity for good startups to get a toehold and it has provided an opportunity for not so good startups to do so also.

The forest fire is still burning but I am hopeful for the outcome to be positive. There will be fewer trees but stronger ones.

If nothing else, the internet has certainly accelerated the process.
cdc OP
1,839 posts
 
Sherod, I heard on Jay Leno that Home Depot is planning on opening some small, local hardware stores. Sort of like the ones they put out of business.
I should have clarified that the $48 in-store price was also from Wal-mart. Apparently Walmart is competing against itself. Either that or trying to discourage retail sales.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Cdc,
Yes, I understood you initially that Walmart was competing with itself. I'm not sure of their philosophy in doing this. To me, the store-bought item would be more expensive since there is more overhead involved. Bottom line is, do they insure themselves that either way, they keep the competition out and get the end business.



I also wanted to mention that the internet, in particular Audiogon, "has been bery, bery good to me". I have been able to audition many expensive components over the years and currently have a very nice system, mostly purchased used here on Audiogon at a substantial savings from new. Note: Some of my cables were purchased new, however, directly from the manufacturer, only possible through the internet.

chrismontez
8 posts
 
Well I just put together a new $2500 system at 50% off msrp by buying demo items from stores who advertised here on Audiogon and Craig's List. I also just ordered a dozen or so DMP label Cd's from Acoustic Sounds, some as low as 99 cents, that I wouldn't have been able to get even at full price here. So it's good for me.
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