Where do you shop for audiophile gear?

[FutureAudiophile.com]

Are you a local dealer guy?

Are you a big box AV retailer guy?

Are you an online retailer guy?

Gene does affiliate with Audio Advice who is one of the bigger options. We do Crutchfield. Do you buy at those places?

For me, Best Buy is a "do they have it in stock" type of place. If not - Amazon is almost always better.

My roots are in uber-high-end retail and that's where my heart is. A good AV dealer is a true resource but one that is going away more and more over time.

Where do you spend your AV $$$ ?

I am curious...

Jerry

 

[TLS Guy]

Are you a local dealer guy?

Are you a big box AV retailer guy?

Are you an online retailer guy?

Gene does affiliate with Audio Advice who is one of the bigger options. We do Crutchfield. Do you buy at those places?

For me, Best Buy is a "do they have it in stock" type of place. If not - Amazon is almost always better.

My roots are in uber-high-end retail and that's where my heart is. A good AV dealer is a true resource but one that is going away more and more over time.

Where do you spend your AV $$$ ?

I am curious...

Jerry

For smaller items I usually go on line. For major purchases I use a local dealer I have a long term relationship with and trust. You really have to look at who you can trust for after sales service, otherwise you can be out a lot of money. If you and others don't use the local dealer, he will go away.

I should state that I don't go speaker shopping, as I design and build my own. Parts are sourced essentially globally.

 

[Eppie]

My initial purchase (TV, AVR and main speakers) was from a local dealer who was a former co-worker at a car audio and repair shop. He convinced me to move up to the Studio line with Paradigm and I have no regrets. Turned out to be a great purchase as the speakers measure and sound well still by today's standards. The AVR was ordered by another client who then decided to move higher up in the Denon line, so I got a great discount on an unopened unit. Still using that AVR and TV in another system.

My first sub was a Best Buy special and my one mistake. I later replaced it with an SVS. I could have purchased it from Electronics For Less (in Canada) but found out I could get the same price from a Toronto dealer with a good reputation, so I supported the dealer.

When I purchased my Project turntable I went to a local dealer. I could have ordered through the internet but preferred to have local support. They replace the cartridges at no charge and I wanted to support the local economy. The acrylic platter was ordered through Amazon.

When I upgraded to the Denon X4800H I purchased over the internet. Online discounts were too great to ignore and support is direct through Denon.

Samsung OLED was from Best Buy. It's nice to have the ability of a local exchange in case something is wrong out of the box. The local Samsung rep was there that day so in additional to the discount that was advertised I got extended support thrown in. Hard to beat big box stores for TV sales.

When I added Paradigm ATMOS speakers I went to a dealer again but out of town. Long time Paradigm dealer not far from the factory. The speakers were the previous year's model so got them at half of retail and picked up an in-wall centre for the living room as well.

Last purchase was Philharmonic True Mini speakers for my surrounds (internet direct). I've met Dennis, like his products and wanted to support him. Very neutral speaker for it's size, much like everything Dennis designs. I also have a BMR Monitor kit waiting as a retirement project.

So I'm primarily a local dealer guy. There is value to found in a well run shop, you support local business and benefit from their knowledge. Would hate to see the dealer market disappear as that's the best place to hear products first hand if you can't demo in your home.

 

[Teetertotter?]

I rely on our local Best Buy for any new TCL TV or Denon AVR. New speakers, Crutchfield or an ebay [open box] speaker seller, located in Marinette, WI.

 

[FutureAudiophile.com]

For smaller items I usually go on line. For major purchases I use a local dealer I have a long term relationship with and trust. You really have to look at who you can trust for after sales service, otherwise you can be out a lot of money. If you and others don't use the local dealer, he will go away.

I should state that I don't go speaker shopping, as I design and build my own. Parts are sourced essentially globally.

Sounds like a good strategy!!!

 

[Bobby Bass]

Are you a local dealer guy?

Are you a big box AV retailer guy?

Are you an online retailer guy?

Gene does affiliate with Audio Advice who is one of the bigger options. We do Crutchfield. Do you buy at those places?

For me, Best Buy is a "do they have it in stock" type of place. If not - Amazon is almost always better.

My roots are in uber-high-end retail and that's where my heart is. A good AV dealer is a true resource but one that is going away more and more over time.

Where do you spend your AV $$$ ?

I am curious...

Jerry

Yes I have purchased from a couple of great local dealers, Best Buy especially Open-Box equipment in Excellent condition, multiple online dealers and new and used online from individuals. A fun part of the hobby for me is the hunt for a good deal to try out new equipment.

 

[FutureAudiophile.com]

I got my last Macbook Pro (an M1 - I am on an M4 now but) as an open box at Best Buy. Less $$$ than educational pricing.

Good idea to ask them.

They don't blow out audio often but when they do - you might want in.