As with most things, Americans vote with their wallets. I nostalgically remember my early visits to audio shops, listening to the NAD system I eventially purchased, and also to the McIntosh room when the salesman let me hear just a bit of sonic nirvana, which I was sure I would never be able to afford. However, times change and I think there are now two broad generalizations of buyers, neither right or wrong;
.Com Buyer: An internet and magazine researcher, sometimes diy'er, willing to take reasonable risk on used and/or unheard equipment to maximize the sonic benefit achieved for the associated cost, and
Brick and Mortar Buyer: Would rather hear what they are buying, appreciate the sales help to synergize components and to set up the system, want a warranty on equipment, don't want to spend the time buying/selling and auditioning a lot of equipment, either because they don't have the time or because they have the money not to.
There are also combination buyers who do both, which is really only a problem when they audition at the B&M shops so they can then go purchase used on the internet. I think both styles are here to stay for the forseeable future, but unfortunately for many of the B&M stores the pie is not as large as it once was. I suspect the most profitable B&M stores are going to be located in major metropolitan areas where there are more buyers and the typical buyer has more money than time. My guess is we will see a continued trend toward "audio consultants" with by-appointment showrooms who are able to broker a variety of equipment, help clients synergize components to a given price point, then help with set up and future upgrades. For most everyone else there is either internet sales (new and used) and Best Buy/Circuit City.
.Com Buyer: An internet and magazine researcher, sometimes diy'er, willing to take reasonable risk on used and/or unheard equipment to maximize the sonic benefit achieved for the associated cost, and
Brick and Mortar Buyer: Would rather hear what they are buying, appreciate the sales help to synergize components and to set up the system, want a warranty on equipment, don't want to spend the time buying/selling and auditioning a lot of equipment, either because they don't have the time or because they have the money not to.
There are also combination buyers who do both, which is really only a problem when they audition at the B&M shops so they can then go purchase used on the internet. I think both styles are here to stay for the forseeable future, but unfortunately for many of the B&M stores the pie is not as large as it once was. I suspect the most profitable B&M stores are going to be located in major metropolitan areas where there are more buyers and the typical buyer has more money than time. My guess is we will see a continued trend toward "audio consultants" with by-appointment showrooms who are able to broker a variety of equipment, help clients synergize components to a given price point, then help with set up and future upgrades. For most everyone else there is either internet sales (new and used) and Best Buy/Circuit City.