High end vs internet


My local dealer tells me that the internet has killed
high end sales.I would like to hear everybodys opinion
about this(including dealers)!
taters

Showing 1 response by onhwy61

In the end you get what you pay for. Then internet offers the consumer lower prices, but it also offers substantially less service. Ultimately, I think those who rely soley upon on-line retailers will have a much harder time getting high quality sound than those who have access to a quality bricks & mortar retailer. As evidence I point to any number of Audiogon forum posts where people wonder why there systems composed of quality components doesn't sound very good. Without the possibility of auditioning equipment what is the real chance of proper system matching? Another benefit of using a B&M retailer is that you get the chance to listen to well matched systems in well designed rooms. For myself this exposed me to the limits of what is possible in reproduced sound. In the long run the internet will help the audiophile market because of its greater exchange of information and the fact that it will spur B&M retailers towards offering better levels of service. At the same time it will not be without costs. Many retailers will not survive, manufacturers will alter their warranty policies and consumers will have to rely increasingly more upon anecdotal stories and on-line "buzz" for advice.