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I was thinking the other day about all the audio stores that were around when I was a kid

I know we all grew up in different places so the experience shared here all will not relate to. Though I am sure there will be stories that some can relate to. I grew up,in Detroit Michigan and starting going to Audio stores at the ripe old age of 14 years old. Of course I didn't drive at the time so my father would take me. He loved music but wasn't really into audio equipment. Here are some of the stores I used to go to.

1. Tech hi-fi in Royal Oak
2. Audioland In Roseville
3. Audio Dimensions in birmingham
4. Absolute Sound in Royal Oak
5.Stereoland in Detroit

Of course there were other stores but my father would only take me so far. Everything was so new to me and fresh at the time it was really exciting. I still go to audiophile shows today and some audiophile meetings. And though I still enjoy it I had the most excitement when I was a kid.


taters

Showing 12 responses by taters

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
I hear there is a new high-end store in Royal Oak. I don't know the name of it but I have heard they are carrying a lot of esoteric gear. Do you know the store I am talking about?

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Jafant,

I live in Southern California now and there are still a lot of brick and mortar stores. I rarely frequent them because I don't buy new audio gear nowadays. If I purchase something it is on this website. Luckily I haven't had a problem so far. 
taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Ji35,

I have not lived in Michigan for 30 years. I am glad they are still in business. I still remember going into the store and seeing names like Audio Research, Mark Levinson and Quad. That way my first really high-end experience and I will never forget it.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
I understand how you feel Mr. Hosehead.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Jafant,

I really don't go to stores anymore because I don't believe in buying new gear nowadays. The prices are just to high and the depreciation is even worse. I bought a current model ARC pre-amp a couple of years ago on here for 40 percent less than retail. It only had 600 hours on it. When I buy gear nowadays I buy it on this website. If I don't like a piece I can usually sell it for what I paid for it. I don't want to go to stores and waste their time when I know I will not pay retail for it. Buying used makes the most sense to me at this time. Sure, If I got a big windfall I would not mind going Into the stores and buying retail. But at this time I can't afford to do that. Even buying high-end audio at 40 percent off is still a good chunk of change.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
jjhunsecker,

I stopped going to retail stores about 10 years ago. The prices on new gear is just to expensive for me. When I buy I find mint condition used gear. And there is plenty of it around because audiophiles always need the latest and greatest. It's the same reason I don't buy new cars. Let the original owner take all the depreciation. Then I buy it used with low miles at 30 to 40 percent of M.S.R.P.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Jjhunsecker,

If you are talking about the Sound Factor in Encino they closed about 4 years ago. The only store I know about in the valley is Shelleys. Though they even gave up their high profile location on Topanga Blvd to locate to a store on a side street. I guess the high rent was killing them.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
I always see Optimal Enchantment at the audio show in Newport Beach every June. He always has one of the best sounding rooms. He is a dealer that really loves music. I can tell buy his great collection of music he brings with him. Mostly vinyl.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Does anyone remember Acoustic Image? They had a storefront on Ventura bl in Studio City around 1990. They carried a lot of esoteric gear for that time. They only had the store for a couple of years. I think the guy might work out of his house nowadays but I have not spoken to him in years. His salesman used to work for Christopher Hansen in Beverly Hills.

taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Jafant, 

I don't know the exact number but I would say quite a few. I know one of the dealers carries very esoteric gear that you would think the manufactures would not allow to be sold out of a house. One guy I know in the San Diego that carries very good equipment has been trying to get the ARC line for the last few years. ARC will only sell to people that have a storefront. Other manufactures don't care.
taters OP
1,149 posts
 
It's a real shame. You never hear about him anymore. In years past he used to hold a meeting for the LosAngeles-Orange county audiophile society. He has a very low profile. I wonder how he stays in business. I always liked his store in Studio City the short time it was open.
taters OP
1,149 posts
 
Jafant,

There is a line of very popular speakers in the States. The only businesses that carry the line here all work out of their house. I know in other parts of the country the speakers are sold through B&M locations.

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