I have not paid full retail for any of the things I have purchased. I base my component on large part to whether or not I can either get it used or at a good discount. This has limited my selection considerably and it takes me some time to get what I want but in the end, I am pretty happy with my gear.
That being said, I also agree that you are better off in the long run working with a local dealer. The relationships i ahve formed my with dealers have allowed us to work togehter much more openly. I trust that he is giving me a good advice and a good deal and he knows that I am a loyal customer, a win win situation.
The internet has also helped me to connect with other audiophiles. In the past I have been able to get together with a few for a "group" purchase, allowing me to save almost 30% off retail.
Using all of these different avenues has saved me about 40% from retail (for my entire system). Believe me, I would not have purchased my gear at anywhere near retail!
That being said, I also agree that you are better off in the long run working with a local dealer. The relationships i ahve formed my with dealers have allowed us to work togehter much more openly. I trust that he is giving me a good advice and a good deal and he knows that I am a loyal customer, a win win situation.
The internet has also helped me to connect with other audiophiles. In the past I have been able to get together with a few for a "group" purchase, allowing me to save almost 30% off retail.
Using all of these different avenues has saved me about 40% from retail (for my entire system). Believe me, I would not have purchased my gear at anywhere near retail!