Retail vs. List Price

Good service is worth paying for, not that I enjoy paying retail but if it was either good service and support vs. once its sold they don't want to see me until I buy something again-it depends what you care about- remember its only dirty paper. Call several dealers and see how they treat you and what suggestions they have-its not like you are talking mega money here; if one dealer seems obviously better for a few hundred bucks I wouldn't hesitate. of course YMMV
~Tim

Jeff_s- Good point to bring up but with out dealers there would be no audiogon because there would be no gear around :) Of course this isn't like groceries that everyone needs how many in your home town are into hi-fi? its a niche market and you gotta pay for it; hey look at least its not crack! But obviously the 1 meter interconnect(pair) I bought for $1100 wasn't worth that much(not materials or no matter how you look at it) but I like it, and it gives me that much joy. Look at Jewelers, clothing stores, tire shops :o) they all take advantage of the consumer because they have to in order to make money(well maybe not the last one but you get the idea ;) )

~Tim