2. misc-audio
  3. 1024979128

Should mags review stuff not easily available

Wondering what people think about the stereo magazines running reviews on equipment you can't try out at the local stereo shop?
I hear about a lot of great stuff on the internet but I haven't been enticed to drive 500 miles to D.C. to hear VMPS speakers regardless of what people say.. Or spend $40-$100 on having Axiom, Athena, Nohr, or Swans shipped to my house (risk free). Could get expensive in a hurry.
It seems to me that the brick and mortar stores filter through the junk. First they have good hearing / know what the customer wants. Second if they don't sell stuff they go out of business. So their products better be good. The only bad thing being that they are slower in getting stuff on their shelves. So maybe they are missing a hot new product.

How many people buy something on the internet without hearing it first and expect to be fully satisfied? Or be better than what they presently own because someone else liked it.
Is this really a practical way to sell audio stuff where the buyer has no way of knowing what they're getting until they hear it for themselves?
cdc
formulaonea2a1
1 posts
 
If one thoroughly researches a product they're interested in, he'll know, for the most part, what to expect (sonically) before it arrives on the door step.

Regarding brick and mortar outlets: If your local dealer shares your audio philosophy and carries the products that you like, then, by all means, patronize their salon. I tried to shop at my local dealer, but they only offered 500lbs Krell amps, gargantuan Wilson Grand Slam speakers and exclusively digital front ends. When I stated that I prefer analog and SET amps (i.e., refinement), they looked at me as if I were an anachronism. The sales personnel was nice enough so I bought some accessories from them.

Again, do your homework, trust your instinct and, with a little luck, you'll be just fine...maybe [sardonic smile].

thefalls1117
74 posts
 
I'm very isolated from any high end shops..400-500 miles away.
High end in my city is considered top of the line JVC.SONY
or if I really want to go all out H.K...
To me its the norm.to foot a 50-100 bill so I can audition in my own living room with my own system..well worth it to me.
I am extremely jealous of anyone ,who can spend a day(s)going from high end to high end stores auditioning several pieces of equipment.
Three words to sum it all up..RESEARCH..RESEARCH.RESEARCH..
Happy listening....
unsound
7,311 posts
 
Do you really want to stomp on the little guys? With out exposure they are doomed. All we will have is what ever your local appliance store wants to carry. Large bankrolls will buy up shelf space offering different colored bells and whistles to keep any competition at bay. The only way the small guys will expand their availabilty is if the word gets out that they have something better,cheaper or both. Long live free trade and free speech!
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