Good thoughts, all. I suggest that we have seen the end of product exclusivity in audio. Hi-fi is one of the last sacred cows in marketing, but soon to join ranks with profit
ravaged, eroded dealer base goods like fine watches, motorcars, cigars, computers, pens, ties, you name it.
My local Brietling watch dealer needs to fetch 30% more for the same timepiece I can buy via internet. Next time you fancy a bottle of Dom, ask your local shop owner to match Costco's $79. Won't (can't) happen.
Think of all the name brand audio that 10 years ago was strictly boutique, now found in the major chains or on line (or not at all!). Idealism in marketing methods is a luxury few companies can now afford. Levinson in TheGoodGuys? Dynaudio at Tweeter? Your favorite --- at ---? Manufactuerers will swear "Never!" until the very day the BestBuy ad breaks featuring their product. Let's not overlook the fact that just two corporations own the majority of our hi-fi brands, and corporate mandate is profit! When your strongest competitor puts his preamp into 300 stores and you have your preamp in 20, it's soul searching time. Too bad, I really enjoyed being able to hear a piece before purchasing it....
ravaged, eroded dealer base goods like fine watches, motorcars, cigars, computers, pens, ties, you name it.
My local Brietling watch dealer needs to fetch 30% more for the same timepiece I can buy via internet. Next time you fancy a bottle of Dom, ask your local shop owner to match Costco's $79. Won't (can't) happen.
Think of all the name brand audio that 10 years ago was strictly boutique, now found in the major chains or on line (or not at all!). Idealism in marketing methods is a luxury few companies can now afford. Levinson in TheGoodGuys? Dynaudio at Tweeter? Your favorite --- at ---? Manufactuerers will swear "Never!" until the very day the BestBuy ad breaks featuring their product. Let's not overlook the fact that just two corporations own the majority of our hi-fi brands, and corporate mandate is profit! When your strongest competitor puts his preamp into 300 stores and you have your preamp in 20, it's soul searching time. Too bad, I really enjoyed being able to hear a piece before purchasing it....