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Has the internet been good for audio?

Before the internet, I'd go to 3 local stores and be a captive audience to whatever Stereophile told me. But now with the internet the retail stores have more competition and there are a lot more choices. Maybe too many. Some questions that run through my mind:
Is your system better because of the internet?
Was it worth the trouble?
What happens to the retail stores?
Were the simpler times better? I remember when Klipsch and Fried were the hot brands. From what I've been told, B&W actually made great speakers in the olden days.
cdc

Showing 2 responses by cdc

cdc OP
1,868 posts
 
I just enjoy logging on, even at 2:00 AM and chatting. I'm not sure if the internet has helped to grow hi-end audio but it levels the playing field for small companies to put out a great product at low cost without all the marketing and dealer expenses. I don't recall the home auditions like we have now.
When I get it worked out, my stereo will be much better than what I could buy at any dealer but it has been more work because of all the choices to sort through.
The one oddball thing is I can buy a 4gB flash drive at Walmart.com for $29 and it would be delivered to my local Walmart for free. But it was $48 for the exact same thing in the store and they don't match internet pricing.
cdc OP
1,868 posts
 
Sherod, I heard on Jay Leno that Home Depot is planning on opening some small, local hardware stores. Sort of like the ones they put out of business.
I should have clarified that the $48 in-store price was also from Wal-mart. Apparently Walmart is competing against itself. Either that or trying to discourage retail sales.
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