I think that the shift of interest from 2 channel stereo to HT has killed off the small stereo stores that specialized in high end stuff and were not quick enuf to see HT coming and convert. I only started looking at the internet after i couldn't find local dealers - i'd still prefer local dealers but driving 100 miles or more isn't "local" to me. When you're buying high end stuff a GOOD dealer will always beat the internet especially if they have on site competent service men.
