I'm late to this thread, but FWIW, I can say definitively and personally - if it was not for the internet in general and Audiogon in general, I would never have gotten into high-end, and would most definitely have spent my money on musical instruments (keyboards) and pro audio recording gear instead.
I experienced far too many barriers to entry in dealing with retail hi-end here in the SF Bay Area, and can sympathize and echo Zaikesman's earlier comment, "I have *never* had an all-around completely satisfactory experience in any shop. Some have been tolerable-to-okay, but none excellent."
Tim
I experienced far too many barriers to entry in dealing with retail hi-end here in the SF Bay Area, and can sympathize and echo Zaikesman's earlier comment, "I have *never* had an all-around completely satisfactory experience in any shop. Some have been tolerable-to-okay, but none excellent."
Tim