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If you had to pay full retail, would you...???

I recently got the Music Direct catalog in the mail. Lots of cool gear, interesting tweaks, awesome LPs. Looking over the catalog several times, I said to myself, "man, there are a lot of expensive tweaks which the un-initiated must think is simply crazy". What also struck me is that all the stuff I want, is ultra expensive and the stuff at "real-world prices" are nothing really spectacular. Even at the low end side of "high-end" gear, I would be laying out considerably more than if I went to Best Buy and bought an All in one system.

So, here is where I am headed. I have put together a pretty nice system, almost entirely found here on Audiogon, over back in the day at Audiomart. I scored my amps which retail for $13,000 for $4000. My speakers retailed for $7500 and I got em for $1500. My turntable was $500, which retail was $2500. If, I bought a new $500 turntable, I would get like a Music Fidelity MF, entry level one.

if you bought most of your system used, if you had to start from square one and had to buy Full retail, would you still be into this hobby?

Entry level high end gear really does not interest me. it lacks pizzaz, like the Avid Reference has. For what I paid for my AudioLogic tube DAC, I could only afford a Mid-level Marantz. I beleive I would still be a Music lover, but if forced to spend Full retail for high end gear, I think I would opt for mass market mid-fi, or simply do a laptop based digital system through a mass market company.
justlisten

Showing 4 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
If you had to pay full retail, would you...???

Would I be in this hobby? No

Would I still listen to music? Yes

I would just some mid-fi rig and live on in oblivion, not knowing what to do with all of my extra time and money.

Yes, I 'save' money by shopping here, just like my wife 'saves' money when she goes out shopping. :)

To be honest though, I probably wind up spending more $$$ to get a better deal. If you're saving 40/50/60%, the more you spend the more you save. If your paying 100%, you're not saving anything, so there is no temptation to 'save' (or spend) more.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
That looks good on paper. When you find the audiophile who has left his system unchanged after 10 years, will you ask him to chime in? :)

Tvad (Threads | Answers)


They are out there, I know some, but the reason they do not change their system is because they find out how little of the money they spent is recoverable, so they stick with what they have. For instance, I know a guy who paid $3200 for a preamp that listed for $3500. He has talked for years about selling it and getting another one. Everytime he finds out that all he'll get for his 6 year old preamp is around $1600-$1800, he changes his mind. He thinks he can get $2700 for his preamp, when he finds out he zero chance of this it depresses him. Then he just sticks with what he has. That's why he still has 12 year old CAL digital seperates. Not that there is anything wrong with this behavior, but you won't find these types perusing the threads on AudiogoN.

12-28-06: Justlisten
I guess my Original Post wasn't clear as it appears only a few understood the intent of my original question, ..JMCGROGAN2, his answer was what I was looking for.

Sweet!!! What did I win???

FWIW, unfortunately I've never met a dealer that I really trust. I've never heard one be honest enough to say what the other guy is selling is better than his offerings. I've heard many rave about a product, only to then trash it when they drop the line. I can't read through the BS. I can't tell if the guy is trying to help me out or just sell something.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
12-28-06: D_edwards
Let me explain something most audiophiles really have trouble with;

I'm sure your customers enjoy paying more money for the condescending tone. I enjoy being talked down to, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.(Note: Sarcasm Alert)

Well now audiophiles are down too public forums and "public" trade shows to spend thousands of dollars most of you have to talk to a deadbeat 50 year old types or some kid because stores cannot hire real professionals and you spend thousands and thousands of dollars on advice from people who simply do not have the expertise to give it.


Now even a simpleton like myself can understand, so only knowledgeable folks in their 30's really know audio.....ahhhhh the picture is becoming clearer. Now I know to check the salesman's driver's license to make sure he's in his 30's. Thanks Audio Super Salesman!! Great Tip!!!

Most people in my age (30 something) who are smart and creative have left the industry altogether or have moved up into the rep levels where they do not help the end user anymore.


So what does this say about you Audio Super Salesman??? Are you not smart and creative???

By the way 15 years in the business, and I don't know one guy in the world who is that retail level who'd i trust to build a system for me.
D_edwards (System | Answers)


Well shoot Audio Super Salesman, if you can't trust anyone in the retail level, how does a simple, naive, audiophile like me stand a chance???

I'll sleep better tonight knowing that you are here to protect us Audio Super Salesman!!
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Coaching Football these days, something where the outcome is not subjective and winning means I don't have to suffer fools or discount my salary.
D_edwards (System | Answers)

That's actually the most impressive comment I've seen from you yet Edwards. I coached baseball for 14 years, and it was a great experience. The kids keep you young. Are you coaching at a school/university?
I coached a community travel team and at the high school. The community league was more competetive.

It actually took me away from the audio nervosa for a bit. I went 7-8 years with absolutely no changes in my system whatsoever. Of course I didn't fire up the big rig much in those days either. Too busy.

Anyway, it sounds like it is good move to get out of the retail end, as it probably was best for you and your customers.
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