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is audiogon good for the audio industry or bad?

I am not a dealer so my input is only based on my limited actions...but, since I discovered audiogon and became a member and active user, I have raised thousands of dollars by selling equipment that had been stored in my basement because "trade-in values" are so low that I would have rather stored this equipment just in-case I one day needed it. I then re-invested those dollars, plus other dollars and then sold equipment that I was planning on living with and invested those dollars as well to basically upgrade 1/2 my system which I had no imminent plans to do prior to AG. The result is that I have now spent thousands and thousands on equipment over the last 6-months which I would not have done without AG. Absolute Sound drives me into retailers and listening rooms, helps educate me and helps create my wish list, but, AG helps me make it a reality. The result is that I spend far more $$ on equipment...which by the way, drives me to buy absurd amounts of source material through acousticsounds, etc...
jedhartman

Showing 2 responses by sns

sns
3,643 posts
 
I well remember the audio hobby before Audiogon. Tons more quality audio retail stores, but this was the only way to get to hear a variety of equipment.

The rise of the internet in general has also been amazing for the audiophile. We used to have to find out about equipment by sending away for pamphlets, snail mail!
Audiophiles were pretty much alone as well, I had no easy access to other audiophiles, pretty lonely hobby/obsession. A much wider variety of opinions and reviews is available today, back in the bad old days we had to rely much more on magazine reviews.

The 'old' days were not the Golden Age of audio, the Golden Age is now! More recent audiophiles may not realize how good they have it.
sns
3,643 posts
 
I no longer visit 'actual' audio stores and audio is more a part of my life than ever. DIY is my present preoccupation, tons of self-satisfaction, dealers no help here. The web has made it possible for novices like me to undertake projects I never would have undertaken otherwise. More audiophiles of moderate means should investigate DIY upgrades, way more bang for the buck than circulating equipment in a never ending quest for the holy grail.

Having said that, I do think audio stores are important for some. I just no longer use them as I don't usually intend to purchase from them, it is wrong to use them as an auditioning outlet. I also usually prefer the home based audio dealer, much more personal service. The 'big' stores around me cater to the high rollers, most are more into home theatre than stereo.

I don't think B & M are vital to many manufacturers, quite a few generate most or all of their sales via the web and word of mouth. I believe the web is becoming much more indespensable to the health of this industry than B & M, the home based stores may be the exception. I would be tempted to start a home based business if I could raise the capital.
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