Supporting Local Audio Stores are we?
Chadnliz, if that wasn't meant for me, I apologize. As I read it I was the only 'John' on the thread. Yes, it is a common name (thanks Mom), but I was unaware of your inside joke. As to 'who am I?', I seem to have been here much longer than you, though you do seem to be much more active than me in these threads. Peace, John |
What's a Local Audio Store??? Seriously though, the big one by me went under a couple of years ago, and no, I was not supporting it. There are a couple of smaller stores by me now, and I'll buy a couple of nick-nacks here and there, but no major gear deals, the prices are just too high. I do make an effort to buy American gear though, my electronics, turntable, and cables/cords are American made, my speakers Canadian and my CDP is Japanese. I suppose I could support American dealers if I chose to buy Chinese gear, but I can't afford American dealers AND American manufacturers. Cheers, John |
Great post Rella, and a valid point about the way audio stores used to be the 'AudiogoN forums' before the internet. The internet has changed many types of business though, not just audio. Of the two small audio stores near me, one owner is not a conversationlist, or a very good businessman, so I have no issue not visiting him. The other owner is a very nice guy, but is a bit further away, and doesn't carry many of the brands that interest me. In fact, looking at my system now, he doesn't carry any of the brands that I own, not even cables. I visit once in a while, because he is a very nice guy, and occasionally buy some tweak or tubes. The reason I don't go more often though because I feel like I'm wasting his time. I certainly don't use his store as a place to demo and then buy 'his gear' cheaper on-line, and I would never recommend that anyone do that. IMHO that is a form of stealing (time) and is unethical. Now to answer your questions: Where do you go to audition equipment? My living room....using the AudiogoN buy 'n' try method. I have found over the years that there is no substitute for listening to gear in my own system/room. I have mostly purchased used, but I have bought new gear from 'Internet dealers' who allow me to try gear in my own system before buying. Where do you get your equipment repaired (especially the old stuff)? Bob Backert is excellent. He does great repairs and modifications. Where can you debate the tweaks? EtcÂ… Right here in the AudiogoN forums. Actually, I've noticed that I don't read my Stereophile magazine much anymore either. Times have certainly changed, though I'm not sure if it's for the better. I've had more gear go through my house in the last 5 years than in the previous 25 years in this hobby. In some cases, it's fun getting to hear a lot of 'heavy hitters' right in my own room. On the other hand, it can be a drag always re-arranging the rig. Cheers, John |
01-16-09: Mrtennis Five years is a lifetime in this hobby, especially with so many toys to try. Currently my oldest component is my speakers at 3.5 years. I think I have been slowing down the merry-go-round now that the economy is struggling. I've downsized, and will continue to do so. I don't see much buying in my future, only selling. Cheers, John |
01-19-09: Ferrari Ferrari, I believe you have misinterpretted the conversation. I was responding to MrT's query of components that I have owned for over 5 years. I have owned gear for over 5 years previously, but none of my current gear has been in my system for over 5 years. FWIW, you have obviously been at this for a long time, kudos. I wasn't even alive in 1957. I have been enjoying this hobby since 1976 though. Cheers, John |
