@kennymacc - Your positivity is refreshing. I agree, it opened an entire world up to not only equipment but knowledge that most of us had only seen small pieces of by visiting our local stereo shops. As with everything, it has morphed into something a bit different from what it was in the beginning but, IMO, the good far outweighs the bad. The journey has been fun.
Thank Heavens For The Internet World Used/ Pre-Owned High End Audio Market!!!!
As a devoted audiophile from way back when, and definitely not one of our more well-heeled audiophiles, always looking to save a dollar or two, the single most and greatest blessing for me and audiophiles like me was the emergence of the "Internet" and online shopping. The internet gave us all access to a vast, marvelous worldwide marketplace of pre-owned high end audio gear that could be purchased in the comfort and convenience of our own homes while sitting on our couches using our own personal computers. What a godsend was the creation of all those wonderful used high end audio websites that emerged that gave us a virtual sea of new and used high end audio for purchase. Over the past over 20 years, I’ve purchased most all of my audio gear online, thereby saving literally thousands upon thousands of dollars off retail. Thanks to internet online high end audio shopping, I still believe in miracles!!!