This might just be the end of brick and mortar

I'm fortunate enough to live in NY where there still exist a small number of "bricks and mortar " shops. The one that is most like the old days is Stereo Exchange in the city - walk right in, look around, listen, and they probably have it in stock to carry out. Pretty amazing considering the capital investment required to fund that sort of inventory these, or in those days.

I keep my audio and video interests apart. I appreciate the picture quality that today's flat screens offer, but I've found surround sound to be more annoying than enticing. I have to admit that I haven't bothered to purchase a true audiophile surround system, but I've never found it justifiable. On the other hand, I'm still chasing the two channel audio dragon going on 33 years now and I still enjoy it.

Whart, I agree with you regarding SE. I've been dealing with Dave and Alan there for the past few years. They're still the most old school store I know of around here. I have a store literally around the corner from where I live which used to be a good store - it still is if HT is your bag. Problem there is they stock ZERO. I've auditioned equipment there and after once having waited 6 weeks for a REL sub I gave up. After that, it's been SE for me - and they're 55 miles away.