My system is a hybrid of store-bought and internet-bought pieces. These forums are helpful as starting points, but the store is the only place to listen and audition, usually. One exception to this was the Odyssey Extreme monos, which were posted for sale by a member who lived in the adjoining city and could therefore be auditioned. I have mostly eschewed faith-based internet purchases for components, with the exception of a Rotel Preamp and Dodson DAC I bought, which turned out to be a fabulous purchase. I did purchase the Odyssey Tempest Extreme preamp directly, brand new, from Klaus, but only after a great experience with his amplifiers. Cables have been purchased mainly, but not exclusively, on the web.
I agree with Onhwy61 regarding the usefulness of consulting with a dealer for neophytes, but would add that if you are fortunate enough to have one or more great ones (like I have been), then the dealer is extremely helpful for the more advanced audiophile as well. It would not have been possible to assemble my current system without the help of Duane, a dealer. Wanting his store to remain in existence and prosper, I have made purchases there accordingly. I have not auditioned pieces in the store and then purchased identical units on the internet. Overall, the majority of my dollars were spent in brick and mortar stores, with the internet playing an important but nevertheless adjunctive role. For me, I think that was quicker, easier and smarter in the long run.
Things can look great on paper and be favorably reviewed, but sound horrible. I had such an experience once with respect to loudspeakers. The discordance between my trumped up expectations and the reality of the audition (I went to the company to listen) was astonishing, and in a very bad way. There's no way to learn this about any component of a sound system without listening for yourself. That requires a store, with smart, honest and helpful people, like Duane.
I agree with Onhwy61 regarding the usefulness of consulting with a dealer for neophytes, but would add that if you are fortunate enough to have one or more great ones (like I have been), then the dealer is extremely helpful for the more advanced audiophile as well. It would not have been possible to assemble my current system without the help of Duane, a dealer. Wanting his store to remain in existence and prosper, I have made purchases there accordingly. I have not auditioned pieces in the store and then purchased identical units on the internet. Overall, the majority of my dollars were spent in brick and mortar stores, with the internet playing an important but nevertheless adjunctive role. For me, I think that was quicker, easier and smarter in the long run.
Things can look great on paper and be favorably reviewed, but sound horrible. I had such an experience once with respect to loudspeakers. The discordance between my trumped up expectations and the reality of the audition (I went to the company to listen) was astonishing, and in a very bad way. There's no way to learn this about any component of a sound system without listening for yourself. That requires a store, with smart, honest and helpful people, like Duane.