From: nau@ribs.ssesco.com (William Nau) Subject: Mail Order FAQ (6/3/96) Date: 3 Jun 1996 13:37:43 GMT A few news items before the list: SSESCO has moved! My email address is still the same, but the whole network thingie was unreliable for a little while. We don't believe we lost any email so you don't need to resend anything. However, because of the caos, I only responded to email that required a reponse. Thanks for your patience. Chintan Amin was kind enough to volunteer to HTMLize the FAQ and locate it at http://grove.ufl.edu/~camin/mofaq.html. Because he doesn't get it until I post it, he may be a little behind. Three cheers for Chintan! Monday June 03, 1996 Here's the latest release of the rec.audio mail order list. This list depends on your input. I encourage you to email additions, changes, corrections, comments, and requests to me (nau@SSESCO.com). Section 1 - Table of Contents: 1 - Table of Contents 2 - How To Get This List 3 - Disclaimer 4 - Introduction 5 - Authorized Dealers 6 - Demo & Factory Refurbished Units 7 - Bait and Switch 8 - What To Do If Ripped Off 9 - Netter Response 10 - Changes 11 - The Table 12 - The List 13 - Another Disclaimer Section 2 - How To Get This List: - Ask for it. I don't mind getting requests for the list via email (nau@SSESCO.com). It makes me feel important. If you don't get a response from me, blame email not me. The only time I fail to respond is when mail bounces. I don't try more than once. - Pull it from News. I try to post the most recent version of the list to rec.audio.misc and rec.audio.marketplace near the begining of each month. - FTP it. The list is available via anonymous ftp at SSESCO.com (192.55.187.34). It can be found in the 'pub/Rec.Audio' directory. - Chintan Amin was kind enough to volunteer to HTMLize the FAQ at http://grove.ufl.edu/~camin/mofaq.html. I only maintain the rec.audio mail order FAQ. The general rec.audio FAQ is maintained by Bob Neidorff (neidorff@uicc.com). That list can be obtained via FTP at rtfm.mit.edu. It is in the /pub/usenet/news.answers/AudioFAQ directory. You must grab part1 through part13. Section 3 - Disclaimer: This list was compiled via mail messages received from the folks out in netland and from paging though a couple of magazines. My experience with the following companies is very limited. I apologize for any errors. If any mail order company wishes to be removed from my list, please let me know (a polite letter would be nice) and I will take the appropriate actions. Any orders through the following mail order companies are done at your own risk and I take absolutely no responsibility. If you find the information to be wrong, tell me and I will correct it. Section 4 - Introduction Mail order is useful for two reasons: - Often the product you desire is not available locally. Mail order gives you access to the inventory and expertise of companies all over the nation/world. - Many mail order companies are also less expensive than local shops. This is often due to low overhead and high sales volumes. Many companies do not charge sales tax (US). While the buyer is obligated to pay the tax to his/her state, it is rarely done (though someone recieved a 35% penality from New Jersey for not paying this tax). Mail order also has many downsides: - Shipping charges and mailing time. - You are typically not able to review the products before purchasing them. Some companies allow you to return products you are dissatisfied with. Charges for returning the product varies. - Service after a purchase is more difficult. You must deal with them over the phone rather than in person. You will often incur charges and larger delays for shipping the product back for repair/replacement. - It's a shady world. The lack of personal contact allows mail order companies to be a bit deceptive. Sometimes they aren't authorized for the products they sell. Sometimes they send you products/services other than what you asked for. You have to be careful. It is up to you to determine if the inconvenience and risk is worth the savings and selection of doing business by mail order. To help you make that decision I have compiled (with the help of netters) a summary of many mail order companies and people's experiences with them. I've also made an attempt to include information on how to deal with these companies. Good luck and enjoy! Section 5 - Authorized Dealers: Not all dealers are authorized to sell a particular brand. This means that the manufacturers may not back the item that is sold through these dealers. Often the dealer will have their own warranty in such a case, but the value of such a warrenty is questionable. Ask them if they are authorized. You may also want to call the manufacturer to see if the dealer is authorized for the model you are interested in. Some dealers are authorized to sell a particular brand, but are not authorized to sell it via mail order. Often these dealers will treat a mail order purchases as if it were an in store purchase. This allows you to make use of the manufacturers warranty. In doing this, the dealer is taking a risk. If discovered, he may lose his contract (or a contract renewal) with the manufacturer. According to netters, the following brands are not authorized to be sold via mail order: Acurus (Audio Outlet) Coustic car audio, Carver (authorized for Crutchfield only), Mirage subwoofers, NAD, NHT (authorized for Crutchfield only), Onkyo, Paradigm, Pioneer Elite, Sony ES, Yamaha (authorized for Crutchfield only) B&W (authorized for Crutchfield only) Boston Acoustics Section 6 - Demo & Factory Refurbished Units: Sometimes mail order companies sell you a demo or factory refurb as new. A demo unit is one that has been used on show floors as a demonstration unit. A factory refurb is a unit that was defective and sent back to the factory for repairs. To sell a factory refurb, demo, or used item as if they were new is illegal, but is also very common with some sleazy mail order companies. Demos or used equipment are often a little beat up. They may also be missing documentation (warranty card, etc). Also, check to make sure that the serial number on the instructions, warranty card, unit itself, and box all match. If they do not (or are missing on the box or the unit), then it is likely that you do not have a new or authorized unit. It is much more difficult to tell if a unit has been refurbished at the factory. Perhaps if you send a letter (or phone call) to the factory with the serial number of the unit, they can tell you if it's been in for repairs. Section 7 - Bait and Switch: Bait and switch tactics are not unusual in the world of mail order (or used cars). They will not have the advertised item in stock and attempt to convince you to purchase an item other than the one you wanted. This can be illegal. It's a fuzzy line, because sometimes they are simply trying to give you good advice, but other times they are doing so only because that item will make them more profit on the other item. As a general rule, don't purchase an item that you did not plan to purchase when you first called. Section 8 - What To Do If Ripped Off: If you feel that you have been dealt with unfairly by a mail order company, go to the mail order company itself. Explain to them your reasoning. Continue to go up the chain of command and speak with people in authority. Record the dates and names of anyone with whom you speak. Follow it up with a dated letter to the company (refering to specific people). Keep you own copy of the letters and a log of any phone conversations. Use your credit card. If you feel you did not get what you paid for, refute the charge on the card. Call your credit card company and explain the problem to them. It's usually necessary to send a letter in the mail as well as calling them. For the sake of being complete, mail a letter as well. Once again, keep you own copy of the letters and a log of any phone conversations. You can call the local Postal Inspector's Office (the local Post Office can tell you their nearest number), or call the Postal Fraud Hotline at (800) 654-8896. You will probably be sent a 4 page "Mail Fraud Complaint Questionnaire" to fill out and return. You can also complain to: Direct Mail Marketing Association Mail Order Action Line 6 East 43rd Street New York, NY 10017 Section 9 - Netter Response: There are 4 categories for netter response. These are: - Very Good: Mail order heaven. Highly recommended. - Ok: Satisfied and would deal with them again. - Poor: Not quite satisfied, but we'll let them live. - Very Poor: Banish this place from the face of the Earth. When/if you are giving me feedback from your mail order experience, it would be helpful if you were to include a rating from the above choices. Section 10 - Changes: Updated: Audio Advisor Crutchfield USA Direct [1] New West Electronics J&R Music World Alpine Audio Audio Excellence One Call (One Kall) 6th Avenue Electronics ABC Distributors Read Brothers Reference Audio Video Galen Carol Audio Audio Outlet Audio FX Kief's Audio Video Savant Audio Scientific Stereo The Sound Approach Amerisound Sales ACI (Audio Concepts) HeadRoom Corporation New: All Brands Electronics (was Speakers Plus and Home Theater Systems) Deleted: Speakers Plus Home Theater Systems Section 11 - The Table: The following table is available for quick reference. I suggest you refer to the list (section 12) following this table for more detailed information. -----------------------+----------+--------------+------------------------- | Last | | Netter Response | Info | Phone | Very | | | Very Name of Company | Date | Number | Good | OK | Poor | Poor -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ ABC Distributors | 05/09/96 | 800-354-1324 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ ACI (Audio Concepts) | 06/02/96 | 608-784-4570 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ AKS Acoustics | 01/30/96 | 800-213-5119 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ All Brands Electronic | 11/10/95 | 800-978-7768 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Alpine Audio | 05/22/96 | 540-628-3177 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Amerisound Sales [2] | 05/28/96 | 904-262-4000 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 9 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Atlantic Buyer's Club | 02/04/94 | 908-255-5943 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio Advisor | 04/24/96 | 800-942-0220 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio Classics, Ltd. | 07/10/95 | 800-321-2834 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio Excellence | 05/22/96 | 315-451-2707 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio FX | 05/22/96 | 916-929-2100 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio Nexus | 08/30/95 | 908-277-0333 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio Outlet | 05/22/96 | 914-666-0550 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audiophile Source | 08/03/95 | 901-756-8517 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Audio Video Today [3] | 05/16/94 | 714-891-7575 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ The Cable Company | 03/18/96 | 800-328-9973 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Cambridge Sound Works | 03/21/96 | 800-367-4434 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Camera World | 02/19/96 | 800-222-1557 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Central Park | 05/19/95 | 914-472-3522 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Computability | 01/18/96 | 800-558-0003 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Colonel Audio Video | 07/10/95 | 800-423-8277 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Crutchfield | 05/08/96 | 800-955-3000 | 21 | 9 | 3 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ CSA Audio | 08/30/95 | 201-744-0600 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Cumberland Audio | 02/19/96 | 615-297-4700 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Electronics Depot | 12/12/95 | 800-500-1553 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Electronic Wholesaler | 11/11/94 | 800-950-4080 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Focus Electronics | -- | 800-223-3411 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Galen Carol Audio | 05/22/96 | 210-805-9927 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Harvey Electronics | 01/28/94 | 212-575-5000 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ HCM Audio | 04/19/96 | 800-222-3465 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ HeadRoom Corporation | 05/22/96 | 800-828-8184 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ J&R Music World | 05/01/96 | 800-221-8180 | 16 | 15 | 5 | 1 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Kief's Audio Video | 05/22/96 | 913-842-1811 | 38 | 5 | 2 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Leader Marketing [1] | 10/12/94 | unknown | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Music Direct | 07/27/94 | 800-449-8333 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ New West Electronics | 05/22/96 | 800-488-8877 | 34 | 9 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ New York Wholesale | -- | 212-684-6363 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ North Country Audio | 12/09/95 | 315-287-2852 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ One Call (One Kall) | 05/29/96 | 800-340-4770 | 38 | 6 | 0 | 4 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Overture Audio/Video | 02/08/96 | 800-838-1812 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Paul Heath Audio | 10/22/93 | 800-362-8784 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Park Place Audio | 09/21/95 | 201-861-5909 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Progressive Audio | 03/26/95 | 614-299-0565 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ RA Labs USA Inc. | 02/13/96 | 800 651 7444 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Read Brothers | 05/09/96 | 803-723-7276 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Reference Audio Video | 05/22/96 | 800-947-4434 | 30 | 7 | 1 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Reliance Audio Video | 11/10/95 | 800-348-7799 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Savant Audio | 05/22/96 | 609-799-9664 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ S.B.H. Enterprises | 03/02/96 | 800-451-5851 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Scientific Stereo | 02/22/96 | 800-456-4434 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Shopper Advantage | 08/18/95 | 800-526-4848 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ 6th Avenue Electronic | 05/01/96 | 800-394-6283 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 12 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ The Sony Gallery | 09/12/95 | 312-943-3334 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Sound Alternatives | 09/11/95 | 602-224-9400 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ The Sound Approach | 05/23/96 | 800-368-2344 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Sound by Singer | 08/30/95 | 212-924-8600 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Sound City | 03/08/96 | 800-542-7283 | 11 | 9 | 3 | 9 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Sound Concept | 04/09/94 | 716-442-6050 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Soundex | 11/08/94 | 215-659-8815 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ The Sound Seller | 02/28/95 | 800-826-0520 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Speaker World | 10/03/94 | disconnected | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Speakers Plus | 02/08/96 | 800-865-0681 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Stereo Dynamics | -- | 908-671-1559 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Sunshine Stereo | 02/14/96 | 305-864-0715 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Stereo Exchange | 09/22/95 | 800-833-0071 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Tewksbury | 03/10/95 | 908-534-0354 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ Uncle's Stereo | 02/19/96 | 800-978-6253 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ USA Direct [1] | 05/09/96 | 800-959-4434 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ USA Media Junction | 09/02/94 | disconnected | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ World Wide Electronic | 04/10/94 | 718-370-1303 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 -----------------------+----------+--------------+------+----+------+------ [1] May no longer be in business [2] Under investigation by postal authorities [3] May no longer be doing mail order Section 12 - The List: ABC Distributors (American Buyers Club) 162 Highway 34, Suite 189 Matawan, NJ 07747 Phone: 1-800-354-1324 - Carver, Denon, Harman Kardon, JVC, Kenwood, NAD, Nakamichi, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sony, Yamaha, AR, B&W, Bose, Dahlquist, JBL, Klipsch, Paradigm, Polk, Pinnacle, Ohm, Adcom, Audio Research, Hafler, Alpine, Autotek, Bazooka, Boston Acoustics, Colins, Coustic, LA Sound, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Soundstream, PSB - Will sometimes claim to be authorized on brands to which they are not - Rumored to have sold used merchandise as new - Accused of bait&switch - Misleading about what's in stock - Pleasant phone personality ACI a division of Audio Concepts, Inc. La Crosse, WI Phone: 608-784-4570 Fax: 608-784-6367 E-Mail: 74652.3400@compuserve.com http://www.audioc.com - ACI speakers, Dzurko Acoustics, Muse, Music Reference, Music Metre, Paradigm, DH Labs Silver Sonic - 10-15 day money back gaurentee (excluding special orders) - catalog available - Around since 1977 AKS Acoustics 365 Forest Rd. Wilton, NH 03086 Phone: 800-213-5119 Phone: 603-654-5388 Fax: 603-654-9844 EMail: basspmp@aol.com WWW: http://www.aksa.com - Sell AKS speakers subwoofers and multimedia speakers - 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee - one year warranty Alpine Audio Abington, VA Phone: 540-628-3177 - a/d/s, Acoustic Energy, Apogee, Audioquest, Avalon, Benz Micro, Change Light Speed, C.E.C. Classe, Conrad Johnson, Counterpoint, Denon, Energy, Enlightened Audio Design, Fosgate, Grado, Graham, Immedia, Kimble, Lyra, Magnum Dynalab, Meridian, Mirage, M.I.T., NAD, Pioneer, P.S. Audio, Reference Line, Runco, Sonic Frontier, SOTA, Siltec, Sumiko, Timbre, Transparent Cable, VPI, Wheaton Triplanar, Atlantic Technology, Kimber. Trek, EAD - Good Prices (15% - 25% off) / Prompt - Pleasant (Rick, Ed) Amerisound Sales P.O. Box 24009 Jacksonville, Florida 32241 Phone: 1-904-262-4000 - Adcom, ADS, Audio Research, B&O, B&W, Carver, Celestion, Denon, Fosgate, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Kef, Klipsch, Lexicon, Mirage, Nakamichi, Onkyo, Polk, Revox, Triad, Velodyne, Yamaha, Definitive Technology - Not authorized on some brands - Good prices - Tremendous delays (up to 5 months) reported. Very common! - Extremely unresponsive to customer inquiries - 24 hour automated message system (can get prices anytime) *** Are currently (2/28/94) under investigation by postal authorities and are prohibited from giving estimates of delivery or refund dates. They acknowledge financial difficulties. Atlantic Buyer's Club 18 Oak Hill Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone 1-908-255-5943 - Soundstream - Good prices - not authorized on some brands Audio Advisor 4649 Danvers Dr. S.E. Kentwood, MI 49512 Phone: 1-800-942-0220 Fax: 1-616-975-6111 - Audio Alchemy, Phillips, VPI, Sota, Sumiko, Musical Design, PS Audio, Dynaco, Melos, Muse, Carver, Carver Research (Lightstar products), Tice Audio, Chang Lightspeed, Audio Power, Perma Power, Tara Labs, Straight Wire, Monster Cable M Series and M Series Video, Monster Cable Phono Cartridges, Purist Audio Design, Cardas, Flatline, Kinergetics Subwoofers, Genesis, Dalhquist, Sound Lab, Sound Anchors, Epos, Emminent Technology (speakers and tonearms), SME, Totem, Quad, Rega, Jolida Tube, Sovtek, RAM Labs, Golden Dragon, Gold Aero, Audiosource, Standesign, Target, Bel O Getti, Billy Bags, Roomtune (all Michael Green and Roomtune products), Salamander, ASC, RPG, Grado, Sennheiser, Clearaudio, Signet, and more - Authorized on all items - 30-day no-risk, in-home demo - List prices with some specials (may negotiate) - Carry many accessories (cables, drivers, stands, etc). - Demo/used available - Catalog available Audio Classics, Ltd. United States Post Office Building P.O. Box 176 Walton, NY 13856 Order line: 1-800-321-2834 Information: 1-607-865-7200 - Acoustic Energy, AMC Value Music, Apature, Audio Control, AudioQuest, B&K, BIC, Black Watch, Cardas, Clearfield, Coda, Counterpoint, Crown, CWD, Dahlquist, Denon, Dynaco, Gold Aero, Grado, Jadis, JBL Pro, JM Labs, KEF, Kinergetics, Koetsu, Lexicon, Magnavox, Magnum Dynalab, McIntosh, Meridan, Monster Cable, Niles, Philips, Quad, Room Tunes, Rotel, Russound, SME, Day-Sequerra, Soloist, Sound Anchors, Sound Lab, Sumiko, Stax, Target, Tripp Lite, Velodyne, VPI - Claim to be authorized on all brands - Very into used/demo equipment - Refurb used/demo themselves and use an extensive grading system when selling - 10 day 100% return policy (30 day exchange) - 1 year speaker upgrade policy - many accessories (raw speakers, transformers, test equipment, etc) - Extensive catalog: $18/year bulk, $30/year first class, $6/issue Audio Excellence 4974 Alexis Drive Liverpool, NY 13090. Phone: 315-451-2707 - Classe Audio, Apogee, McCormack, Straightwire, Cary Audio, Well Tempered, Grado, Magnum Dynalab, OCM, ProAc, Unity Audio, Target, N.E.A.R., Audioquest, Mod Squad, Enlightened Audio Design, Micromega, WireWorld, Nakamichi, NHT, Encore, Power Wedge, Vampire, J.F. Woodworks, Audio Prism, Tube Traps, Target, Sanus. - Authorized (will only sell to you if you can't get the item locally) - Good prices - Friendly (talk to Bob Swimm and tell him where you heard of them) Audio Nexus 33 Union Place Summit, NJ 07901 Phone: 1-908-277-0333 - Altis, AMC, Apogee, Audio Alchemy, Audioquest, B&K, Cary, Celestion, Counterpoint, Dynaco, EAD, Eminent Tech, Esoteric, Fried, Forte, Fostex, Grado, Jamo, Jeff Rowland Design, JM Lab, Kimber, Klyne, Magnum Dynalab, McCormack, Melos, MIT, NEAR, Nitty Gritty, OCM, Ortofon, PS Audio, PSB, Rotel, Scientific Fidelity, SME, Sony, Sota, Stax, Tallsman/Alchemist, Tara Labs, Target, Tube Traps, Vandersteen, VPI - Near list prices - mixed reactions (A good reaction in person and a poor one on a mail order basis) Audio Outlet 69 South Moger Ave. Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 Phone: 1-914-666-0550 Email: AudOutlet@aol.com - PSE, Audio Alchemy, Counterpoint, Mcormack, Muse, Creek, Genesis, Acurus Aragon, Rega,Beyerdynamic, Cardas, Tara Labs, Straightwire, XLO, BEL, Jadis, Cary, Melos, Audiolab, Klyne, Creek, Genesis, Magnum Dynalab, SME, Sumiko, Sota, Pioneer (CD only), JVC (CD only), Bitwise, Acoustic Energy, Kimber, Target, Standesign, Arcici, Sound Anchor, Sovtek, Martin-Logan, Proac, A.P.I., Tice, Noisetrapper, etc. - ok prices - Very knowledgable and helpful (Ask for Frank or Mike) - Good service - Email addres (AudOutlet@aol.com) for product questions - 100 page catalog for $4 and you get a coupon for $10 off next purchase Audio FX 1415 Howe Avenue Sacramento, CA Phone: 916-929-2100 Fax: 916-929-2111 WWW: http://www.audiofx.com/go/audiofx - Mark Levinson, Proceed, Sonic Frontiers, Denon, Acurus, Rotel, California Audio Labs, Wilson Audio, Totem Acoustics, Velodyne, NHT, Grado Headphones, Snell, Solid, Kimber Kable, MIT, Monster Cable, Panamax - Responsive - 10-20% off list - Shipping extra Audio Video Today 14306 Beach Blvd Westminster, CA 92683 Phone: 1-714-891-7575 (May be pulling out of mail order) - Counterpoint, Denon, Hafler, Polk, Yamaha, Kinergetic, NAD, Celestion, etc - good prices - helpful, knowledgable (maybe a little bit of an attitude, but ok) The Cable Company PO Box 579 Point Pleasant, PA 18950 Phone: 1-800-FAT-WYRE (1-800-328-9973) - The name says it all. They carry a large assortment of cables and interconnects. Typically high-end. - accessories such as racks, speaker stands, AC power conditioners - 5% rental fee, applicable to purchase - 5-10% off of retail - used and trade-ins available (50% off) - knowledgable, fast (Chip) - they have a loaner program - all cables custom built by manufacturer - free shipping, list prices with varying discounts - quarterly newsletter Cambridge Sound Works 154 California Street Newton, MA 02158-9954 US Phone: 1-800-367-4434 Canada: 1-800-525-4434 - Pioneer, Phillips, Sony, Harman/Kardon, Cambridge Sound Works - Good prices - They exist to sell their own speakers (intended for surround) - Varying opinions on their speakers - Very good service. Helpful, knowledgable. Service oriented. - Worth a call for the catalog anyway Camera World 500 S.W. 5th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97204 Phone: 1-800-222-1557 Catalog: 1-800-729-8940 (24 hours) - Sony, Canon, JVC, Pioneer, JBL, KLH, Hitachi, Sharp, Samsung, Nikon, Minolta, and Panansonic audio & phones ONLY - Friendly - Good prices - Catalog available Central Park Computer and Electronics 691 Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, NY Phone: 1-914-472-3522 - Sony, Mitsubishi, others - Very low prices. - Claims to be authorized by Sony, but Sony claims they are not. - One user reported getting a factory refurb/used machine that was supposed to be new. Rumors of bait and switch. - Apparently fined for deceptive practices. Computability P.O. Box 17882 Milwaukee, WI 53217 Phone: 1-800-558-0003 - Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic, JVC - Mostly computer stuff but have some audio/video - Good prices - Upfront and straighforward - Catalog available Colonel Audio Video Phone: 1-800-423-8277 - Kenwood, JVC - Will price match (claim 4% markup over cost) - Reasonably friendly - May no longer be in mail order (anyone?) - Rumors of not honoring warrenties Crutchfield 1 Crutchfield Park Charlottessville, VA 22906 Sales/Information: 1-800-955-3000 Catalog Request: 1-800-955-9009 Spanish Line: 1-800-955-9039 TDD (Deaf Line): 1-800-388-9753 WWW: http://www.crutchfield.com - JVC, Clarion, Sanyo, Sherwood, Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, Blaupunkt, Infinity, Advent, Jensen, JBL, Bose, Ultimate, Impact, MDS, Bazooka Cerwin Vega, Kicker, Pyle, Carver, Alphasonik, NHT, AR, Polk, Yamaha, Niles, AKG, Sennheiser, Yamaha, Harman/Kardon, Nakamichi, Denon - Emphasis on car stereo, but have home stereo as well - Include installation kit with every purchase of a headunit - Include install instructions for your particular car - Reasonable prices (a little high for mail order and firm) - Very friendly and helpful people - Service that is difficult to equal even at a local store - Very good (toll free) technical help. No question is stupid. - A catalog is available (very informative and helpful) - $4.95 ships anything CSA Audio 193 Bellevue Upper Montclair, NJ Phone: 1-201-744-0600 - Aragon, Acarian, Acurus, Aronov, Artemis, Audio Research, Basis, California Audio Labs, Cardas, CWD, Dynaco, Day Sequerra, Duntech, Esemble, Fosgate, Graham, Grado, Jadis, Koetsu, XLO, Krell, Luxman, Marantz, Martin Logan, MB Quart, NAD, Polk, Proac, Siltec, Scientific Fidelity, Straightwire, Sumiko, Target, Vimak, VPI, Well Tempered, Near - Near list prices - Rude Cumberland Audio Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 Phone: 615-297-4700 - B&K, B&W, BASIS, BENZ MICRO, C.A.L. Cardas, Celestion, Classe, Counterpoint, Day Sequerra, Grado, Graham, Jeff Rowland, Kimber Kable, Magnum Dynalab, Melos, Meret Audio, Meridian, Musical Design, M.I.T., Pioneer Elite, Proton, Runco, Sound Anchor, Spica, Stax, Sumiko, Target, Theta Digital, Transparent, Wilson, YBA, Data Digital - Good prices - Friendly, prompt (Rick) Electronics Depot 331 route 4 west Paramus NJ, 07652 - Same people as 6th Avenue Electronics - Adcom, Ads, Advent, Aiwa, Apogee, B&O, B&W, Bazooka, Bose, Boston Acoustics, Celestion, Denon, HK, Hitachi, Infinity, JVC, JBL, KEF, Kenwood, Klipsch, MB Quart, Mitsubishi, Monster Cable, NAD, Nakamichi, Onkyo, Panasonic, Parasound, Pioneer, Polk Audio, PPI, RCA, Sansui, Sharp, Sonance, Sony, Sony ES, soundstream, straightwire, Teac, Technics, Velodyne, Yamaha - One person complained that price quoted was different from price billed and they refused to correct it - Person complained that they refused to cancel orders that didn't make it by promised date Electronic Wholesalers Phone: (800) 950-4080 - Sony - not necessarily knowledgable or polite - Good prices Focus Electronics 4523 13th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 Phone: 1-800-223-3411 - Sony, Panasonic, Sansui, JVC - Good prices - Poor service (tell you what you want to hear. true or not) - Bait & switch (know what you're doing) - cannot recommend Galen Carol Audio San Antonio, TX Phone: 1-210-805-9927 Email: gcaudio@iAmerica.net (not checked daily) - Electronics - Tube: Convergent Audio, Conrad-Johnson, Air Tight, Valve Amplification, Audio Prism, Mesa Engineering, Audible Illusions, Quicksilver, Cary, Music Reference - Electronics - Solid State: Symphonic Line, Accuphase, Reference Line, Celeste, BEL, Arcam, Creek, Meridian, Parasound - Tuners: Day-Sequerra, Meridian, Accuphase, Parasound, Arcam, Creek - Speakers: Wilson Audio, Genesis, Aerial Acoustics, Totem, Von Schweikert, Merlin, Audio Artistry, Alon, swans, NHT, Eminent Technology, Sound Labs, Celestion, Quad - Digital: Accuphase, Valve Amplification, Enlightened Audio Designs, Meridian, California Audio Labs, CEC, Encore, Audio Logic, Audio Alchemy, Parasound, Micromega, Arcam, Creek, Altis - Turntables/Arms/Cartridges: VPI, Basis, SOTA, Immedia, Townshend, Sumiko Projekt, Graham, Wheaton Triplanar, Eminent Technology, SME, Lyra, Menz-Micro, Clear Audio, Sumiko, Transfiguration - others on request - Cables: Magnan, Highwire, Cardas, XLO, Wireworld, Purist Audio, Kimber, Discovery, MIT, Nirvana , Synergistic Audio, Aural Symphonics, Yamamura, Siltech, Reference Line, Goertz , Marigo, BEL, Straight Wire, Apex, Mapleshade - Stands/Racks: Room Tunes, Target, Sound Anchors, Solid Steel, Stand Design, Lovan, Arcici, May Audio, Atlantis - Line Conditioners: Versalab, Tice, MIT, Marigo, Vans Evers, Audio Prism, Lightspeed, Perfectionist Audio, Audio Power - also has used and demos - pleasant (you get to talk to Galen himself) - very helpful and knowledgable - free newsletter - good prices - 3% surcharge for credit cards Harvey Electronics 2 West 45th Street New York, NY 10036 Phone: 1-212-575-5000 - Denon, Sony, B&O, Lexicon, McIntosh, Pioneer - also have used and 'B stock' equipment - polite HCM Audio Chico, CA Phone: 1-800-222-3465 1-916-345-1341 - B&K, Counterpoint, Parasound, Tara Labs, Stax, Audioquest, Straightwire, Celestion, Acoustat, Sota, Audio Alchemy - good prices ($9.75 shipping) - knowledgeable and pleasant (Harry, Capri, Cheryl) - Cables, cables, cables HeadRoom Corporation PO Box 6549 Bozeman, MT 59771-6549 Phone: 1-800-828-8184 Phone: 1-406-587-9466 FAX: 1-406-587-9484 Email: headroom@headphone.com Compuserve: 73244,1207 - HeadRoom, Sennheiser, Etymotic, Grado, Beyer Dynamic - Exists mainly to sell their own brand of Headphone Amps - Friendly, courteous staff - 30 day return policy (if returned in "as new" condition; does not include shipping) - 48 Page Product Information brochure (containing product reviews, white paper, advertisements, etc.) and Price List available All Brands Electronics 44 Route 23 Little Folls, NJ, 07424 Phone: 1-800-978-7768 Fax: 1-201-890-9142 WWW: http://www.avhts.com/allbrands/ Email: Order2save@aol.com - Was Home Theater Systems and Speakers Plus - Carries most brands. Call for list and price quote. - 30 day money back guarantee. J&R Music World Dept. SR1192 59-50 Queens Midtown Expressway Maspeth, Queens, NY 11378 Phone: 1-800-221-8180 Customer Service: (718) 417-3743 - Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic, JVC, Sherood, Technics, Teac, Aiwa, Senhieser, Design Acoustics, Audio Source, Bose, JBL, Target, Niles, Pinnacle, Recoton, Thorens, Gemini, Stanton, Audio Technica, Marantz, Yamaha (reports vary as to weather they carry Yamaha) - Good prices (sometimes they will haggle), shipping based on price not weight - Friendly (not rude anyway) - Reasonable service - Will claim to have items in stock when they don't - 30 day full refund (may not apply to larger TVs) - A catalog is available - If you don't say otherwise, they may attach sticker to box saying that it's ok to leave the package on the doorstep if no one is home. Kief's Audio Video P.O. Box 2 Lawrence, Kansas 66044 Phone: 1-913-842-1811 http://www.wvs-inc.com/kiefshome.html - Acurus, Adcom, ADS, Audio, Prism, B&W, Boston, CWD, Denon, Esoteric Audio, Fineline, Forte, Kef, Kimber, Kable, Klipsch, McCormick, Mitsubishi, NAD, Nakamichi, Onkyo, Parsec, Phase Tech, Aragon Revox, Sanus, Sennheiser, Sure, Signet, SME, Snell, Sony, B&K Alon, Stax, Sumko, Target, Threshold, Velodyne, Yamaha, Mirage, - good prices (20% restocking charge) - friendly/knowledgable (Mark Shroeder) - flyer available (working on a catalog) - three days if in stock, otherwise two weeks Leader Marketing Company ** rumored to have filed chapter 11 bankruptcy ** 1730 Stebbins Houston, TX 77043-2807 Phone: 1-800-877-3325 (invalid phone #) - American Hi-Fi, Mura, Technidyne, Phase III, Sound Creation, Targa, Pioneer, Audiovox, Lamex, Radion, Sanyo, Profile, Legacy, JVC, Kenwood, Sherwood, Aiwa, Blaupunkt, Sony, Alpine, LA Sound, Infinity, Altec Lancing, Pyle, JBL, MTX, Mingar, Hollywood, Crunch, Black Phantom, HiFonics, NXS, Fisher, Carrera, Magnavox, Sansui, Denon, Teac, Audio Source, KLH, KOSS, Linear Dynamics, Yamaha, Yorx, GPX, LLoyds, Thunderbolt, QSC, Gemini - Not authorized on some brands - Normal prices - A catalog is available Music Direct 1304 W. Washington Chicago, IL 60607 Orders: 1-800-449-8333 Info: 1-312-433-0200 Fax: 1-312-433-0011 - Nitty Gritty, Target Audio, Audio Alchemy, Pinnacle, Audio Power, Roomtune, Grado headphones & phono cartridges, Monstercable, Straightwire, Audioquest, Microscan, Simply Physics, J.A. Michell Engineering, Harmonix, ASM Optical Filters, German Acoustics, Edison-Price, Cardas, Perfectionist Audio Componets, VPI, Art Technology, Arcici, The Mod Squad, Solidsteel - Good prices. They list retail, but give you up to 20% off - Prompt - Have an equipment list available New West Electronics 4120 Meridian Bellingham, WA 98226 Phone: 1-800-488-8877 WWW: http://www.newest.com/ M-F 6:30am-6:30pm S-S 7:30am-4:30pm - Pioneer, Yamaha, Sony, Carver, Harman Kardon, Fosgate, JVC, JBL, Denon, Kenwood, KEF, NHT, Parasound - Good prices (will price match, 1% referral bonus) - Customer pays return shipping - Price quote generally includes 2 day air (ask) - Friendly (varies), knowledgable (Rick, Dave) New York Wholesale 2 Park Avenue, Dept 15 New York, NY 10016 Phone: 1-212-684-6363 - Sony, Denon, Pioneer, Denon, NAD, Canton, Infinity, Alpine, Kenwood, Yamaha, Nakamichi - Very good prices - Not authorized on MOST brands - Will send used or demos and deny it (several reports of this) - Nearly noexistant service North Country Audio Cadence Bldg. Redwood, NY 13679-9612 Phone: 315-287-2852 Fax: 315-287-2860 - Acoustic Research, Acurus, Aiwa, AKG, Audioquest, Bel Canto, benz, BSL, Beyer Dynamics, Bitwise, Camelot, Clearfield, Clements, Conrad Johnson, Counterpoint, Creek, Ensemble, ET, Epos, Goldring, Grado, Graham, Green Mountain Audio, Hunt, JC Verdier, JVC, Kimber Kable, Klyne, Last, McCormack, M&K, Morch, NAD, PSB, OCM, Ortofon, Rega, Revolver, Shure, Scientific Fidelity, Signet, SME, Sonic Frontiers, Sonographe, SOTA, Spatial Image, Soundstream, Stanton, Synthesis, Target, Teac, Thorens, VAC, VPI, Wheaton - Vladimir is friendly, responsive, helpful - prices are reasonable (free shipping) One Call (sometimes called One Kall, aka Huppins HiFi) W. 418 Riverside Spokane, WA 99201 Phone: 1-800-340-4770 Email: onecall@iea.com WWW: http://www.onecall.com - Note: You may experience slightly different phone numbers and address for One Call. This is intentional for tracking customers. - Acurus, Adcom, Atlantic Technology, Audio Quest, Audio Research, Bogen, B&K, Boston Acoustics*, Celestion, Canon, Carver*, Fuji, Go Video, Harmon Kardon, Hitachi, Infinity, JBL, JSC, JVC, Kenwood, Kimber Cable, Mitsubishi, Monster Cable, Nikon, Niles, Onkyo, Panamax, Panasonic, Phoenix Gold, Pioneer, RCA, Rock Solid, Runco*, Sharp, Sharpvision*, Sony, Sun Pack, Toshiba, Vidionics, Velodyne*, Yamaha Concert Series, NHT, Onkyo, California Audio Labs (CAL) - Products with astrisk (*) cannot be sold without a demo (eg. not via mail order). This is official policy, but not necessarily actual practice. - Reports of not being authorized on everything they claim to be - Very good prices (1% referral bonus, 15% restocking fee) - Read web page for 1% discount - Extended warrenties available - Friendly (Paul, Jim) - Knowledgable - 'B' goods available (see WWW site) Overture Audio/Video 2423 Concord Pike (Rt. 202) Wilmington, DE 19803 Phone: 1-800-838-1812 1-302-478-6050 - Aerial, Audioquest, Basis, C.A.L., C.A.T., Classe, conrad-johnson, Energy, NAD, Forsell, Graham 1.5t, Hafler, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, M.I.T., Magnum Dynalab, Magnapan, N.B.S., Proceed, Runco, Snell M.M. THX, Rotel, Spectral, Sonus Faber, Sumiko, Theta, Thiel, V.T.L., Wilson Audio, California Audio Labs, Marantz - Knowledgable, helpful (ask for Terry and mention this list) - Terry was a reason many people recommended Soundex, he has opened this one. Steve and Tim are also recommended. - No sales tax in Delaware if you purchase in person Paul Heath Audio & Video 2036 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: 1-800-362-8784 - Rochester location is rumored to be out of business, but Chicago is alive and kicking. - B&W, Centauraus, California Audio Labs, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Rotel, Apogee, Mirage, Proceed, Bang & Olufsen, Aragon, Nakamichi, Day Sequerra, Acurus, Straight Wire, Vidikron, Classe, Thiel, Magnapan - near list prices - high-end attitude - No catalog available Park Place Audio 6308 Jackson Street West New York, NJ 07093 Phone: (201) 861-5909 FAX: (201) 861-5406 - High-end Audio - Courteous staff - Good prices Progressive Audio 1764 N. High Street Columbus, Ohio 43201 Phone: 1-614-299-0565 Fax: 1-614-299-6587 - Acurus, Adcom, Apogee, Argon By Mondial, Asc/Tube Trap, Audio Quest, Audio Research, B&K, B&W, Basis, Cardas Audio, Day Sequerra, Denon, Esoteric, Grado, Infiniti, JVC Video, Klipsch, Krell, Lexicon, Magnum Dynalab, McCormack, MIT, NAD, Ocos, ProAc, Pioneer Elite, Power Wedge, Proton, PSB, Sharp Vision, SME, SOTA, Spectral, Stax, Theta Digital, Thiel, Vandersteen, Velodyne, VPI, Wilson Audio, Yamaha - normally 10% discount - authorized - high-end dealer that also does mail order - polite and knowledgeable - news letter available RA Labs USA Inc. (Roy Allison Labs) 1A Business Way Hopedale, MA 01747 Phone: 1-800-651-7444 EMail: BobRALabs@aol.com WWW: http://members.aol.com/ralabsusa/ral.htm - RA Labs speakers, Sherwood and Sanus stands - Factory outlet store for their own speakers - Name changed from RDL Acoustics sometime around December 1995 - 30 day home trial - catalog and flyer available, mailing list available - BBS also has non-product related audio information Read Brothers 591 King Street Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 803-723-7276 - Mirage, Cary, KEF, Parasound, Philips, Kinergetics, Quad, PS, Fried, Spica, NAD, Adcom, Kimber - Good prices - Friendly, Knowledgable (Tom Read, Marianne Read) Reference Audio Video 18214 Dalton Avenue, Dept S Gardena, CA 90248 Phone: 1-800-947-HIFI (4434) 1-310-517-1700 - AKG, Alon, Atlantic Tech, Audible Illusions, Audioquest, Audio Alchemy, Audio Control, Beyer, Bose, California Audio Labs, Carver, Celestion, Clearfield, Counterpoint, CWD, Dahlquist, DCM, Fosgate, Genesis, Grado Signature, Hafler, Harman Kardon, Hughes, Infinity, Jami, JBL, Lexicon, Magnum/Dynalab, NAD, Nestorovic, NHT, Niles, Onkyo, Parasound, Phillips, Pioneer, Power Wedge, Proton, Proac, PS Audio, Roomtune, Sonace, Sony, Stax, Target, TDK, Thorens, Tice, Velodyne, VPI, PSB, Onkyo, Velodyne - Good prices (will match prices of authorized dealers) - Good service (Friendly and knowledgable), (Kevin, Kenneth) - Generally recomended, but one person indicated deception in both a product and company representation Reliance Audio Video 2898 University Drive Suite 35 Coral Springs, FL 33065 Phone: 1-800-348-7799 - May actually be Sessions Audio/Video (some orders shipped through Sessions) - Adcom, Aiwa, Audio Control, BIC, Bose, Denon, Fosgate, Gemini, Dual, Harmon Kardon, JVC Video, Kenwood, Lexicon, Monster Cable, Nakamichi, NAD, Onkyo, Parasound, Pioneer, Sony, Technics Pro, Thorens, Yamaha Advent, Allison, Atlantic Tech, Ar, Altec, B & O, B & W, Canton, Celestion, Cerwin Vega, Dahlquist, Defiinitive Tech, Design Acoust, Infinity, Jamo, JBL, Klipsch, KLH, M & K, Mirage, NHT, PAradigm, Phasetech, Pinnacle, , Polk, Velodyne, ADS, Alphasonik, Alpine, Altec, Bazooka, BEL, Clarion, Hafler, JL Audio, KEF, Kicker, LA Sound, MB Quartz, Orion, Panasonic, Pio Prem, Pyle, PPI, Rock Fosgate, Sherwood, Toshiba - Good prices (will haggle) - 14 day return for defective equipment - No catalog Savant Audio Phone: 1-800-628-0627 1-609-799-9664 (New Jersey Store) Email: savant@interramp.com - Acrotec, Air Tengent, Apex, Arcici, Athena, Air Tight, Audio Prism, Audioquest, Audiostatic, Basis, Benz, Bitwise, Cardas, Chario, Chesky, Clarity Audio, Creek, CWD, Day Sequerra, Delos, Dorian, EAD, EKSC, Electron Kinetics, Eminent Technology, Esemble, Epos, Essence, First Sound, Fosgate, Goldring, Grado, Harman Video, Harmonia Mundi, Kinergetics, Klyne, Last, Merrill, Mod Squad, Mogami, Morch, Nestorovic, Neutrik, Nimbus, Opus 3, Power Wedge, Presence Audio, Pro Ac, Proprius, QED, Rega, Reference Recordings, Revolver, Rockustics, Roksan, RoomTune, Sheffield Labs, Sims, Sound Anchors, Stax, Symphonic Line, System Line, Tara Labs, Target, Tice Audio, Water Lily, WBT - Try to lead you to esoteric brands - They have a catalog (pile of literature) S.B.H. Enterprises 1678 53rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11204 Phone: 1-800-451-5851 - Blaupunkt, Sony, JVC, Fisher, Pionerr, Clarion, Technics - accused of selling refurbished as new, charging credit card before shipping Scientific Stereo 128 Main Street Brattleboro Vt. 05301 Phone: 1-800-456-4434 - Adcom, Atlantis, AudioQuest, B&W, Digital Phase, Grado, Monster, PSB, Onkyo, Oracle, Rotel, Signet, StandDesign, Sumiko, Tannoy, Target, Thorens, Wharfdale - Good Prices - Reasonably Friendly (talk to John, owner) - Offers 5-yr warranties on all new equipment Shopper Advantage Phone: 1-800-Tel-Shop Membership: 1-800-526-4848 - $50 annual membership - Adcom, Sony Onkyo, JVC, Technics, Denon, Carver, Hafler, NHT, Yamaha, Kenwood, Panasonic, Advent, etc - carry much more than just audio (unknowledgable about audio) - Their own 2 year warrenty as well as the manufacturer's warrenty - ok prices (claim a price gaurantee), high shipping charges - varying reports on service - Not authorized on everything they sell - 3 month trial period, you pay return postage 6th Avenue Electronics Multiple locations Orders: 1-800-394-6Ave Information: 1-201-467-0100 - Denon, Adcom, Carver, Magnavox, NAD, Phillips, Teac, Arcam, NAD, Sansui, Acoustic Research, Advent, Bose, Allison, Celestion, JBL, NHT, Pinnacle, Boston Acoustics, Audio Source Audiolab, Orion, Rockford Fosgate, Sherwood, Soundstream, Toshiba, Alphasonik, Bazooka, Eclipse Beyerdynamic, Pioneer - Very good prices - Often not an authorized dealer - Very rude (hung up on me 3 times when I was trying to get a price) - Bait and switch tactics - High pressure sales (price is only good if you buy it now) - Will send used or demos and deny it (several reports of this) - Nearly noexistant service - Huge delays reported - Attempt only if you know what you're doing Audiophile Source (was: Sonic Solutions) 7193 Germantown Trails Memphis, TN 38125 Phone: 901-756-8517 - Pass Laboratories, Marigo Audio Labs, Yamamura, Eminent Technology, Naim, Spendor, Harbeth, MS Brasfield, VAC, Meitner, B&K, Purist Audio Design, Totem, Target, and Sound Anchor. - Good prices - Mike - New, used, and trade-ins The Sony Gallery Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL Phone: 1-312-943-3334 - Varied reports on prices - Polite Sound Alternatives 4126 E. Lewis Ave Phoenix, AZ 85008 Phone: 1-602-224-9400 Email: brookb@sndalt.stat.com - Counterpoint, Tice, Straight Wire, Clearfield, Eminent Technology, VPI - Best to call evenings and weekends (voice mail when not available) - Five to fifteen percent discount - Authorized on all brands listed - Visa/MC with signature - Newsletter and literature available. Includes used items for sale. - Local dealer, but does some mail order. - They have a list server and email mailing list. Email to above for more information The Sound Approach 6067 Jericho Tpke Commack, NY 11725 Phone: 1-800-368-2344 - ADS, Alphasonik, Bazooka, Bose, Carver, Denon, Infinity, Kenwood, Kicker, NHT, Pioneer, Rockford, Sonance, Nakamichi - Good prices, will also beat authorized (sometimes unauthorized) prices - Friendly - No catalog available - No refunds Sound by Singer 18 East 16th Street New York, NY 10003 Phone: 1-212-924-8600 - Acoustic Energy, Acurus, Adcom, AMC CVT3030, Apogee, Grand Series, Argon By Mondial, AR, Audible illusions, Audio Access, Audio Quest, Aural Symphonics, Benze-Micro, B&W, California Audio Labs, Cardas Audio, Conrad Johnson, Convergent Audio Tech, Creek, CWD, Day Sequerra, Denon, Duntech, Enlightened Audio Designs, Ensemble, Esoteric, Epos, Fosgate, Grado, Hales Audio, JBL, Synthesis, Koetsu, Krell, Lyra, Martin Logan, Marantz, Monitor Audio, Muse, NAD, Niles Audio, Nitty Gritty, Ocos, Onix, Pioneer, Power Wedge, Proton, PS Audio, Quicksilver, Ram Labs, Rega, Revolver, Rockport, Roksan, Roomtunes, Runco, Simply Physics, SME, Snell, Sonance, Sonographe, Sonus Faber, Stax, Sumiko, Target, Terk, Theta Digital, Value Amplification, Van den hul Grasshopper, Vandersteen, VPI, Wheaton Triplanar, Wilson Audio, WAMM, XLO. - No catalog available Sound City Route 23 South Kinnelon, NJ 07405 Orders: 1-800-542-save Information: 1-201-838-9599 - ADS, Advent, AR, Aiwa, AKG, Atlantic Tech, Audio Source, Bazooka, BBE, Beltronics, Carver, Canton, Cerwin Vega, Clifford, Denon, Hafler, M&K Hatachi, Hughes, JBL, JVC, Kenwood, Lexicon, Luxman, Mitsubishi, NAD, NHT, Niles, Orion, Panasonic, Phase Linear, Phillips, Pinnacle, Proton, PS Audio, Rock Solid, Sennheiser, Sherwood, Soundcraftsman, Sonance, KEF Sony, Soundstream, SSI, Technics, Trek, Thorens, Triad, Velodyne, SAS, B&K, Paradigm - Very good prices - Mixed responses on if they're authorized for all brands that they claim to be authorized for - 20% restocking fee - Will send used or demos and deny it (common complaint) - This place is a real roller coster. For a period of several months, I'll get horror stories. Then for several months, I'll get nothing but glowing recommendations. The whole cycle will start all over again. I don't know what to make of this place. (09/05/94) - One reader who's had good luck suggest you ask for Tom - Anthony bad mouths competition Sound Concept 2314 Monroe Ave. Rochester, NY 14618 Phone: 1-716-442-6050 - Krell, Thiel, Apogee, Classe, Linn Acurus, ADS, Aragon, Audioquest, Audio Research, Coustic, Hitachi, Lexicon, Magnepan, Mark Levinson, MB Quart, Mondial, Monster Cable, NAD, Nakamichi, Niles, Proceed, PS Audio, PSB, R/C Audio, Sonance, Theta, THX Home Theatre, Velodyne - Not really mail order, but will deal over the phone - Knowledgable & Friendly Soundex 1100 Easton Road Willow Grove, PA 19090 Phone: 1-215-659-8815 - Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Mirage, Proton, Stax, MartinLogan, Krell, Hafler, California Audio Labs, Crown, etc. - priced slightly below list - Will deal with used/traded equipment - Friendly/knowledgeable - No catalog available The Sound Seller 2808 Cahill Road P.O. Box 224 Marinette, WI 54143 Phone: 1-800-826-0520. - Acoustat, Audio Control, M&K, Nitty Gritty, Celestion, Carver, Kinergetics, Monster, Nakamichi, Niles, Fried, Thorens, Proton, Component Gaurd, NAD, Onkyo, Harman Kardon, Lexicon, Proac, Dahlquist, Target, Velodyne, Grado, Atlantic Technology, Apature, CWD, Stax, Sony - good prices (15% discount common) - responsive, friendly Speaker World Phone: 1-800-44-WIRED or 1-800-449-4733 ** DISCONNECTED ** - Vandersteen, Definiitive Technology, Mirage, and others - Helpful & knowledgable - High pressure (bait & switch rumored) Stereo Dynamics 1670 Highway 35 Middletown, NJ 07748 Phone: 1-908-671-1559 - Conrad Johnson, Kinergetics, B&K, Rotel, Carver, Audio Alchemy, Energy, Denon, Near, MB Quart, Apex, Proac, etc Sunshine Stereo 5825 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33140 Phone: 305-864-0715 Fax: 305-864-0793 - PASS Labs, Audio Alchemy, Audio Logic, Energy, Energy Veritas, SOTA, VPI, Carver, Carver Lightstar, Sound Dynamics, Benz Micro, Cary, Wilson-Benesch, Duntech, Chiro, Nitty Gritty, Kinergetics, CEC, Reference Recordings, Chesky Records, Chang Lightspeed, Room Tunes, Cleanlines by Vans Evers, DH Cones, Soundesign, Solid Steele, Pink Triangle, Magnum Dynalab, Shakti Stones, Micromega , Quad, Golden Strings, Source Technologies, Stereo Exchange 627 Broadway, Greenwich Village, New York, NY 10012. Phone: 1-800-833-0071 - Yamaha, Rotel, NAD, McIntosh, THX, Mirage, Nakamichi, ADS, Audio Research, Sunfire, Creek, Arcam, California Lab, Snell, Forte - Reasonable prices if you try - Variable reports on service - No catalog available Tewksbury Audio & Video 202 Main St. (P.O. Box 218) Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 1-908-534-0354 Fax: 1-908-534-0654 - Energy, Atlantic Technology, Bell'oggetti, Fosgate/Audionics, JVC, Mitsubishi, Monster Cable, NAD, Niles, Omnimount, Panamax, Parasound, Peerless, Pioneer Elite, PSB, Runco, Sony, Technics, Terk, Toshiba, Esoteric, Phoenix (can get Yamaha, Denon) - Good prices (%15 to %20 off) - Specializes on home theatre Uncle's Stereo 581 Broadway New York, NY 10012 800-978-6253 - Brands: Sony, Panasonic, Denon, Yamaha, Mitsubishi, Aiwa, Infinity, Celestion, Technics, Carver, Pinnacle, Adcom, JVC, Nakamichi, Pioneer, Marantz, etc. - Reports of claiming to be authorized (Denon) when they are not - Reports of mailing used/demos as new - Good prices - Friendly (talk to owner) USA Direct (Direct Electronics) 535 Midland Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026 Phone: 800-959-4434 (800-959-HIFI) Fax: 800)411-HIFI - MAY BE OUT OF BUSINESS (not answering phone) - Sony, Toshiba, Yamaha, Advent, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Bose, AR, RCA, Carver, Polk, B&W, MK,PSB, JBL, KEF, NAD, Marantz, Aiwa, JVC, Adcom, Celestion, Maxell, BIC - Claim to be authorized on brands above (in question) - Low prices - Monthly newsletter - Charge credit card when order is placed - reports of high presure sales, misleading promises, slow delivery and rudeness USA Media Junction 1137 Bloomfield Avenue W. Caldwell, NJ 07006 Phone: 1-800-872-1002 (DISCONNECTED) - AudioSource, JVC, Musatex, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, Technics, Teac, AR, Advent, Bose, BIC, Camber, DCM, EPI, Jamo, JBL, Pyle, Ultimate, Kicker, Orion, Clarion, Autotek, Bazooka, Boston Acoustics, Klipsch - Good prices (price match) - 30 day return - Authorized dealer on some brands only - Customer service frequently reported to be sluggish and somewhat unresponsive - pushy - No catalog available World Wide Electronic Distributors 47 Gadsen Place Staten Island, NY 10314 Phone: 718-370-1303] - Soundstream, Boston Acoustics - Very difficult to deal with, especially after the sale - Authorized dealer on some brands only Section 13 - Another Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those compiled by myself and of other netters. SSESCO takes no responsibilty. Heck, neither do I. --- William R. Nau Supercomputer Systems Engineering and Services Company (SSESCO) 3490 Lexington Avenue North, Suite 110 Shoreview, MN 55126 Email: nau@SSESCO.com