Thanks for posting. I’m 55 and have been into stereo/audio for over 40 years (if you can count my mom’s ancient hand-me-down AM radio with a portable cassette deck back in ’68). I did step out of audio while my kids were young (about 1985-95). Since then have discovered the internet and the demise of bricks and mortar audio retailing.
Shopping by internet is very different. First, yes it is slower (it’s partially just a giant library that would naturally be slow plus all the comments that must be sifted through). You have to eventually discover reviewers/vendors that you see eye-to-eye with, which isn’t easy (as least for me).
But one big advantage of the internet is the high value, creative cottage industry it has spawned that either build or modify. Another advantage is the huge used market that places like audiogon offer. Currently all my gear has come via internet sales, internet cottages (new or modded), or bought used through the net.
Other very useful tools include audiofests and local audio clubs. Here in the U.S. the current RMAF is no doubt the best, but others in Las Vegas, D.C., Montreal, and Atlanta are also valuable. And don’t neglect the smaller ones that offer more time and exposure for those cottage folks. Currently New York, North Carolina, Chicago, St. Louis, and L.A./S.F. are the hotspots for fellow enthusiasts and their gatherings.
And yes, stereo/audio tastes have changed in recent years. Bass is much tighter but not as deep (like the Europeans liked 40 years ago). Tubes and vinyl are back (for some). Yet we are learning more and more about digital playback while CD players are being replaced with computers and separate DACs. I’ve still not accepted the “need” to spend thousands are cable or room treatments.
Welcome aboard and have fun.
