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Tubes and record players...at Best Buy?
- Thread starter JohnVF
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Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
I was thinking the same thing when I started hearing about vinyl at Best Buy...... and of course my closest one (in Avon, CT) had nothing, and I didn't even get the response you did when I asked if the stuff was going to make it out to the East Coast - Instead I got some pimpley-faced high school kid who didn't know a speaker cone from a Sno-Cone. I asked about vinyl and he said "They still make those?". I was not amused. Well, at least I found a DVD that I was looking for at the time (George Romero's "Diary Of The Dead" - The high school kid knew plenty about that..... strangely-enough), so it wasn't a totally-wasted trip. I had been hoping to go there and find a bunch of new vinyl like the Geffen 180gram "Axis/Bold As Love" LP (as other SH forum members had eluded to earlier that evening), but no such luck.
East-Coasters are much too-reserved, I guess. Companies never do "test markets" in CT. I hate it. CT can be so bloody boring sometimes - and then other times it can seem like the coolest state in the US. Not the case when it comes to anything music-related. We have very-few (and I mean VERY-FEW) vinyl shops (new OR used), and there are only a handful of hi-end audio retailers (and many are run by snobbish owners/staff). That's another reason why I love buying used.
Tweeter used to sell McIntosh car audio back in the early and mid '90's. I bought the 30w X 2 and 100 X 2 amps, and they were fantastic - especially that little 60-watter. I used them to power the mids and highs in my car stereo system. I really wish I didn't have to sell that stuff. Competition-quality stuff, without a doubt. Tweeter unfortunately went out of business several years ago (at least the one in Avon, CT), which really sucked because I had a history with them going back to the mid to late '80's - That's where I bought my first decent-quality receiver (or at least what I thought was decent-quality at the time) - the Pioneer VSX-5300 (This was the start of the home theater craze, and the VSX-5300 was one of the leading audio/video receivers at the time). And let me tell you, that thing rocked through my Soundtech 3-way PA speakers (Actually, it DID sound damn-good at the time, but I had different ears back then and I actually liked that extremely-present, pristine, in-your-face kind of sound). We knew NOTHING back in those days.
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PoppaSteve
Your what hurts?
I live in the heart of BB country, with almost every Twin Cities suburb having their own store. I don't get to all of them of course, but I do get around.
The only one I have seen with vinyl is the Mall of America store, which is almost kind of a Best Buy Lite, although they do have a full musical instrument department. All the stores have some two-channel stuff and some very low-end turntables, at least around here.
I think probably the Richfield store might be the one to watch, since it's a stone's throw from the corporate offices, and they seem to have everything. Might have to mosey out there on one of my days off this week.
The only one I have seen with vinyl is the Mall of America store, which is almost kind of a Best Buy Lite, although they do have a full musical instrument department. All the stores have some two-channel stuff and some very low-end turntables, at least around here.
I think probably the Richfield store might be the one to watch, since it's a stone's throw from the corporate offices, and they seem to have everything. Might have to mosey out there on one of my days off this week.
doucanoe
Registered Audio Abuser
I haven't had a reason to visit our local BB/Magnolia for some time so I'm not sure what they are carrying at the moment.
It's sad for me to see these products go the way of the mass merchandiser but between that and internet sales, I fear that's where much of the industry is headed. I'm sure they will catch up with the learning curve knowledge wise eventually, but for now, the consumer suffers.
The local high end specialty audio shop that used to provide mid level to high end product is being forced to focus on HT products that from a performance perspective, can be found for less at a mass market retailer. If they focus on high end two channel, they are fighting for the dwindling descretionary dollar along with a general lack of interest in the hobby.
Business models for traditional high end dealers need to change or they will go the way of the buggy whip.
RC
It's sad for me to see these products go the way of the mass merchandiser but between that and internet sales, I fear that's where much of the industry is headed. I'm sure they will catch up with the learning curve knowledge wise eventually, but for now, the consumer suffers.
The local high end specialty audio shop that used to provide mid level to high end product is being forced to focus on HT products that from a performance perspective, can be found for less at a mass market retailer. If they focus on high end two channel, they are fighting for the dwindling descretionary dollar along with a general lack of interest in the hobby.
Business models for traditional high end dealers need to change or they will go the way of the buggy whip.
RC
Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
I'm just curious what you mean by "Best Buy-lite"?? Are you saying that they sell even MORE low-endy stuff than most BB's do? Or do you mean that they're not as bad as the other BB's in terms of selling crap? Just wonderin'.
:scratch2:
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
My BB/Magnolia is less than one half mile from a major MAC dealer. No way this Mag will get MAC.
IMO, Magnolia's customer service was lacking. During my last visit, three guys behind the counter were chatting animatedly in some foreign language and none of them bothered to see if I needed help. And I was the only customer in the store. That sure put me in the mood to walk out.
If MAC abandons the independent shop and I hope they don't, they had better make sure Magnolia's customer service is in line with the great customer service the factory gives.
IMO, Magnolia's customer service was lacking. During my last visit, three guys behind the counter were chatting animatedly in some foreign language and none of them bothered to see if I needed help. And I was the only customer in the store. That sure put me in the mood to walk out.
If MAC abandons the independent shop and I hope they don't, they had better make sure Magnolia's customer service is in line with the great customer service the factory gives.
Panotaker
Well-Known Member
My son is one of those teenagers that works at Best Buy. I'll have to ask him if he knows anything. The way I look at it, the more people that start buying tube Macs at BB, the better chance I have of buying a used one on craigslist a few years from now after someone breaks off one of those tubes.
stereofanboy
Addicted Member
I could see Wally world starting to carry some cool stuff just long enough to run a lot of boutique retailers out of business, and then deciding to discontinue the stuff as it really didn't sell as much as they thought it would.
I find it telling that BB is trying their experiment in an area where such gear is already available via several other retailers. I can see a day when what is available for us to buy will be a decision in the hands of a few suits at the large retailers. Of course this is moot point as the government will probably beat them to the punch.
I find it telling that BB is trying their experiment in an area where such gear is already available via several other retailers. I can see a day when what is available for us to buy will be a decision in the hands of a few suits at the large retailers. Of course this is moot point as the government will probably beat them to the punch.
From what I can tell, most of our local stores have a loyal clientele, and really good customer service. And the prices at the Best Buy weren't any cheaper, so I'm not sure where they are thinking their niche is. Possibly the guy who has some money but isn't really aware of the local retailer scene, who has heard of McIntosh but never seen it because he/she hasn't searched it out?
When Tweeter went out of business last year, it might have left a hole between the audio specialty shops and Best Buy, so they might have room to both exist. Tweeter had some really nice gear, especially speakers. I almost bought a pair of Focal towers for about 1/2 price when they were going out of business, but just couldn't do it financially at the time.
Holst
Addicted Member
I was thinking of sub $1k tube amps in big box stores.
cgcomputers
Vintage is great!
Interesting find. I can't imagine how much Best Buy would charge for such tube technology.
The prices I saw were in line with what I've seen of the same McIntosh models at other authorized dealers. Customers seemed curious as to what the big tube amp was, I doubt many of them, at least the ones in there looking at the big TVs nearby, had ever seen one. The more people that are exposed to good sound, the better, I think.
ClassikAudio
Active Member
This is really good news. It will give exposure to these products. Some people have never even seen a tube amp or a turntable in action. Good job best buy!
The BB near me has a few lps . . . but the employees are clueless :tears:
The selection is small and uninteresting. But even worse is the display. LPs are loosely tossed into a rack slanted at ~45º :screwy:
On two occasions I suggested to an employee that they needed to be stored vertically as it's obvious they will be/are warped. :sigh: They were totally unconcerned and commented that no one in this market area was interested in lps
Roger
The selection is small and uninteresting. But even worse is the display. LPs are loosely tossed into a rack slanted at ~45º :screwy:
On two occasions I suggested to an employee that they needed to be stored vertically as it's obvious they will be/are warped. :sigh: They were totally unconcerned and commented that no one in this market area was interested in lps
Roger
PoppaSteve
Your what hurts?
It's just that the Mall of America store is smaller than your typical BB. They sell the same crap, just have less of it.
It does have a Magnolia area in it, but I haven't been in there lately.
I had to go to BB tonight and went into the Magnolia room They had the Pro-ject TT hooked into a Yamaha A-S700 amp. It was the first time I'd seen one in person but I think I like my CA-410II better. (it has meters!)
However the same record that was there the last time I was in BB which was probably over two weeks ago was still out and was spinning on the turntable. I looked at the stylus and notice that it was sitting real low on the record. I decided to set up the TT for them and then turned up the music a little bit. The record was pretty filthy and there was no brush in sight so it sounded terrible.
I'm not sure how they are expecting to sell any turntables at this rate.
Chad
However the same record that was there the last time I was in BB which was probably over two weeks ago was still out and was spinning on the turntable. I looked at the stylus and notice that it was sitting real low on the record. I decided to set up the TT for them and then turned up the music a little bit. The record was pretty filthy and there was no brush in sight so it sounded terrible.
I'm not sure how they are expecting to sell any turntables at this rate.
Chad
RadShak1251
Super Member
Even as a major fan of surround music and HT, I hope this experiment on Best Buy's part will spur interest among younger people (us old people already know it's out there 
) in owning a half-way decent component audio system, though I wish BB would also set up a system made up of one the Denon 2.0 receivers they sell or a - gasp - Sony 2.0 receiver (don't underestimate that company's name recognition, especially for "obscure" systems like this*) paired with some Klipsch or Boston Acoustics speakers. As well built as it is, the prices on that McIntosh gear are sure to cause some involuntary gasps from many of BB's customers, and I think a less extreme system should be displayed elsewhere to let them know the stereo listening experience can also be something they can afford.
I think BB could make some $$$ by pushing Sony/BA 2.0 category systems even they only include two speakers vs. a surround system's 5.1 requirements: I have no concrete statistics for this, but I've talked to quite a few people including those in my age group (40s) who don't own any type of audio system, saying that they don't want a surround system because of all the speakers & wiring needed, not to mention the WAF for these is usually extremely low. But on the other hand stereo is considered old-tech (wrong!), so they end up just sticking with their table radios and $100 plastic shelf systems.
And so these people never show up at BB's audio department at all. So I think a Chevy-quality stereo system costing around $500 would appeal to a lot of those people.
As far as music sources, the CD format is almost dead among the younger set, so if I was a BB salesperson I would suggest one of the many dvd players that now include a front-mounted USB port. These typically can handle a flashdrive, so the owner's MP3, AAC and .wav files could be played via their new stereo system with no additional cabling needed.
* plus the Sony includes a digital port specifically for MP3 players, which IMO would help it seem less "old fashioned" to teens and twenty somethings.
) in owning a half-way decent component audio system, though I wish BB would also set up a system made up of one the Denon 2.0 receivers they sell or a - gasp - Sony 2.0 receiver (don't underestimate that company's name recognition, especially for "obscure" systems like this*) paired with some Klipsch or Boston Acoustics speakers. As well built as it is, the prices on that McIntosh gear are sure to cause some involuntary gasps from many of BB's customers, and I think a less extreme system should be displayed elsewhere to let them know the stereo listening experience can also be something they can afford.I think BB could make some $$$ by pushing Sony/BA 2.0 category systems even they only include two speakers vs. a surround system's 5.1 requirements: I have no concrete statistics for this, but I've talked to quite a few people including those in my age group (40s) who don't own any type of audio system, saying that they don't want a surround system because of all the speakers & wiring needed, not to mention the WAF for these is usually extremely low. But on the other hand stereo is considered old-tech (wrong!), so they end up just sticking with their table radios and $100 plastic shelf systems.
And so these people never show up at BB's audio department at all. So I think a Chevy-quality stereo system costing around $500 would appeal to a lot of those people.As far as music sources, the CD format is almost dead among the younger set, so if I was a BB salesperson I would suggest one of the many dvd players that now include a front-mounted USB port. These typically can handle a flashdrive, so the owner's MP3, AAC and .wav files could be played via their new stereo system with no additional cabling needed.
* plus the Sony includes a digital port specifically for MP3 players, which IMO would help it seem less "old fashioned" to teens and twenty somethings.
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