Article from the uninformed (1 Viewer)

[Marshall Sander]

I just ran across this and was suprised at the uneducated viewpoint from this author. It's really another reason to mock Best Buy salespersons.
Link Removed
"Consumer electronics chain Best Buy has plenty of nifty technology as well. Eric McClain, a product specialist in the Pinole store, said a complete, top-of-the line home theater system can cost about $4,000. That includes a Yamaha 5550 receiver ($499), a JVC XVSA95GD seven-disc progressive scan DVD player ($228), a Sony KP57HW40 57-inch projection screen high definition monitor with picture-in-picture capability ($2,499) a Bose AM15WHT surround-sound, six-piece home theater speaker system with a 200-watt subwoofer ($1,199). Top-of-the-line cables to connect it all cost another $300 for a total of $4,725."
Not that any individual item mentioned above is not worth owning, it's just that after reading this forum I'm positive that this setup is far from "top-of-the-line" -- even if you only shopped at Best Buy.

 

[Greg Haynes]

"If you really want a dream system," he said. "You can't do better than that."

I love this line What a joke

 

[Yogi]

Well there is nothing funny about that line. It all depends on whos doing the dreaming. If its the average J6P then it probably is infact his dream system. For an average member of this forum its mockery. But as you all know we are in minority when it comes to average J6Ps. Itsn't that why Bose is in business and is probably one of the most succesful audio companies out there?
Having said that, I also love this line What a pathetic Joke

 

[Bill Kane]

yeah, this news piece is absolutely mass-consumer market think in conception and execution. From the BB salesman's interview to the obligatory "outa sight high-end prices" quote, given the poor reporter's limited background. It's just a "quick and dirty" story. Still, it's now on the wire, prompting us to scoff at our level, so ok.

It's nice, so far, there's no media bashing. This is just an MSN pickup from San Francisco Business Times(who is this?) whose editor probably needed to fill some space and sent a junior reporter out. And I imply poor reporter literally...been there, many years ago.

While I like to dream, I'm not quite ready to take the plunge on a home theater. But this just might be the year that I break down and spring for a DVD player.

And he still has his 13-inch tv.

 

[Greg Haynes]

might be the year that I break down and spring for a DVD player.

He acts like DVD players are expensive. That he has to save up to buy one. You can get them cheaper now than VCR's. Best Buy seems to always have a $59 player advertised. Not that I would recommend the $59 player, but even a fairly decent one is still less than $200.
But if he really does have a 13" TV with no video inputs then the $59 player but be the winner

 

[DanaA]

The sad thing is that a lot of people are going to go out and buy the same thing and think they've reached audio/video heaven. I can't tell you how many people I know who have similar systems and think they have the best of what's out there. I never comment due to the fact that they already own their setups and are happy with what they own.

 

[aldamon]

People are paying this joker $100,000 - $150,000 to install systems when he things Bose is "top of the line?"

.......

 

[Bill Lucas]

aldamon,

There were several companies that were quoted in the article. The only ridiculous statements were those that were made by Mr. Best Buy employee. HE does not make "100,000-150,000".

The other companies quoted are custom installation companies that cater to an affluent crowd. THEY are the ones doing the large jobs. Regards.

 

[Greg Haynes]

HE does not make "100,000-150,000"

Can you imagine the day a Best Buy employee gets paid $100-150k. Maybe in Yen currency

 

[Chas_T]

For an average member of this forum its mockery. But as you all know we are in minority when it comes to average J6Ps.

I often wonder what the percentage of the populous is that truly aspires to the hobby/infatuation/collection of mid/high/high end audio components/sound reproduction?

I am sure there are marketing statistics that are availble for this information.

 

[Josh Lowe]

"Top of the line" is such a poor term. You can spend $20,000 and end up with crap. You can also spend $3400 and walk away with great results. What's worse is that Best Buy does not sell the top of -anyone's- line, do they? I don't believe they sell any Sony XBR or ES gear, nor Pioneer Elite, Kenwood Sovereign, etc. Not to mention all of the boutique brands out there like Rotel, Outlaw, etc.

I should be a columnist. Then I'd be getting paid to be superficial and ill-informed.

 

[Chas_T]

I don't think Best Buy offers the XBR or any of the product lines you mention. They are mass marketers of audio/video/computer products and they do it rather well. They seem to run an efficent, profitable business. I know they have put tremendous market pressure on Circuit City and their competitors.

When you think about it, the vast majority of people probably are not willing to spend the amount of money most of us do for our passion of music/HT products.

Consider also the amount of time we spend listening, tweaking and watching as we play with out toys. It actually sometimes can become compulsive in nature. Balance is essential. Just as we calibrate our systems, sometimes we have to calibrate out lives and make sure our SPL's and crossover's are in order.

I guess we all go through the learning process in life. Someone pointed out in this thread that Best Buy, Sears or any of these companies is a starting point. If we choose to expand our knowledge and grow, it's really a choice. I think the wise person undestands that many stop at Bose, Kenwood, etc. No disrespect if you own these brands.

Other's aspire to Rotel, Diva, Rockets, Paradigm, Dynaudio, SVS, Krell, Levinson, Linn, etc. It's a continual work in process of course. Personally, I know what road I would like to take and products I want to purchase.

It's just a question of dollars, continual education and being open to helping people if they ask questions to help as much as possible no matter how crazy the question may appear. In essence that is what makes this and other audio forums so cool.

We may disagree on products and choices and at times can be adamant about it. However, I always sensed on this forum there is a level of respect for one another because we understand that we are all looking for that "sweet spot" in the pursuit of audio heaven.

Best Buy or wherever it begins, always leads us where we are supposed to be. It's always a choice if you choose to take it to another level of awareness.

 

[Bob Marker]

Guess I'm among the minority on this forum but I have to admit that Best Buys "dream system" would, overall, represent a huge step up for me. Think I'd pass on the Bose speakers though and keep my 12 year old Frieds.

Bob

 

[Chet Wilson]

I have to agree with Bob. The Best Buy guy is working with what he has. He works for Best Buy so of course all his comments will be from that perspective/inventory. Can't blame him there. Best Buy is in the business to make money. The products they carry are probably very carefully chosen for mass market appeal.

Not everyone can afford the high end components that some in this forum have. Not all have the ability or resources to piece together a system with low cost but quality components. The performance of the mentioned system (I too would avoid the trash called Bose) mentioned is adequate to most and thats all they want. True the reporter could have done more research. My view just keep providing data to the ones who care and let the others be satisfied with adequate A/V.