Funny..when I was considering an upgrade of my system I went online as I usually purchase everything online. What I found out was that you have there are not many hi fi stores online as the the mfgs. want to protect distribution within areas. Actually it's better as you should really listen to what you want to buy and not simply purchase online. You'll find that the price on most high end components are the same no matter where you shop.

You might also find that a good dealer offers a wealth of knowledge that is very helpful. My dealer has actually increased my enthusiasm for hi-fi greatly.

I know that you are not looking for this answer but it probably depends on what segment of audio you are talking about.

The store grossing the most online in sales of HiFi audio gear would probably be Bose or a super store like BestBuy.

High end audio stores where you might run across a copy of Stereophile do not run online stores, they have an established dealership network with territories to work within so the manufacturer would have to approve of the online sales, too expensive to set up and maintain the storefront for most audio/stereophile grade stores, kilobuck purchases are typically done in person, and the purchases require the use of the six senses.

What I was able to find quickly:

Sound By Singer
http://store.soundbysinger.com/

HeadRoom
http://www.headphone.com

Audio Connection
http://www.audioconnect.com/

Upscale Audio
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/

Tweeter
http://www.tweeter.com/home/corp.jsp

PartsExpress
http://partsexpress.com/

Crutchfield
http://www.crutchfield.com/

J&R Audio
http://www.jr.com/

Vanns
http://www.vanns.com

The Cinema Shop
http://cinemashop.com/

The HomeTheaterStore the high end speakers are not for sale online. http://www.hometheaterstore.com

Not the best, just some sound stuff.

http://www.musicdirect.com/default.asp

http://store.acousticsounds.com/equipment.cfm?sct=equipment

http://www.elusivedisc.com/departments.asp?dept=328

http://www.audiogon.com

http://www.themusic.com/gear/

http://www.spearitsound.com/home.htm

You can probably add Audio Advisor to that list. Upscale Audio does quite a bit of online business, but I doubt in the top 5.

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You might also find that a good dealer offers a wealth of knowledge that is very helpful. My dealer has actually increased my enthusiasm for hi-fi greatly.

You will also find that he usually disparages brands sold by the competitors and is willing to recommend you less-than-perfectly-matching components based on higher margins, overstock or inside knowledge that a particular model will soon be discontinued.

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What are considered the top 5 online Hi-Fi stores in the U.S.?

Hmm, let's see.

1. Best Buy
2. Circuit City
3. Costco
4. Home Depot
5. K-mart

Did I forget any on the top five list?

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You might also find that a good dealer offers a wealth of knowledge that is very helpful. My dealer has actually increased my enthusiasm for hi-fi greatly.

You will also find that he usually disparages brands sold by the competitors and is willing to recommend you less-than-perfectly-matching components based on higher margins, overstock or inside knowledge that a particular model will soon be discontinued.

ROFL

If, OTOH, you want another store to add to the list of "not so popular" Hi-Fi stores, you could also try Audio Outlet as well and see if they cover anything the other stores don't. That guy actually runs a store near me, and he seems to do a lot of business. No, really, his store is always completely filled with equipment boxes. To the point that you can barely move around the store!

If he SOLD the stuff the store woulda' been empty sometimes?

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If he SOLD the stuff the store woulda' been empty sometimes?

Yep, that is why he is on the "not so popular" list.

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If he SOLD the stuff the store woulda' been empty sometimes?

The other issue is his online inventory. It does seem to be rather aged. I often wonder WTH is going on at that place. You have to schedule demos weeks in advance... So I assume he is definitely doing something right in order to be that busy with his business.

For mainstream stuff B&H photo and Onecall are very good (Onecall carries the high-end Klipsch). Also, not exactly on-line stores but several good loudspeaker and subwoofer manufactures sell direct on-line (Ascend, Axiom, AV123, SVS, and Outlaw). Audio advisor is excellent, as was mentioned (ADCOM, Parasound). With the total absence of quality audio stores locally (We do have Bestbuy with a Magnolia HT section) these on-line sellers are often the only viable option.

Underwood HiFi/Walt Liederman

Many would be envious of Walt's perfect rating on Audiogon as a seller. Great lines, prices, and advise.

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For mainstream stuff B&H photo and Onecall are very good (Onecall carries the high-end Klipsch). Also, not exactly on-line stores but several good loudspeaker and subwoofer manufactures sell direct on-line (Ascend, Axiom, AV123, SVS, and Outlaw). Audio advisor is excellent, as was mentioned (ADCOM, Parasound). With the total absence of quality audio stores locally (We do have Bestbuy with a Magnolia HT section) these on-line sellers are often the only viable option.

I agree on the B&H recommendation for mainstream items and if you live out of NY state there is no tax charge.

Also, AVS Forums has a sales department. I bought some stuff there and had a great experience with them. They also don't charge tax if you are out of state. So if you live in NY, like I do, AVS might be a better choice if you are going to spend a large sum of money (like on a projector or projection screen, etc).

www.sweetwater.com

HCM Audio is pretty good as well. Especially if you grab their sale items.

It's Looking back on these comments of 7 years ago. I think people are coming to realize the value of a relationship with an audio dealer who can help guide them to the right products. Online stores are good for selling smaller products that can be easily auditioned at home. But that still leaves larger products needing a bricks and mortar dealer. Logistically, large amps and loudspeakers are a difficult sale online through an audition. I lost my ass trying it.

Both the local audio dealer and online dealer should offer guidance, and that service should be worth something to the customer. I think many have discovered the merry go round transactional approach to buying audio gear is way more expensive long term than taking advice from a trusted source such as an audio retailer, spending a little more initially and being happier for longer with their purchase.

Along with the plethora of online dealers listed here, Local Hi-Fi Shop is a great resource for finding a local audio dealer. You an search by brand, or location for a retailer, manufacturer, even record stores. I hope they succeed, and succeed in making local audio dealers more visible in their community.