Hadn't thought of it until Gonk mentioned it, but the immediacy of these forums and online communities can't be overstated. Personally, I've gotten immeasurable help from the knowledge pool in the Saloon, and "business-hours" don't exist. I've found very little reason to even look in audio shops since I started surfing for info.
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This ain't for the underground. This here is for the sun."
-Saul Williams