Are Big Box store AV Receivers inferior? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

rhondor · 2012-05-07, 11:42 AM

Maybe a silly question but my local stereo store owner is telling me that the AV receivers (or at least some, such as Pioneer) sold at Future Shop and Best Buy, for example, are made specifically for them and are inferior to what non-big box stores such as his sell.

I asked what makes them inferior and he said the components are of lower quality, etc.

Is there any truth to this?

Thanks.

redzone · 2012-05-07, 11:47 AM

not ususaly.

some times FF/BB will have the model number changed and a small detail like removing 1 connection or feature to differentiate and avoid price matches.

just check the model number on the web.

Sounds like hes trying to sell you.

dgb · 2012-05-07, 11:55 AM

Not to answer your question specifically, but I was told the same thing some years ago. The example I was given then was on Yamaha equipment. I was told to compare the face plates and knobs, looking for plastics versus aluminum. That was easy enough to verify. I was also told the tolerances for the components were lower for the big box store.

james99 · 2012-05-07, 11:55 AM

I think these stores like saying they have exclusive models for marketing reasons.

What is inferior isn't the product(though it's never a good idea to make a general statement) but the sales staff.

A dedicated store usually has more knowledgeable sales people.

redzone · 2012-05-07, 11:56 AM

if the model # is the same its the same product.

57 · 2012-05-07, 12:15 PM

Exactly. The model number tells you whether it's the same. Both Yamaha and Pioneer have "boutique" lines that are sold in smaller stores, however, they have different model numbers, although the features, etc are often identical to model numbers that are different but sold at Big Box stores. If you go to the Yamaha and Pioneer websites, this difference is often explained there as well. (Yamaha used to have HTR and RXV lines for example - I haven't kept track if they still have that difference with the new "A" line.)

Sometimes BB & FS will change the model number so that they don't have to "price match". In that case you'll have to research if there is any difference between the FS model and the "regular" model. A search of the web by make/model number usually will give you that information. Or a comparison of all the features/specs.

For example, here's the Yamaha link - HTR vs RXV (old but useful):

http://faq.yamaha.com/us/en/article/..._av_receivers_

Bottom line: The salesperson was probably trying to BS you. You can remove the word "probably" if the model number was identical.

rhondor · 2012-05-07, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the input.

Dave

ScaryBob · 2012-05-07, 02:43 PM

While most things stated above are true, there can be significant differences in quality. Traditionally, A/V stores have sold much better products than big box stores. That's because they specialize in the manufacturers' high end models that big box stores typically don't carry. The mid-range components are where product lines overlap. FS and BB do market model numbers and specifications to prevent price matching and increase margins by removing features. The fact is that the average consumer has no way of knowing if products with equal specifications are of the same or different quality. What I do know is that I certainly wouldn't trust FS or BB to sell a quality product at a competitive price. FS and BB often make false or exaggerated claims regarding pricing and product quality. My advice is to only purchase well know product models that are well documented/reviewed and to price match aggressively before purchasing. I've often seen "deals" on FS and BB that could be purchased for less elsewhere or turned out to be feature stripped "exclusive" products.

rfielder · 2012-05-08, 09:14 AM

I suspect the main reason this claim can appear correct is because many big box stores buy end of line products in bulk. If you try to compare such products to what you find in smaller stores, you will be comparing between two generations - may be a minor generation, but still not the same.

Since manufacturers try to make each refresh of a product look better, then comparing the one at Futureshop with the one at Bay Bloor Audio may leave the Futureshop product less appealing.

Such subtleties make for great salesmanship and long lasting urban legends.

2012-05-07, 11:42 AM	#1
rhondor Rookie Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Etobicoke Posts: 20	Are Big Box store AV Receivers inferior? Maybe a silly question but my local stereo store owner is telling me that the AV receivers (or at least some, such as Pioneer) sold at Future Shop and Best Buy, for example, are made specifically for them and are inferior to what non-big box stores such as his sell. I asked what makes them inferior and he said the components are of lower quality, etc. Is there any truth to this? Thanks.

2012-05-07, 12:15 PM	#6
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,295	Exactly. The model number tells you whether it's the same. Both Yamaha and Pioneer have "boutique" lines that are sold in smaller stores, however, they have different model numbers, although the features, etc are often identical to model numbers that are different but sold at Big Box stores. If you go to the Yamaha and Pioneer websites, this difference is often explained there as well. (Yamaha used to have HTR and RXV lines for example - I haven't kept track if they still have that difference with the new "A" line.) Sometimes BB & FS will change the model number so that they don't have to "price match". In that case you'll have to research if there is any difference between the FS model and the "regular" model. A search of the web by make/model number usually will give you that information. Or a comparison of all the features/specs. For example, here's the Yamaha link - HTR vs RXV (old but useful): http://faq.yamaha.com/us/en/article/..._av_receivers_ Bottom line: The salesperson was probably trying to BS you. You can remove the word "probably" if the model number was identical. __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2012-05-07, 02:43 PM	#8
ScaryBob Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Dandelion City Posts: 7,133	While most things stated above are true, there can be significant differences in quality. Traditionally, A/V stores have sold much better products than big box stores. That's because they specialize in the manufacturers' high end models that big box stores typically don't carry. The mid-range components are where product lines overlap. FS and BB do market model numbers and specifications to prevent price matching and increase margins by removing features. The fact is that the average consumer has no way of knowing if products with equal specifications are of the same or different quality. What I do know is that I certainly wouldn't trust FS or BB to sell a quality product at a competitive price. FS and BB often make false or exaggerated claims regarding pricing and product quality. My advice is to only purchase well know product models that are well documented/reviewed and to price match aggressively before purchasing. I've often seen "deals" on FS and BB that could be purchased for less elsewhere or turned out to be feature stripped "exclusive" products. __________________ At 20 I had a good mind. At 40 I had money. At 60 I've lost my mind and my money. Oh, to be 20 again. --Scary

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2012-05-07, 11:47 AM	#2
redzone Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,026	not ususaly. some times FF/BB will have the model number changed and a small detail like removing 1 connection or feature to differentiate and avoid price matches. just check the model number on the web. Sounds like hes trying to sell you.

2012-05-07, 11:55 AM	#3
dgb Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 87	Not to answer your question specifically, but I was told the same thing some years ago. The example I was given then was on Yamaha equipment. I was told to compare the face plates and knobs, looking for plastics versus aluminum. That was easy enough to verify. I was also told the tolerances for the components were lower for the big box store.

2012-05-07, 11:55 AM	#4
james99 Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Burlington Posts: 24,791	I think these stores like saying they have exclusive models for marketing reasons. What is inferior isn't the product(though it's never a good idea to make a general statement) but the sales staff. A dedicated store usually has more knowledgeable sales people.

2012-05-07, 11:56 AM	#5
redzone Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,026	if the model # is the same its the same product.

2012-05-07, 01:44 PM	#7
rhondor Rookie Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Etobicoke Posts: 20	Thanks for the input. Dave

2012-05-08, 09:14 AM	#9
rfielder Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brampton, Ontario Posts: 1,514	I suspect the main reason this claim can appear correct is because many big box stores buy end of line products in bulk. If you try to compare such products to what you find in smaller stores, you will be comparing between two generations - may be a minor generation, but still not the same. Since manufacturers try to make each refresh of a product look better, then comparing the one at Futureshop with the one at Bay Bloor Audio may leave the Futureshop product less appealing. Such subtleties make for great salesmanship and long lasting urban legends.