I always buy stuff locally if it's available. Heck I even go to Ace hardware before going to the big box stores (Lowes/Hdepot). I want a recommendation from a professional who does this on a daily basis. I would rather spend a extra 10-20% to know that I made the right purchase..

Regarding audio products...

Installation is half the battle.. Without proper installation, you're wasting your money. A local reputable stereo shop can properly tune a system to achieve maximize performance, longevity & the best sound.... RTA + O-Scope comes to mind

You can read reviews, listen to online trolls, forums all day long but MOST (95%) will recommend something they never heard/touched. Most of the time they read off "specs" but these are not done in the real world where people use their EARS to determine quality of sound...

You can argue "watts are watts" all day long & if your measuring device is a SPL microphone then that's fine... But I like to listen to my system with my own device....MY EARS!!

And no I don't work at a stereo shop....