myeksie@uokvax.UUCP (02/07/85)
(My $0.02 worth on mail order CDs.)
I have mail ordered CDs from Disc Haven once and Compact Disc Center
twice. I have also received catalogs from Laury's and Serenade something
in D.C. Of the 4 stores, Laury's and CDC have an 800 number. However,
Laury's prices are UNREASONABLE. I believe the prices that I will be quoting
are from their most recent catalog. Laury's DOES have probably the best
domestic selection with CDC not too far behind. DH does have a good
selection of domestics and a very good selection of import CDs. However
I don't feel this is as important because a lot of the imports eventually
are released as domestic. Serenade something didn't impress me so I threw
their catalog away.
One other criticism with Laury's is the catalog. It does not list the CDs
by artist for pop/jazz or composer for classical. It lists them by record
label and number. For given pop or jazz artist, I rarely know the record
label and if you're trying to choose between the 12 different recordings of
Vivaldi's 4 Seasons, they are of course scattered all over the da**
catalog.
Now for some price comparisons
Label Laury's CDC(*) DH(*) Local Store
Classical
Angel 16.98 13.99 11.69 15.99
CBS some 15.98 12.99 13.24 15.99
most 17.98
Denon 16.98 12.99 13.49 15.99
DG 17.98 14.99 14.49 15.99
London 17.98 14.99 14.49 15.99
Nonesuch 15.98 12.99 13.49 15.99
Philips 17.98 14.99 14.49 15.99
RCA 16.98 12.99 13.74 15.99
Telarc 17.98 14.99 13.99 15.99
The local store had a month long sale in which EVERY DISC in the store
was 12.99. I happened to pick up Suitner's recording of the complete
Beethoven Symphonies for 77.94 (compared to Laury's 101.88). This is
even less than the boxed LP sets.
Label Laury's CDC(*) DH(*) Local Store
Pop & Jazz
A&M 16.98 12.99 13.49 14.99
Atlantic 15.98 12.99 11.69 14.99
Capital 16.98 13.99 14.49 14.99
CBS 15.98 12.99 13.24 14.99
ECM 15.98 12.99 11.69 14.99
Epic 15.98 12.99 13.24 14.99
Mercury 16.98 12.99 13.49 14.99
Polygram 16.98 12.99 13.49 14.99
RCA 16.98 12.99 13.49 14.99
Warner 15.98 12.99 13.49 14.99
Windham Hill 16.98 12.99 13.49 14.99
(*) These prices are for single orders. For DH, you get a $0.50 discount
on each disc for >5 discs. For CDC, it is $1.00 for > 10 discs.
One complaint that some other netter had concerned multiple orders. At
least with DH and CDC you get discounts on multiple orders. If you are
going to order 10 CDs it shouldn't be too hard to include 3-4 alternates.
Even if you order only 2, you're still saving money.
I have been quite pleased with the results from CDC, one order took
5 working days (during the xmas season) and I received 8 out of original
10 plus 2 alternates. The other time I ordered 10 + only 1 alternate +
6 CD holders. I received only 7 but received the discount price (I guess)
because of the other stuff I ordered. I received it in 3 working days
(not bad for NY to OK).
As this is only one persons experience I would welcome other netters to
post me their experiences and I will summarize if their is an interest.
Mark Yeskie
Mail to {ihnp4|allegra}!convex!ctvax!uokvax!myeksie.