David Gruttadaurio

The back of some guy's van might not be the best place to buy stereos.

This was an actual notice posted in the Kansas City Star:

If you've bought stereo speakers from the back of some guy's van recently, the Johnson County D.A in Kansas would like to have a chat with you. For some reason, there's been an issue with the quality of the merchandise offered by these 'mobile' entrepreneurs.

Stereo speakers are known to be sold as the "Audio-File Home Theater Pro Cinema HT 2006 Home Theater System. The outside of stereo speaker boxes indicated a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,999.00 to $3,999.00.

Unfortunately, their value and quality are significantly less than indicated.

If you or anyone you know has recently purchased any stereo speakers from transient companies within the metro area, please contact…

Yep. This was the real deal.

You've gotta love these comments posted online:

- "I admit to getting ripped off by guys like this once. There are TONS of stories on the internet about them. Just Google "white van speaker scam" and you'll see stories from everywhere in America."

- "I bought some speakers out of the back of a van like 15 years ago. They had a nice brochure, claiming liquid cooled, high end, worth thousands. I gave $500. Went home, they sounded OK, not great. When I took off a panel, nothing was in there but a box and a simple speaker attached with a few screws.

- "Don't buy things out of the back of a van... unless they take PayPal. :)

- "I wonder if the guys standing around selling CD's out of an old sack around Linwood and Main are legit. I'll bet those CD's might sound nice on these speakers."

- "You mean "Audio-File Home Theater" isn't a top of the line brand? Cuz they were recommended to me by the guy who sold me my "Soney" home theater system…"

Next week: When Is 'Just Good Enough' Audio Good Enough For You?

David www.TheHomeTheaterInsider.com

PS: Be sure to check the blog for new info on the latest in Home Theater.