#11
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ymmv |
#12
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I suppose the model may not fit the oil rich Sheiks shopping for Wamm Master Chronosonic but even that is coming to an end. I do understand what you are saying though.
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#13
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Have any referrals? |
#14
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No, only Oligarchs and they are not in the mood to spend right now.
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#15
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I’ve mentioned it before a few times when these topics came up but here goes again. I fail to see a good reason to keep relying on brick and mortar distribution centers. The most positive experiences I’ve ever had in audio were the home based enthusiasts that were also acting as dealers.
Let’s call this model “factory liaisons”. It’s no different than what Ivan is doing but there could be more geographically spread that can showcase certain products from their homes for in person audition by appointment in various states. Factory trained and perhaps YouTube “channeled” creating content, advise and facilitating delivery and setup of those items that are heavier and need proper positioning (speakers). All the youngsters are using YouTube for every hobby and interest. The YouTube content creators are often factory/product sponsored and know a hell of a lot more than often the come and go sales staff at say Magnolia (my least favorite distribution model ) It never ceases to amaze me how good the enthusiastic youtubers can present products with detailed, in depth reviews and truly informative videos that drive the interest of the prospective buyer! The manufacturers absolutely should adopt the model and create YouTube content with in depth insight into their products. In any case, I firmly believe there is hardly any need for overhead expenses of brick and mortar. While some dealers are still doing quite well in certain geographical areas with proper demographics, many have went out of business or are about to after this black swan. |
#16
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Burt Tansky of Norman Markus in 2008:
“Remember, when our customer tightens their belt, it’s generally ostrich or alligator” The luxury goods market dropped about 9% post 2008 and recovered quickly due to the strength of the emerging Asian wealth class. High end audio is a luxury good. A unique one at that, for sure.
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
#17
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I read Ken’s article, quoted by Bill, above, and have to agree with him. One of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffet:
“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked.” My buying habits are pretty conservative - you can see that in my signature. That’s why I won’t buy a niche audio product from an unknown or new manufacturer. One of the weirdest things I find about audio is the cult of the self-anointed prophet. Usually a designer, sometimes an engineer, infrequently a marketer, this individual is the whole company. There is no one else. The prophet professes to have discovered a fundamental audio truth that more mainstream manufacturers have missed entirely.
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
#18
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I got burned learned long ago by a fly-by-night operator. Guru or not, lesson learned. The high-end is populated by too many one-man shows. They will leave their customers stranded if they, say, were hit by a bus. Not worth the trouble in my view. |
#19
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The first to go were the big boxes like Magnolia, because they catered to exactly the demographic you’re talking about - the mid-fi buyer who could care less about seeing in person, is happy to rely on a self-appointed expert on YouTube, and isn’t a critical listener anyway. Magnolia, the Good Guys, Circuit City, etc., were never ”high end,” although Magnolia may have had aspirations. What I’ve seen developing as a sustainable model over the last several years is dealers branching out into custom installation: home theaters especially, but also custom yachts, music systems in high-end homes (think brands like Wilson and Sonus Faber) - a model which allows them to still maintain a brick-and-mortar front end, albeit often in a reduced footprint with a more focused offering. Some also innovate with things like customer events showcasing manufacturers present (e.g. Seattle-based Definitive Audio and their Music Matters events). As long as there are 1% communities and people who aspire to them, I think this model is sustainable. There may be some fallout of “naked swimmers” (I love that quote), and some restructuring, but I don’t think brick-and-mortar will go away. It may shift to more individual dealer homes or smaller footprints, but the smarter, more innovative and adaptable dealers will still survive. A shakeout in the industry typical of any downturn, but not the death of it.
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Tony D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2 |
#20
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Good points, Tony. The industry is changing, in many ways for the better.
__________________
Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
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