Richard's hi-fi ranting 'Room 101'

[WikiBoy]

I am trying to compile a list from my memory of the amp companies lost due the activities of the Hi-Fi mafia (and government created recessions) during the 80's and 90's. There may be mistakes, and I know a couple have been taken over as shadows of their former products. I will do similar list of T/T and speaker companies.

Anyway - additions and corrections please

Albarry
Aura
Exposure
Incatech
Magnum
Myryad
Myst
Onix

Really we should also add Quad to this list.

[Chris Frost]

I am trying to compile a list / of the amp companies lost due the activities of the Hi-Fi mafia (and government created recessions) … I will do similar list of T/T and speaker companies.

What positive purpose will that serve other than to deepen your resentment of “the establishment”.

Being a maverick is a good thing, and you may be surprised that I’m actually rooting for you! (You might just want to go back and read that bit again.) IMO anything that gets consumers to think outside the box is a good thing. But be realistic too. Just because you’ve decided to go direct doesn’t mean that the rest of the industry is suddenly going to wave the white flag.

It’s old news that the Hi-Fi industry has been in recession for a very long time. The world economic climate is going to accelerate that process but the casualties aren’t going to be the big brands. They have enough fat to survive starvation for a while. It’s the smaller more innovative brands and companies that will suffer first and that’s a real shame because it with reduce consumer choice. That’s not something to be celebrated, is it.

[WikiBoy]

What positive purpose will that serve other than to deepen your resentment of “the establishment”.

Being a maverick is a good thing, and you may be surprised that I’m actually rooting for you! (You might just want to go back and read that bit again.) IMO anything that gets consumers to think outside the box is a good thing. But be realistic too. Just because you’ve decided to go direct doesn’t mean that the rest of the industry is suddenly going to wave the white flag.

It’s old news that the Hi-Fi industry has been in recession for a very long time. The world economic climate is going to accelerate that process but the casualties aren’t going to be the big brands. They have enough fat to survive starvation for a while. It’s the smaller more innovative brands and companies that will suffer first and that’s a real shame because it with reduce consumer choice. That’s not something to be celebrated, is it.

Complete nonsense - the world has changed, the smaller inovative companies like Beresford are direct and like the other smaller ones trading on ebay. They will weather this recesion perfectly well. AND if the other smaller companies who have decided to rely on retailers have any sense they will quickly switch to direct. It is the big companies with big overheads and their partners in crime the foot tapping retailers who will suffer. In the old recessions the large companies had such a hold on the industry the companies mentioned here didn't stand a chance as they couldn't sell anywhere else. Now if the designers are still around and they managed to retain rights to their design and company name then THIS is the moment to restart and sell on ebay. If they just look and see the prices their old stuff is going for now to astute buyers and collectors. For example there is a lovely set of Albarry mono power amps at ebay. Hens teeth as very few were made, but a zonking good amp with a mellowness that would very much appeal to todays valve enthusiasts. Works well with a passive. So an amp system for low dosh and high pleasure.

Roll on the recession, bargains for everyone, if you have the spare dosh. Pity about the foot tapping marketing men, but oh well someone has to suffer

[Chris Frost]

I think you place too much faith in the internet. It might work for you and your cottage business and other niche producers, but I remain sceptical that the general Hi-Fi consumer would consider it a viable route.

[WikiBoy]

I think you place too much faith in the internet. It might work for you and your cottage business and other niche producers, but I remain sceptical that the general Hi-Fi consumer would consider it a viable route.

Struth, I have posted on this and the history of the industry so many times. It *is* a cottage industry, which means it is a hobby industry, not a mainstream industry. The mainstream is going somewhere else, computers and television and games.

[Marco]

I have to say that when I buy hi-fi equipment from a dealer or direct from a manufacturer I would do it only by either hearing it at his or her premises first, or if they would sent it to me to audition at home prior to purchase on the strength of a valid credit card number (without the card being charged).

I would not buy hi-fi equipment of high value from the Internet where this facility is not available unless I knew the person selling the equipment or they had an established reputation. I also dislike the 'buy it first and if you don't like it I'll refund it' policy of some people selling direct (sorry, Richard!) as it inconveniences the customer in the event that goods sold are unsuitable, whilst at the same time being out of pocket until a refund is processed. If I buy goods I want the service to back it up, too, not to have to do everything myself.

When I've 'sampled the goods', so to speak, decided they're suitable, and I want to buy them, that's when I pay, not before. It's the same in restaurants. If I enter a premises that insists on me paying upfront for my food, I refuse and go elsewhere. What if the food is shit and the management refuse later to give me a refund? Nope - I like to be the one in control of my money, thank you very much!!

Marco.

[Chris Frost]

Struth, I have posted on this and the history of the industry so many times. It *is* a cottage industry, which means it is a hobby industry, not a mainstream industry. The mainstream is going somewhere else, computers and television and games.

We obviously have different views of the industry. I wouldn't call companies such as Linn, Naim, Meridian, B&W, KEF, Monitor Audio etc etc cottage.

[WikiBoy]

I have to say that when I buy hi-fi equipment from a dealer or direct from a manufacturer I would do it only by either hearing it at his or her premises first, or if they would sent it to me to audition at home prior to purchase on the strength of a valid credit card number (without the card being charged).

I would not buy hi-fi equipment of high value from the Internet where this facility is not available unless I knew the person selling the equipment or they had an established reputation. I also dislike the 'buy it first and if you don't like it I'll refund it' policy of some people selling direct (sorry, Richard!) as it inconveniences the customer in the event that goods sold are unsuitable, whilst at the same time being out of pocket until a refund is processed. If I buy goods I want the service to back it up, too, not to have to do everything myself.

When I've 'sampled the goods', so to speak, decided they're suitable, and I want to buy them, that's when I pay, not before. It's the same in restaurants. If I enter a premises that insists on me paying up front for my food, I refuse and go elsewhere. What if the food is shit and the management refuse later to give me a refund? Nope - I like to be the one in control of my money, thank you very much!!

Marco.

So you are willing to pay an extra 50 to 100% depending on product for this convenience. OK no problem it is a process of choice which at least is freedom allowed now. It was not allowed in the past.

The world is going in the other direction Marco. The convenience store is dying apart from emergency fags. I suppose the addicted equivelent in Hi-Fi is the NLPed Linn-ite. But an industry cannot be run that way now, pandoras box has been opened.

Your point of credit cards also is invalid as that would mean increased margins to pay for it so it would have to be retailers again providing this service, so you might as well visit then in person. OK credit cards via a manufacturers website I suppose could be dodgy, but if it is a genuine authorised merchant you are completely protected. Via ebay and paypal you are protected even more as long as you avoid the scammers who are very easy to see. Both paypal and ebay err on the side of the buyer in any dispute.

Experience tell me the only people who wish to try product without being willing to pay for it are those who don't have the money but want to try things. Remember in relative terms the web and online selling is new. I bet in 10 years it will be unrecognisable to now and methods may have been arrived at to do this. We have proxy servers so proxy money holding the way paypal is going more and more into may end up being the answer. Money is not taken or given but a contract is made, it is then fullfilled by either keeping or returning.

I am sure this is the way ebay and paypal are leaning. I just wish someone else would come up with an alternative route though as a monoploy is never a good thing.

[Marco]

Experience tell me the only people who wish to try product without being willing to pay for it are those who don't have the money but want to try things

I don't doubt that's the case, but you have to judge things on an individual basis and rely on a person's reputation (if they have one) good or bad. I'm a serious buyer, and if I want something I have the money to pay for it, no problem.

I would not mess anyone about unless they've messed me about. I'm in business myself (art dealer/framer) so I know what it's like. If I'm asking to audition equipment then it means I'm in the market to buy it, or to review a manufacturer's product for the forum

However, as the customer, I want to be the one in control of the situation, especially when it involves my finances. It's kind of 'catch 22', but there you go.

Marco.

[Filterlab]

I am trying to compile a list from my memory of the amp companies lost due the activities of the Hi-Fi mafia (and government created recessions) during the 80's and 90's. There may be mistakes, and I know a couple have been taken over as shadows of their former products. I will do similar list of T/T and speaker companies.

Anyway - additions and corrections please

Albarry
Aura
Exposure
Incatech
Magnum
Myryad
Myst
Onix

Really we should also add Quad to this list.

Shame we can't add Musical Fidelity to that list.