Richard's hi-fi ranting 'Room 101'

[jcbrum]

Personally I think the situation with Naim is that nobody wants to buy the stuff any more so the company is left with a "brand", which with the help of the Bentley fiasco, (car audio that actually is someone elses effort), the existing directors will flog off to some wealthy Arab, Chinese, Indian, or Russian buyer, pocket the cash and go home. "legacy" hifi is over.

As for Linn they have the same "legacy" problem, but the company has no money left either. It has to flog expensive products against manufacturers who are in much better financial position and can make more useful products at a lower price. They've got little chance imo.

[jcbrum]

If I know Ivor he is simply trying to prevent a "train crash" so that he has something left to "flog off".

I wouldn't be at all surprised to find that both Naim and Linn are "up for sale" within the next twelve months.

It's a bit like BMW buying Rover group, hiving off the "Mini" badge and flogging the rest off to the Chinese.

Rolls and Bentley went the same way. They are "brands" these days.

[jcbrum]

Oooerr, I think I'll have a rest and a lie down in a dark room and leave the "ranting" to Richard.

[Marco]

I still think Linn and Naim make good gear, if somewhat over-priced.

I'm out of that commercial 'zone' now, but I wouldn't condemn anyone for enjoying their Linn and Naim gear

I had a full Naim electronics system for over five years (CDS2/52/135s) and enjoyed every moment of it. It worked great with the Spendors, too.

Marco.

[Steve Toy]

I enjoyed my Linn CD player and the Naim I had before it for as long as I owned them. At the time I bought these items respectively they offered excellent value for money.

[Marco]

Richard,

Have you looked at the pictures from the Owston valve fest - if so, what's your view of going the D.I.Y route and using neither dealers nor Ebay 'shopkeepers'?

Personally, I learned much from Owston and the solely D.I.Y route interests me; certainly the way my system is now I doubt that I will ever need to use a dealer again.

Maybe all we need is a job lot of soldering irons and 'Electronics For Beginners' manuals?

<Discuss>

Marco.

[WikiBoy]

Richard,

Have you looked at the pictures from the Owston valve fest - if so, what's your view of going the D.I.Y route and using neither dealers nor Ebay 'shopkeepers'?

Personally, I learned much from Owston and the solely D.I.Y route interests me; certainly the way my system is now I doubt that I will ever need to use a dealer again.

Maybe all we need is a job lot of soldering irons and 'Electronics For Beginners' manuals?

<Discuss>

Marco.

I would happly lose sales to people who take up the soldering iron, it is how I started. DIYers are the salt of the earth (Hi-Fi Industry). They create badly mad crap, but it is their baby, and your own baby is always the most beautifull (nod to one nameless admins passive ). They create ordinary product that gives them pleasure and fun. They create astounding product that points an arrow to the future due to non commercial motivation causing lateral thinking.

Todays DIYers are tomorrow industry as some progress (if that is the right word) to manufacture. Problem!!! some don't have business or money skills so they fall foul of the vultures and money men who then employ marketing men to run the company, full circle back to the horse crap again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This industry is (should be) a hobby, that hobby can follow two motivation 1 those that want to create 2 those that want to use - and the thing that binds them together is the love of music.

So as far as I am concerned I only produce product for those that can't, can't be bothered, or don't have time to take up the soldering iron, and I will encourage as many as can to try it, it is fun and very satifying. Even the odd explosion on the kitchen table is an experience

[Marco]

I'm watching this one very closely, Ashley. Don't try and turn this thread into another one centered around AVI.

If I see any evidence of this I will simply move the non-relevant posts to somewhere else or delete them. This thread WILL remain on-topic. You have been warned!

Marco.

[WikiBoy]

Richard we're a small manufacturer, not as small as you, but with all the difficulties of establishing a business in a dying market, we both started as hobbyists and we've thought laterally and produced a product that rips the carpet out from under the present Cartel (albeit it an unintended cartel), so why is what we've done wrong and what you're suggesting right. Have we been too successful or something - perhaps you could explain.

Ash

PS. we've even reduced dealer margins so the customer gets better value for money. We've reduced overheads by subbing virtually everything and we've bought in quantity to keep costs down. We've done everything for the benefit of the customer and some can't believe it isn't a cynical trick!

Ashley get the ferk out of my thread with your horse shite.

[Marco]

Dealt with, Richard!

Back on topic...

Have you ever thought of setting up a school for teaching D.I.Y electronics and running it from your home? You could certainly charge for the service and use it to supplement your Ebay trading. It would be another way of 'striking a blow for the little man'. Just a thought!

Marco.