Interaction with Audiophile companies and AudiogoN members have been (for most part) positive through the years. There have been a few, however, that have gone 'above and beyond' to ensure that the customer was satisfied. To that end, I would like to give a 'shout out' to Audioquest that recently made a situation right when they really didn't have to. I won't go into the details, but suffice to say, that when the need arises I will not hesitate to buy from them again and will recommend their products and service to anyone who values my opinion.
For discussion purposes, would anyone care to raise a glass to a company that in your opinion deserves some love.
REL Acoustics. They have always been very prompt with their email support questions. I once emailed the company for some advice on subwoofer placement, and John Hunter himself replied back.
I know there are quite a few here suggested McIntosh. I actually never had good experience from them. Twice I emailed them last year, and all I got was an automatic reply saying someone will get back to me, which they never did.
I have had good experiences with most companies and individuals I've dealt with over the past 40 years. However there are a few that standout: Dan Wright - Modwright Instruments Taylor - Goldprint Audio Joe Skubinski - JPS Labs Brian Von Bork - Cardas Audio Jeff Joseph - Joseph Audio Craig Shumer - Theatermax
Thinking of a few not mentioned yet... Jeff Fischel at Conrad-Johnson Bill Peugh and everyone at Wilson Audio Sheila at Wireworld dCS folks Ethan at The Cable Company All the folks at wholesaler SoundOrg in TX Music Direct JS Audio in Maryland Mike Bovaird at Suncoast Audio
Ron Sutherland - Sutherland Engineering. Only makes phono stages. I bought a used one and he took 45 minutes with me helping to install a linear power supply that cost $350. He only wants people to enjoy his equipment. Nicest guy.
Max Townshend from Townshend Audio. Kind of a mad scientist, but he made time to talk to me a couple times and work through how his vibration control platform could improve my turntables sound.
These guys are in it for the love of enjoying the best sound possible. Ron spoke with me about his system and if I knew anyone who would buy his speakers...
I’ve had great service and advice from John Rutan at Audio Connections and Tony Barnette at Ellington Hi-Fi. I’ve tried to keep my system mostly American made, and have had very positive and helpful interactions with Aesthetix, VPI, Soundsmith, Vandersteen and WyWires. I use an Innuos Zenith and Phoenix and had a warranty issue nicely addressed as well. I previously owned Bryson and their service and warranty is excellent.
I have two; Klaus Bunge at Odyssey Audio shipped out a new amp without hesitation when the first one arrived destroyed by UPS. I was prepared to file a complaint and let that drag out but Klaus argued that would be a lot of trouble and just shipped out the replacement.
You must’ve caught him on a good day. Count yourself very lucky.
Wilson Audio - Trent was quite patient and helpful when I called for advice on how to repair the cracked seams on my used purchase of some Sophia 1s. He informed me that it was a glue defect during a certain production run and they would be happy to fix the problem at no cost to me other than their transit out to UT. I got essentially new speakers and he and their whole team out there were amazing.
Hsu Research - Dr. Hsu is a very down to earth and passionate audiophile. If his first level support team ever get stumped he is happy to jump on the phone or call you back. I have had his subs for 20+ years and have many phone conversations and emails...not for problems, but just advice/ideas.
George Merrill - He is a local to me and builds some well reviewed turntables along with with running his shop where he sells various components. I haven't ever made a big purchase from him but he is always there to advise and listen or offer a demo.
Audio Research - I have had many components over the past 4 years and have had several questions on a variety of topics. Greg is always the man answering the phone and responding to emails. He is very helpful and follows up quickly. I have even spoken to Warren Gehl one time when I had an unusual issue with a preamp.
Rega/The Sound Organization - I hate that I don't recall his name, but there is a quite nice Scottish chap over in TX that is very knowledgeable and will be very straightforward with you to advise you honestly.
Eric Alexander-Tekton In spite of rapid growth and being busier than ever, Eric still was able to make himself available to me when I recently purchased my second pair of speakers from him. I do not know of anyone in the industry who offers so much for so little to his customers.
You sure got that right Corelli. I saw one guy looked up all the drivers in his Moabs, priced them out at Parts-Express or something like that, said it was $3600 worth of drivers. Just drivers. Not cabinet, not crossovers. Nothing for speaker terminals, paint or wire. Just drivers alone, $3600 in speakers retailing for $4500. Granted Eric at his volume does not pay anywhere near those prices. Not the point. That is orders of magnitude more than what you will find anywhere else. No less an authority than Duke said he was surprised at the quality drivers he sees in them. Okay so the guy could probably double his prices and still be a deal.
Huge volume, always behind. Called him up a week or so ago. Phone rings and rings, which usually means no one around to answer. But I know after a while it will ring over to his cell. Sure enough, he picks up. Clearly running around doing something out of breath, says in the middle of something but if its okay with you? Yeah sure. Okay what is it?
Just called to say its been about 7 months, and I am loving these speakers more every day. Needless to say he was happy to hear that.
Thing of it is, it has pretty much always been like that. Every time I have called the guy is running doing something. Air compressor going in the background. That kind of thing. One time I caught him driving to the cabinet shop. That was the best conversation! He had nothing to do but drive and talk. Learned a lot. How many guys like that out there?
And he could double his prices, easily, make a ton more money, hire someone to do all the dirty work, but he doesn't. Instead he keeps prices low so guys like us who crave great sound but work for a living can afford speakers they never could any other way. Cannot say enough good things about this guy.
MC, let me start by saying there are a number of things where we do not have common ground. This is not one of them. Everything you said is spot on. I have posted several times that simple math makes you shake your head--how can this guy deliver these speakers for so little. Now that would mean little if his speakers didn’t deliver the goods. But they do. Big time. Like you, I have found that over time I enjoy his speakers more and more to the point where I question can it really get much better? Contentment. A very nice place to be.
P.S. Quite jealous you caught him when he was on the road. No doubt you enjoyed a wonderful discussion. Now if you excuse me, I’m going to call Andrew Jones.
MC, let me start by saying there are a number of things where we do not have common ground. This is not one of them. Everything you said is spot on.
I know. People have come up to me, sometimes years later, only to admit they have in time come to realize how right I was about one thing or another. So relax, and have patience. As unlikely as it seems right now, you may yet be another one of those happy souls who comes to see the light and realize we are all standing on the same ground after all.
Ayre acoustics, specifically Ryan, the CEO. Always happy to help and will return a call if he's not available. Fritz of Fritz speakers. Ben of Mojo audio.
Manley Laboratories Chino, CA. I can say first hand that not only does Manley produce some of the finest tubed equipment in the business, I feel that there dedication to the customer and their satisfaction is on par with the best in the biz.
Just recently I emailed Manleys service department with a question about my Chinook after I got it back from having a warranty repair done. Well to my surprise I was responded to by none other than EveAnna Manley herself.
We shared a extensive email thread which went on to include much more than the original subject of my email. Great woman who's pride in her company and its products really shows.
+1 for Ayre Acoustics - Their upgrade policy extends the life and improves the quality of their components at reasonable cost. I own three of their components and have benefited from this program.
Aerial Acoustics - A small American speaker company that makes excellent products. The founder, Michael Kelly, takes calls and answers questions. Besides sounding great, their products are well designed, well built, attractive and are extremely durable.
These two brands rise to the top of those I've owned.
There are many great dealers and manufacturers out there willing to chat with you and spend time assisting with questions.. I personally have had conversations recently with, Nelson Pass - Amazingly honest and helpful ! Daedalus audio- Lou Hinkley, great fellow ! Reno HiFi, Mark Summat. Top notch ! Very helpful ! BAT - Victor K. Little talk and hard to get a hold of, but very helpful ! Atmasphere - Ralph is awesome! Builds great products and is willing to share his knowledge ! Not so great... Schiit - questions confuse them, response answer is usually another Schiit product, but considering prices.. acceptable.
Bel Canto - LOUSY support ! They can’t be bothered with questions about their products. I called and wrote them about a simple question regarding thread size for one of their products, to replace feet with stillpoints. A FEW TIMES, with NO response! LOL.. Must be a closely guarded secret.. They can’t be bothered, that’s fine.. Wasn’t worth investing in anyways.. Sold it all and never looked back.. Lesson learned..
All of the following people, in no particular order, have provided great service, and have been extremely nice and helpful in my quest to have a great system:
1. Victor and Steve from Balanced Audio Technology.
Eric Adler @ Simaudio aka Moon by Simaudio. Even though they are in Montreal they have always answered my questions. Great company and fantastic audio gear.
MC, let me start by saying there are a number of things
where we do not have common ground. This is not one of them. Everything
you said is spot on.
I know. People have come up to me,
sometimes years later, only to admit they have in time come to realize
how right I was about one thing or another. So relax, and have patience.
As unlikely as it seems right now, you may yet be another one of those
happy souls who comes to see the light and realize we are all standing
on the same ground after all.
Imagine being so MDS you search posts from months ago, then selectively quote, nothing to do with the subject at hand, no other purpose than to personally attack another member.
Not only rent. I raid the fridge, rearrange the furniture, leave a few calling cards. Then return to my ship where we watch it all unfold.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G554Xa8MElg
Keith Herron is a gem of a designer and product supporter. I have had a few modifications done by him and have recently upgraded to his latest pre amp and amps.
I have had three Modwright SACD players starting with the Sony and ending with Marantz. Great customer support and outstanding products.
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