Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne

I heard the MM Micros at RMAF, and I thought they sounded fantastic.

While I understand the desire to hear a product demo'd with similarly priced components, I for one do not begrudge manufacturers who demo their products with much more expensive components. I don't feel misled by this practice, and I don't believe it invalidates a product demo, for the following reason...

Objections to the practice seem to be based on the belief that, during the demo, the less expensive component will be "helped" by the more expensive components with which it is partnered. While that may be true, it is not inherently misleading. It would be misleading only if the more expensive components were somehow MASKING THE FLAWS of the less expensive component. In my experience, that is seldom the case. I believe that, as a generalization, the better a component gets, the more it REVEALS THE FLAWS of the components with which it is partnered.

Hence the practice of demo'ing an inexpensive product with much more expensive components can be considered a way of demonstrating not only the product's CAPABILITIES but also its LIMITATIONS. And that may just be the most honest demo of all.

Bryon

P.S. I have no personal or financial relationship with Jonathan Tinn or Evolution Acoustics.

I've followed this thread from the beginning. I've heard the MicroOne on two occasions in the past year, at RMAF and NewPort Beach. IMO, the praise for the Micro is deserved. The SQ of these speakers is remarkable. For the price, it is extraordinary.

Now that they are shipping to customers, I feel inclined to share a few observations about the somewhat rocky inception of this product. IMO...

1. Long production delays damage trust.

2. Large unanticipated price increases damage trust.

3. Slow responses to customer inquires damage trust.

4. Arguments on internet forums damage trust.

Evidence for each of those statements can be found on this thread and other internet forums. That is regrettable for EE.

I've met Jonathan and Kevin and they strike me as nice guys, and plenty smart. But I believe they have done themselves a disservice, because I believe the issues above could have been handled differently. I understand that production delays are sometimes unavoidable and production costs can be difficult to predict. I understand that small operations cannot return every email and that it's difficult to watch someone impugn your reputation on a public forum and not fight back. Nevertheless, I believe that there are a few things Jonathan and Kevin can do...

1. Be extremely transparent about production delays and pricing. You don't have to name names or reveal every exact figure, but much more specific information would go a long way toward reassuring customers. It could also, incidentally, build anticipation.

2. Hire someone to return calls/emails. If that's not possible, enlist a loved one. If that's not possible, then at least expand the FAQ page on your website so that it answers as many questions as possible, both technical questions and purchasing questions. The more information the better. This would not only alleviate some of the pressure to return calls and emails but it would also, IMO, build even greater interest in the audiophile community.

3. Adjust your style when dealing with troublesome posters on internet forums like these. Fight innuendo with information. Be as unemotional about it as possible. If that isn't in your nature, then don't address any specific post, and just give occasional updates that address recurring concerns.

I apologize if all this seems presumptuous. I'm offering these suggestions as a sincere effort to provide meaningful input to a company that, IMO, deserves to thrive.

The MicroOne and EE are currently enjoying the spotlight. But the spotlight is fickle. What is brightly lit today is dimly lit tomorrow. I would invite Jonathan and Kevin to do everything in their power to ensure that EE and its remarkable products remain visible for years to come.

Bryon

Correction to my post... "EE" should read "EA," for Evolution Acoustics. Apologies.

Bryon

Thanks, Glory.

09-23-12: Vapor1
I didn't insinuate they were modded Wavecors, it's obviously a new design. All I said is it looks like a Wavecor frame. Even Accuton borrowed frame design from another manufacturer. The Wavecor frame is plenty beefy and well engineered for the job, supposing it is what they're using. And there's no reason to pay for tooling of a new frame when an off the shelf component exists that does the job.

I only posted here to say bravo on what looks like a well executed bespoke woofer design, that's no small undertaking. Please don't misrepresent my intent...

After 2 years and 200+ posts (in this thread) I'm pretty sure I've only posted in this thread once ... not sure how that makes me 'very intrigued'. And all I posted was how the woofer design was impressive. What's the problem?

Since you are asking, I will say that I too wondered about the intent of your (now deleted) post. It was partly your use of the phrase 'the best "Chinese" drivers,' which isn't a compliment in the audiophile world.

As the manufacturer of a competing product, ANY discussion of a competitor's design could easily be interpreted as professional rivalry. I'm not making a statement about your intent. I'm making a statement about the APPEARANCE of your intent.

FWIW, although I haven't heard Vapor's speakers, I've been told by a trusted source that they sound fantastic. Judging from your website, they are an impressive technical and aesthetic achievement. I congratulate you. But I also urge you to consider the advice I gave to Jonathan and Kevin in my post on 9/21.

Having read both Vapor threads, I will point out that this is not the first occasion in which your intent is under question. It's certainly possible that you're being misunderstood and misrepresented, but the fact that it continues to recur suggests that you should reexamine what you discuss or how you discuss it.

Wishing the best for both Evolution Acoustics and Vapor...

Bryon

Jonathan -- I would urge you to reconsider participating in arguments like these. I certainly understand the impulse to defend your company and your reputation. But I fear that, however much damage you are attempting to prevent, you are causing at least as much or more to EA.

Having heard them twice, I think the Micros are a remarkable achievement. But arguing on forums, even if you are 100% in the right, risks making a bad impression on potential customers.

Bryon

03-09-13: Rebbi
...I can't say I blame the manufacturer for getting involved. If someone's trashing your business and questioning your ethics, do you just let it go?

Hi Rebbi - Since I was advising Jonathan to avoid participating in arguments like the ones on this thread, I will take a shot at answering your rhetoric question. IMO, a manufacturer can stick up for himself without getting dragged down into the muck. Rather than saying "you are flat out being lied to," he could say something like, "I can assure you that you have been given false information." Rather than "I am really surprised that you would actually be so closed minded," he could say "I invite you to listen to my products and decide for yourself." You get the point.

Having said that, I acknowledge that, when someone takes a swing at you, it is very hard not to swing back. But it is easy for people to lose sight of who swung first, and to see only the brawl that resulted. And that is bad for business, IMO.

I wish Jonathan and EA the best of luck.

Bryon