Sean, I will have to admit that I initially had thoughts similar to those that you post here, and your point is very well taken. On the other hand, I did a forum search for thread references to Kora both before and after I bought my Eclipse. I then queried, via e-mail, quite a number of those who indicated their ownership of Kora products within these threads. Of those responding to my queries (about 30), all but 2 indicated that their products had been trouble-free. Of the two I mention, both said that their problems were minor in nature and that Kora and/or the dealer went above and beyond the call in addressing their issues. If the same percentage held throughout all owners, the problem-rate would be just under 7%, and reflect ALL products in the line. Not sure how this would stack up against manufacturers of other products. But, if the problems are minor, AND they are addressed quickly and painlessly, this seems to be less an issue than one might perceive (and as you correctly state). A product that has a 2% problem-rate, and whose manufacturer deals with customers in the fashion with which many of us are accustomed, would clearly have a higher rate of dissatisfaction. Id wager that a few will weigh in on this thread to stay that their Koras have performed just fine (or, silence may, indeed, be golden). I hasten to add that I wouldnt dream of starting a give us your manufacturers horror stories thread, but I have an idea that many of those so mentioned would have a similar, or worse, record than Kora.
All that being said, I would not have trepidations in buying a Kora product with regard to product reliability or quality. One, you know if something DOES go wrong, it will be addressed and, two, the musicality of their products is far and above what their price tag would lend one to believe. I think the Eclipse is one of the best bargains for the money in the preamp arena and I have been told that the Cosmos amp is right up there with the best of the giant killers.
I might add that I received my replacement Eclipse just yesterday. This Eclipse is the newer version that has had improvements over the one I owned. Even out of the box, with stock tubes, and stock feet the performance is stunning. Wide, deep soundstage, and a richness of sound that is just so damn involving (the reason I listen to music!). Autumn Leaves by Miles Davis never sounded this good to me and It Never Entered My Mind almost brought tears to my eyes. ;-)
All that being said, I would not have trepidations in buying a Kora product with regard to product reliability or quality. One, you know if something DOES go wrong, it will be addressed and, two, the musicality of their products is far and above what their price tag would lend one to believe. I think the Eclipse is one of the best bargains for the money in the preamp arena and I have been told that the Cosmos amp is right up there with the best of the giant killers.
I might add that I received my replacement Eclipse just yesterday. This Eclipse is the newer version that has had improvements over the one I owned. Even out of the box, with stock tubes, and stock feet the performance is stunning. Wide, deep soundstage, and a richness of sound that is just so damn involving (the reason I listen to music!). Autumn Leaves by Miles Davis never sounded this good to me and It Never Entered My Mind almost brought tears to my eyes. ;-)