Anthony Chipelo of Music Reference/RAM Labs tubes. Recently had my Music Reference RM10 Mk II serviced/recapped there and a great supplier of the best tubes for Music Reference amps.
I just bought the $745 Reference Calibration kit from Acoustic Frontiers. What I got was a open boxed microphone dated 7/21/15. When i asked why I received a old mic, here’s the response
"Sorry the mic does not meet your expectations. I was not aware of its age or the calibration recommendations. Would you like to return it for a refund or replacement? We do not have any other DEQX reference mics in stock at this time and would need to order one in if you want a replacement, lead time is about 14 business days. We could also offer you a discount if you would prefer to keep it."
Looking at their website, you’d expect them to know that this is unacceptable. It says right on the sheet when it was calibrated... AND Earthworks say’s that Mic’s need to be re-calibrated every 5 years. Seems to me, he tried to pawn off this dusty ass mic on some internet purchaser thinking I wouldn’t know any better. Needless to say, that went back this morning and I won’t be doing business with A.F again.
I am fortunate to be dealing with 2 very approachable companies that currently have deposits from me on new/upgraded audio gear. Salk Sound and SMC Audio. I currently have a pair of Song3 Encores on order from Salk (Predicted finish time February), and SMC is completely gutting and rebuilding my DNA-1 amp with an extensive rebuild. I can’t wait to hear this combo when they are hooked up together!! Both Salk and SMC have been outstanding to work with. I never felt like I was bothering them when I contacted either with questions. Both of these present very high value for money spent.
I think it's great to see a list so long of great individuals involved in our hobby as manufacturers or retailers. It says something positive.
A personal shout-out for Jeff Rowland, a true gentleman and devoted to his craft. I have nothing but respect for him as an individual, and as a superb audio designer (sadly, I own nothing).
I've had good luck working with the service guys at Kimber Kable. I had an ancient Kimber power cord that they couldn't repair, so they just sent me a new one. Recently they re-terminated a pair of bi-wired speaker cables. They work fast, and their prices are reasonable.
Nick Despotopoulos and Chris West of AV Options, LLC. AV Options, Now celebrating 10 years. They are my go to guys for Naim, Rega, The Chord Company, Chord, Quadraspire and others. Nick makes himself available even on weekends. Nick has sent free cable upgrades with some purchases. He has even sent me an upgraded digital cable free of charge for a Niam NDAC that I didn't purchase from him so I could get my new system up and running. Best price, best Naim service center and the best advise from any dealer I have encountered.
David Serota of David Lewis Audio runs a close second for me. He has always given me straight talk too. Sometimes a little too straight but he has talked me out of buying speaker cables I thought I needed. He also made me the deal of a lifetime on my Totem speakers.
1). Dennis Had. What a gentleman, repaired my Inspire amp after a tube failed and didn’t charge a fee. I was so grateful I insisted on payment 2). Mike Morrow. Great product with additional set up advise. Mike provided addition discount and burn in time just to improve my experience. 3). Sean Casey. Multiple responses from the man himself with placement issues trying to make footers work.
Peter Ledermann - The SoundSmith Inventer, engineer, educator, innovator and a really great guy to talk with about anything cartridge or stylus related.... One of the great ones in the industry.
Richard Vandersteen - He gave me phone time to discuss speakers (his 4As) that I'd bought on the used market, and that he no longer sold in that form. I mean, serious phone time. This was the late '80s. I couldn't believe how well he treated me. He actually took the time to educate me about psychoacoustics & the benefits of 1st order crossovers!
MHDT Audio - Jiun-Hsien, who patiently answered every question. I ended up buying (and loving) MHDT Labs' Orchid DAC. No regrets there.
Lake People/Violectric - Fried Reim. He's the boss & chief design engineer. Fried makes terrific products (I own 2 of their amps) and has treated me very well in person and on the headphone boards. I'll buy their products again for sure based on solid engineering & terrific sound
Power Holdings (LP/Violectric's US distributor) - Arthur (sorry, no last name) has treated me very well in person and via email. A class act.
Brandon at Anthem Had a serious issue with an i225 amp. They stepped me up to an STR at very minimal cost! Been happy ever since 😊 Great customer service!!!
To a some great engineers & designers who execute there products so well and get it right. 1) George Merrill, who I refer to as Mr. Analog. Is always helpful with his wisdom. From his GEM Dandy products to his amazing turntables + white papers. 2) Ron Sutherland, another analog devote with fine phono stages & his superb N1 Preamplifier. 3) Russell Sherwood, amplifier designer/builder.
Great list. Nobody mentioned Don Sachs, who I have done business with over 12 years and have his latest amp and preamp. Wonderful fella. Clayton Shaw too, for sure, nobody nicer in the business. I love his speakers!
Guys at Elac and Lounge Audio... they each have excellent CS. Both have service centers in CA and repaired & rebuilt products I own at zero cost to me. Even paid shipping to and from Boston & the two units were out of warranty as well. No questions asked, "just send them in and we'll take it from here." Great follow up emails checking up on the repairs. That's how it's done!
+1 Sean Casey from Zu Audio, as well as his entire team. Great communication and quick resolution of any issues.
Also, special mention to Russell Katz at Vinyl Revivers in Columbia, MD. I wanted to purchase a Project VCS Mk II a few years back, and I contacted him as the nearest distributor. Now, I DEFINITELY am small fry in audio purchases, but Russell gave me a full tour of the showroom, displayed some new streaming stuff I didn’t know about and made sure my VCS arrived quickly and I knew how to use it. All around a real pleasure to work with.
I ran into him about a year later at Capitol Audio Fest, and he came up to me and addressed me by name! Mind blown!
I have always got good help and advice from David and Gary at Safe and Sound Stereo and Ben at The Music Room Audio. On the manufacturer’s side, Phil Jackson at Parasound has always been good to answer my questions. I guess he got tired of coaching basketball😂
Ive been dealing with Underwood HiFi for 15+ years. In the last couple years he started developing his own products under LSA that are excellent and very reasonably priced. If you get on the mailing list you will get specials
Frank at Signal Cable. Always has time for questions and makes an outstanding product at more than fair prices. Doing a loom with all Signal Cable in my system.
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