Why are People Dumping their Audio Research Gear and What Does it Say about them?


Title says it all. Either you like it and it sounds good or not. What does it say about dealers that are dumping their demos? 

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Showing 1 response by knittersspouse

In addition to the question of continued authorization to continue selling the brand, and the goodwill associated with being an "Authorized Dealer"  a dealer may be concerned about the cost of warranty coverage if the company does NOT continue. Often there are good business reasons for a retailer to honor and pick up the warranty costs for products they have sold if a particular manufacturer is no longer able to.   That could be a significant expense if they do not have an in-house repair facility for that particular brand. There is also the common psychology surrounding businesses in distress and being associated with them. 

Buyers may look for similar uncertainties with EVERY brand you sell and shy away from your storefront. Perhaps very unfair and even unwise, but not unusual.  I have been involved in retail sales and management since 1966 and can even recall one store owner who would initially not carry a line because of how the brand name sounded!  Over 50 years later the brand is still around, but unfortunately that small chain of stores isn't.

In a market as subjective as this one, reading the tea leaves has always been an inexact science.  Who in the late 90's would have predicted the CD, and all the hardware needed to get the best from that medium, would soon see a decline as steep and total as it had risen?  

Bottom Line - If YOU like the sound, keep enjoying it until you find something you feel suits you better.  Equipment ages (especially capacitors), and people age (especially their ears), and there will always be something new.  Enjoy what you have while it works well, and keep an open mind about what the future holds!