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GIK alternatives

Last month, an audiophile colleague inquired about GIK acoustics on this forum. I shared my experiences as a longtime customer. I pointed out episodic challenges with build quality but a highly responsive staff. I have changed my impression and would not recommend them. GIK has recently changed CEO and several longtime colleagues appear to have left. Their prices have increased, especially for shipping. I’ve been attempting to place an order by phone without success. And their product lead time is extraordinary. For example, I was informed that routine scatter plates would not be shipped out for 2 months. They’re having problems. Any recommendations for alternative companies?

wfowenmd
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,820 posts
 

@glennkuras Good luck! I'm so excited about some Qrds and any other diffusion products. (I just can't find the time to build my own Skyline.)

gordon
128 posts
 

This week, I received the 2 Soffit bass traps I ordered back in January.  They were shipped 4.5 weeks later than originally scheduled, but I was told this 4.5 weeks ago, so I have no issue with the delay.

I'm underwhelmed by the build quality.  Perhaps my expectations were too high.  3 of the 4 wooden caps were dislodged, with most of the stables bent/mangled, some at a 90 angle.  I was able to straighten them enough to secure the caps back on to the traps, but they're not very secure.  I don't think stapling a piece of wood into foam is ever gonna work very well.

The fabric is also stapled at the seam.  The staples are not aligned, some are sticking out, and some bent.  Again, I'm not sure staples are the best way to hold the fabric in place.  On the bottom edge of one trap, the fabric is frayed and has a bit missing.

Having said that, most of these flaws aren't noticeable once the traps are situated in place, but I would definitely pay more to have traps that were more robustly constructed.

glennkuras
8 posts
 

Hey Gordon. Let me know if we need to replace anything. We are actually making the soffits completely different with the end caps sunk into the frame. With Fedex throwing things around way more we modified it for just the reason you pointed out. Please let me know if I can further help with these. 

 

Glenn Kuras

GIK Acoustics 

gordon
128 posts
 

Just a follow up on my post...Glenn reached out to me via email, and all is good.  In my view, my issues didn't warrant replacing the bass traps, as Glenn had offered.  I'll order from GIK again.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

Quick update on GIK acoustics here, just to share my most recent experience:

Last time I had placed an order was early 2019. So I placed an order on August 30 this time around, pretty substantial order. I was promised a shipment date of September 22. Which sounded very reasonable.

Not only that promise was kept, but, everything was actually delivered to my house on September 21st. I was pleasantly surprised, given the chatter and negativity on this thread. Everything was in good order, no blemishes, no damage, just great. 

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