This is a true statement. Theory vs application has created a plethora of arguments in this industry. I focus on application so I don’t have a theoretical argument, but I have experienced the same thing audiobomber has. It’s why I’m investing so heavily in my network.
The Certaldo from Rosso Fiorentino could save you some money and do well at lower volume. We also have custom finishes so the wife can become part of the design process. I recently showed these at Lone Star Audio Fest and the response was overwhelming.
While you can improve your sound considerably with a new Dac in that price range, I’d recommend dealing with your network and streaming solution first. The Silent Angel line has an array of products that can make that Vega sound like a new Dac and remove some bottlenecks should you decide to...
A short story about a client of mine: as he visited more and more often, he began to ask questions about the setup process. I would answer him willingly and answered many questions. At a certain point, he asked a question and I realized I was on the verge of giving him too much information. I...
Some don’t, but the key is reference points, not limitations. If you know what a well tuned system can do then you have a proper reference point. In this case, your setup is usually only as good as that reference as that is your pinnacle. With guys like ST, there is enough experience there to...
I can not speak to all the forum, but I can say I’ve learned some of this process and utilized it in my own systems. The results have gotten others that were on the fence with upgrades to jump fully in the water and overhaul their entire systems. Not only that, but having the speaker setup...
AudioThesis will be exhibiting one of our modest systems at the event: the Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo 2, the Norma HS-IPA1 integrated, and the Silent Angel M1 streamer, all connected with AudioQuest cables.
I believe the Volterra 2 will also now be the partnering speaker in the Infigo room.
There are some dealers with the skill set but they are rare. Others hire guys like those listed above to do a final set. It should be common practice imo.
The interesting thing is that even at the highest levels, there are variances in the set. Importance seems to be placed in different areas...
What Todd is doing is *required* to get what a speaker is capable of, regardless of price. Setup to that degree is that important.
At a certain price point, a professional setup should be included in the sale IMO. At the price of these speakers, I do think its a requirement but YMMV.
Within your budget you’re going to be hard pressed to beat the Norma PA-150. Brand new it comes in at your top budget. It’s a very high current design with an extremely low noise floor and erring on dark presentation. I have not compared it directly to the dartzeel but I have compared the...
I guarantee you your first statement is correct. He has skills that are rare even within the industry.
Regarding AG sending someone - I'm not sure that is the best solution unless they have a dedicated and well-trained specialist. I don't know them, but I do know most designers don't...
Most audiophiles do not know how to use their ear as a tool in the setup situation he is referencing. Most dealers don't have a clue either. A speaker setup professional *should* know how to do this by ear.
This isn't to say that audiophiles/dealers don't know great sound when they hear it...
My imperfect room was treated heavily for years. Once I learned proper setup technique, I've eliminated 70% of the treatments and left the ones that are critical. For instance, I have two fiberglass cylinders in the back corners of my room. One side reinforces the high frequencies unnaturally...
I did three shows last year, costing me over $20,000 for standard issue rooms. Keep in mind I attend these shows solo so expenses are as low as I can get them. I live in the Dallas area and drove to Seattle, Chicago, and Washington DC to do those events. That is just PART of the expense...
@Another Johnson, those are great posts and as a dealer I appreciate both views you have on the matter. Your latest response represents the big issue.
Some dealers I know won't charge for up front time investments, but when it comes time to purchase an item and they begin negotiating, that...
Wanting the service and willing to pay for the service are two completely different things. While many here may fall under the umbrella of understanding that value, most clients don’t. Every single dealer I know has these clients that take up all their time and feel no remorse about going to...
Comparing two completely different industries has no legitimacy here IMO. In your industry, SOMEONE is going to get hired to do the job. In this industry, one can simply wait for a used one to show up. Product vs service is a completely different argument. People value the experience and...
The Silent Angel Forester F2 is an excellent option but I understand it may not be the right solution for all. It is on the more expensive side, but well made and offers two 12v rails and two 5v rails. The ability to have so many units powered by a single LPSU more than makes up for its cost...
AMONG.
I can tell you I hear much more clamor from my clients pertaining to the four guys I listed than I do any of the ones you list. In fact, Darko may get mentioned once a year, but I've not had a single client mention the others. I don't deny their status, but their influence is not felt...
I'll share some experiences with some of the social media dudes:
1. OCD Mike (Verastarr) - I met him years ago, before he had the exposure he has now. We had some good interactions and he reached out wanting to represent a past product of mine. A single product, not the entire line, as he...
I can tell you which two clients prefer to choose. Dealer service and experience is definitely not valued by the majority as people feel they can do it all themselves.
The sad part is, they often take dealer service in the form of advice and guidance and then turn to another dealer to purchase...