This is interesting: http://originus.samsung.com/us/2012-vacuum-tube-amplifier/#. It appears their marketing department has even embraced the standard audiophile misconception about square waves and round waves.
Tim
Tim
Samsung enters the tube audio arena?
- Thread starter Phelonious Ponk
- Start date
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I heard they were going to put a tube in their new Galaxy S phone for we audiophiles who prefer better sound 
What a hoot. I wonder who developed this product and how long he'll get to keep his job. I could be wrong, but my gut tells me that tube-loving audiophiles will have no interest and the mass market will not understand what these little glass things from Edison's workshop are doing in there iPod dock...
Tim
Tim
Like you always say Tim, it's about opportunity. Doesn't matter one lick if there are any misconceptions or not. There are enough people out there according to their market research to merit a product roll out. Simple, un-amendable, un-repealable law of supply and demand. So much for tubes or anything "old school" being dead eh? Enough people like 'em in their stereos the way you like tubes in your guitar amps. All there is to it. Again as you say you don't care if people like them for as long as they admit it's just a matter of preference. I see no reference to accuracy or fidelity in their marketing. Do you?
Heck maybe their research says having tubes will cast a halo. Now wouldn't THAT be a hoot!
Heck maybe their research says having tubes will cast a halo. Now wouldn't THAT be a hoot!
No, but I see no evidence of good marketing research either. I'm betting that the market that wants tubes in their audio doesn't want "Samsung" on it. My guess is they found a potential market, but didn't test their own brand's credibility within it. I predict failure.
Tim
I heard they were going to put a tube in their new Galaxy S phone for we audiophiles who prefer better sound
Darned subjectivists are now infiltrating major corporations.
Hi Tim,
In 2012, I believe serious audio people will be less concerned about where the gear is made or what brand label it has in its faceplate. OPPO being a Chinese company, and their products made in China have little impact on people's buying decision come to my mind. Hope we would vote with our wallet on any future audio products from any companies if it sounds good even if it is by Samsung.
Samsung had sent five of their bright people along with a consultant from raw speaker maker (I couldn't identify) to the 2012 RMAF. They had visited most of the rooms and seemed to be looking for partner companies to get them kick started. Certainly they have resources to do a good job in high-end audio market if they choose to do so....unlike their earlier effort in buying Luxman but nothing getting them what they wanted from it.
They will also hire people from the industry who will help them to address Jack's points in achieving accuracy and fidelity in due time.
I will be glad to see one more choice in audio land.
Ki
Ki, I hope you're right, but I think the audiophiles that embrace the value of Oppo and the ones who would see value in a valve or two in a digital device are very different. And I'm not sure it matters much. At this point, Samsung is not a reputable audio company, even in the midfi HT arena. They've got a long uphill climb to get level with Yamaha. Impressing the high end must look like interplanetary travel from where they stand. And if they can make the trip, when they get there, they'll find a market for high-end audio that is a tiny little thing compared to what they're used to. I'm not at all sure what they're thinking, but no doubt they have some smart people. Perhaps it's just beyond me.
Tim
You gotta see the volume of tube gear coming out of China Tim. Believe me the stuff is moving in bulk.
What's my indication? My techs aren't exclusive to us although we get priority (we hardly have breakdowns anyway). They've got a solid thing going modding and repairing China made tube gear. There's a constant flow. I believe the ability to modify tube gear so easily is a minor factor but a factor nonetheless. The killer part? The owners are young people in their twenties.
What's my indication? My techs aren't exclusive to us although we get priority (we hardly have breakdowns anyway). They've got a solid thing going modding and repairing China made tube gear. There's a constant flow. I believe the ability to modify tube gear so easily is a minor factor but a factor nonetheless. The killer part? The owners are young people in their twenties.
First post here. I very much enjoy the discussions on this forum.
I just wanted to say that having lived in Seoul for six years, I think this will be a hit in Korea. Samsung is very well respected there and I believe the average Korean would trust something from Samsung and enjoy the innovation.
Just my small anecdotal contribution to the discussion.
ron
I just wanted to say that having lived in Seoul for six years, I think this will be a hit in Korea. Samsung is very well respected there and I believe the average Korean would trust something from Samsung and enjoy the innovation.
Just my small anecdotal contribution to the discussion.
ron
So true ... and since I was once a Samsung owner of a very expensive hi-def TV which had it's power supply fail on an annual basis ... I don't think I'll ever entertain buying another "Samsung" ... tubes or no tubes.
tb1
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I heard they were going to put a tube in their new Galaxy S phone for we audiophiles who prefer better sound
Perhaps they see a market for EMP-hardened cellphones? Wonder what the power supply brick will look like - does it come complete with belt (fanny bag) ? Takes me back to when I was a kid when I saved up to buy a 90V battery to power a neon bulb project
Hi Ron, welcome to WBF! Nice moniker, "bachrocks". I love Bach as well, perhaps we can have some nice chats in the Classical subforum of WBF
You are right, Samsung will probably move a few of these in Korea. Elsewhere in the world ... well if people fall for the marketing it will sell I have always wondered what is the point of even making things like that in stereo. The way people will place it (on a bookshelf, in a living room) it may as well be mono and nobody will hear a difference.
You are right, Samsung will probably move a few of these in Korea. Elsewhere in the world ... well if people fall for the marketing it will sell
I have always wondered what is the point of even making things like that in stereo. The way people will place it (on a bookshelf, in a living room) it may as well be mono and nobody will hear a difference.
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