Stenheim Reference Ultime two vs Zellaton Reference

[Rob181]

Sorry to intrude (how is the weather down under?)
We never had a distributor or dealer in AUS with the mentioned brands.

Cheers
Stavros

Hi Stavros - hope that you are well. I was almost an early adopter of Aries Cerat many years ago - my how you have grown since then - congratulations.
Not sure Rob from Purasound would agree with you - "PuraSound is the exclusive Australian distributor for Luna Cable’s, Skogrand Cables, Aries Cerat, Grandinote, Pink Faun High End servers, AlsyVox Audio Design Speakers, Etsuro Urushi Cartridges, Keces Audio."

 

[pjwd]

Yes we did, few years ago before covid lockdowns. Melbourne Vic (Victoria) had the longest lockdown in the world, nearly 3yrs! That dealership was known as Nirvana Sound. Although they carried many exotic brands, I believe they were not a direct importer... rather going through either HK or Spore as a "sub-dealer." They lasted only few years, selling only a handful of gear. Their very last was the Dartzeel integrated amp, which I nearly bought! After learning that the dealership closed due to lack of sales and the Dartzeel chap in Switzerland is no more either... I cancelled my order.

We also had an Alsyvox representative in WA (Western Australia) Perth, he used to post on WBF but I don't think Alsyvox is represented any more either. Such exotic brands and ultra-high-end gear simply won't sell in Aus. There's hardly any market for it. Very very tiny percentage can afford this level, and most aren't really interested in forking out 6 figures for better sound. Doesn't work that way here.
Although I must say, that cheapo Blue Sound Node sells more than bread moves at the supermarkets! For a few hundred bucks everyone's going BlueSound Node, streaming with delight

Current weather is 13C this morning was a tad chilly 2C! Nice and fresh. Teeth clanking
Cheers, RJ

BTW all my highend and ultra-high-end auditions take place at mostly private demos in Spore or HK, they have the REAL highend! I usually visit those countries once or twice a year between July & Aug. Getting ready to head there next month to hopefully listen to the Zellaton Statements or the Genesis Tributes. My two endgame auditions before I depart Earth.

News and Reviews - — PURASOUND

www.purasound.com

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Yep! That's the one. Hopefully they're still active and sales going well... or least sustainable business, unlike most over here who've pretty much folded up.

Like I said, although this is in Perth which is still within Aus, I still prefer to head over to Spore & HK, especially the Adelphi, that's like my big doggy haven. . Plenty of bones and plenty of room to woof around. Tail wiggling profoundly!
Woof! RJ

 

[Purasound]

Yes we did, few years ago before covid lockdowns. Melbourne Vic (Victoria) had the longest lockdown in the world, nearly 3yrs! That dealership was known as Nirvana Sound. Although they carried many exotic brands, I believe they were not a direct importer... rather going through either HK or Spore as a "sub-dealer." They lasted only few years, selling only a handful of gear. Their very last was the Dartzeel integrated amp, which I nearly bought! After learning that the dealership closed due to lack of sales and the Dartzeel chap in Switzerland is no more either... I cancelled my order.

We also had an Alsyvox representative in WA (Western Australia) Perth, he used to post on WBF but I don't think Alsyvox is represented any more either. Such exotic brands and ultra-high-end gear simply won't sell in Aus. There's hardly any market for it. Very very tiny percentage can afford this level, and most aren't really interested in forking out 6 figures for better sound. Doesn't work that way here.
Although I must say, that cheapo Blue Sound Node sells more than bread moves at the supermarkets! For a few hundred bucks everyone's going BlueSound Node, streaming with delight

Current weather is 13C this morning was a tad chilly 2C! Nice and fresh. Teeth clanking
Cheers, RJ

BTW all my highend and ultra-high-end auditions take place at mostly private demos in Spore or HK, they have the REAL highend! I usually visit those countries once or twice a year between July & Aug. Getting ready to head there next month to hopefully listen to the Zellaton Statements or the Genesis Tributes. My two endgame auditions before I depart Earth.

Hey guys, Not wanting to hijack this thread but when misinformation of this nature is spread I feel its appropriate to point out the inaccuracies.
I dont want to get into a back and forth and the thread should stay on topic. If anyone wants clarification on my post please PM me.

To clarify firstly Nirvana sound is very much still in business. They sell a number of excellent products including both Stenheim and Zellaton. I am not affiliated with Nirvana sound but I would call the owner Mike a friend and colleague who I have a lot of respect for. The founder of Nirvana, George sold the business a few months ago not due to poor performance but due to his other commitments which have grown to be very successful and is taking up much of his time. George is still very much involved in the industry as a owner in Dohmann Audio. Again I consider George a friend and colleague.

Nirvana (Melbourne based) were the first company to introduce Alsyvox to Australia a number of years ago. About three years ago Purasound took over the representation of Alsyvox and still today we are the exclusive importer for Alsyvox for Australia.

I would disagree with Big Dogs state of the industry down here. Yes we are a small market/population compared to major overseas markets. Despite this there are many music enthusiasts who value and invest in the cutting edge products of today.

And finally Purasound was the first company to introduce Aries Cerat to Australia (over 8 years ago) and we proudly continue to do so. Nirvana was never a "sub-dealer" for Aries Cerat nor would George engage in those tactics as he is person of great integrity. Nor would Aries Cerat stand for such an arrangement.

Finally Stenheim v Zellaton

I have admired both these brands for a long time and I could not imagine anyone being disappointed with either brands offering. Both sensational products.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Hey guys, Not wanting to hijack this thread but when misinformation of this nature is spread I feel its appropriate to point out the inaccuracies.
I dont want to get into a back and forth and the thread should stay on topic. If anyone wants clarification on my post please PM me.

To clarify firstly Nirvana sound is very much still in business. They sell a number of excellent products including both Stenheim and Zellaton. I am not affiliated with Nirvana sound but I would call the owner Mike a friend and colleague who I have a lot of respect for. The founder of Nirvana, George sold the business a few months ago not due to poor performance but due to his other commitments which have grown to be very successful and is taking up much of his time. George is still very much involved in the industry as a owner in Dohmann Audio. Again I consider George a friend and colleague.

Nirvana (Melbourne based) were the first company to introduce Alsyvox to Australia a number of years ago. About three years ago Purasound took over the representation of Alsyvox and still today we are the exclusive importer for Alsyvox for Australia.

I would disagree with Big Dogs state of the industry down here. Yes we are a small market/population compared to major overseas markets. Despite this there are many music enthusiasts who value and invest in the cutting edge products of today.

And finally Purasound was the first company to introduce Aries Cerat to Australia (over 8 years ago) and we proudly continue to do so. Nirvana was never a "sub-dealer" for Aries Cerat nor would George engage in those tactics as he is person of great integrity. Nor would Aries Cerat stand for such an arrangement.

Finally Stenheim v Zellaton

I have admired both these brands for a long time and I could not imagine anyone being disappointed with either brands offering. Both sensational products.

Ah! Good to know, and thanks for the info.
Those people you mentioned (George and Mike) yes, been in contact. However, Melb ops is not really happening any more, there's no stock and few of us have received official emails stating very clearly the business is wrapping up. With that said Nirvana Sound was bought over by another outfit, now offering those previous brands as well as the new owner company's brands. So expanding the market reach... which is a good thing!
The website still shows that the business is active, perhaps taking orders from the other company. I don't know, plus what about service & tech support???

However, unlike before (pre-covid) there's no one that we're aware of where we can have a demo on Alsyvox or any of those speakers. No one in Vic. Whereas WA is concerned, that's great!
If you do have someone who can give us a full private demo of either Alsyvox, Zellaton or Steinhams, please do let us know. There are 5 of us who would like to attend.

Misinformation is not my creed... that was mentioned during the last Melb hifi show where NS exhibited and few days later sent out those emails to all their customers. All my mates received this email from George. So that's not my info rather first hand info I received from the vine... maybe misinfo I don't know.
IF NS are truly up & running and have bounced back, that's bloody great! I do wish them all the very bestest. Will certainly keep an eye out with their latest ventures... and hopefully we get to see some ultra-high-end here in Melbourne.

So cheers to George and his crew!
Thanks for the update.
RJ

 

[Big Dog RJ]

The thread's already hijacked... but that's generally the case with these forums know?
Going to lift some weights now, need to burn off those calories after listening to fine tooons!
Keep well y'all and most of all, enjoy those finest tunes! Woof

Also just to add, must not forget the forgotten audiophile. There are so many struggling to make ends meet here, especially with this crazy cost of living and topsy-turvy world we live in. Getting groceries on the table and paying for bills essentials is priority. Not some 6 figure or half a million dollars speaker system that reproduces tunes.
RJ

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Sorry, didn't mean to dampen the parade... just saying as noted above, and thanks for the update/ corrected version by Purasound. That's certainly great to know.

As for the majority of normal people with family priorities, owning such highend gear isn't on their "essentials list." Such luxury gear is nearly a want... and not a need. You really don't have to dump 6 figures whether in $AUD or $USD to enjoy fine tunes, hell no. Having said, the other half of those who can afford such top tier gear, go for it! Enjoy every moment, it's your hard earned dollars, no one else's. None of us here on wbf nor any other forum can tell you what to buy or how you should listen to music, that's solely your choice, your personal preference.

However, there's certainly one thing we can all advice on and thats, tell us what you're after and we'll help you spend your money!!!

Woofty woof'n! Keep those tubes glow'n, and keep those tooons hum'n!
RJ