Well, a lot of comments. Here are the truths about me and my business. I have never wanted to tell people what tube to buy because it is not possible,and people used to grind on me to say SOMETHING and get pissed if I didn’t. Granted this would be the same customer that would want to return it because "You told me to buy it". You audiophiles are here because you’re not all there (grin). Try spending an hour on a $30 tube sale when you are up to your ass. You think it’s easy? Open a tube business.
If any salesperson working for me talks crap about your system I want to know who it is because I’ll fire them. I never hear that from people, most likely because they are on hourly wage and getting paid the same whether it’s selling $100k speakers or helping some old dude get his streamer working. However today people look to get offended sometimes.
We have technical trainings all the time. My sales staff is comprised of people that have upwards of 35 years of experience, many that worked at high levels for manufacturers, a cartridge designer, a full-on bench tech, tube expert, and tweek doing customers support. I’m gathering the best people and paying them well, but never incentifying bad behavior. I don’t get to help customers but instead, teach and make employees experts.
Yes, the company is on a big trajectory. I was going to retire at 55, and I’m 63 now. I have employees that have been here for close to 25 years, and what am I going to do with them? They gave their lives to me. I owe them. Jared’s parents tell me every Christmas how grateful they are that I employ their son. It’s my privilege. I’ll hopefully create something that is so great, with management much smarter than me, and a company that is well-respected and when I croak it will continue and do good things and the core team will be happy they are here. I have no kids. They are my kids.
Since 2003 PrimaLuna has been on fire, experiencing double-digit growth even during the recession. It has zero to do with any other brand, it is made in the best factory in the world, where there were two Japanese brands being manufactured but labeled "made in Japan". There’s a major US brand that makes nothing,but assembles Chinese pre-made kits, and calls them "Made in USA" And they are a better product because of it, sadly. And a certain Austrian brand is mostly Chinese. PrimaLuna has always been transparent, including the most important part: Telling you what’s in the box.
We would not be growing like this if we weren’t doing the right thing. We have told many people don’t buy a PrimaLuna if it’s not right for them. It’s been said here by another member. I just did that this week with a guy who inherited DQ10’s, plays it loud, and has a huge room. He REALLY wants one because his other friend has one and loves it so much.
All my employees love PL. For a reason. I’ll say this and I am happy to prove it: PrimaLuna IS top-shelf in the tube world, and you are welcome to trot down any amp of similar power and we’ll do a level-matched blind A/B. Name a brand. I think VAC is great stuff. I’ve done it already. All you nervous nellies would be surprised how close any good tube amps sound to each other level-matched.
All PrimaLuna was engineered by the former Chief Engineer at Goldmund.in Switzerland. The team has expanded with new projects. Our new Hybrid had the best guys in Europe working on it, and it’s the shit. Parts you would see in a D’Agostino, but without the meters. And price tag.
Our auto-bias design is state of the art. Period. Ayon should show a picture of their auto-bias board. I’ll bet it’s great, but show it. We do. Don’t take anyone’s word for anything. Not even me. I have a video coming showing the Raven Audio "fully auto bias" design. You won’t believe this one.
Anyway, I’ll probably regret crawling out of my hole to post this. I’ll crawl back in now. Whatever you folks get I hope you love it. Hope you are having fun.