Supporting Local Audio Stores are we?

Gawdbless,

Years ago, THIEL sold more dollar volume, in their top end models than their lesser priced units. I know this seems to be a given to some, but since the price then was, (some 18 years ago) about ten times the retail to retail, they, at least found it surprising that they sold as many of the upper priced units as they did.
So, while this doesn't answer the question, I would say that Vandersteen will sell 'quite a few', pair during the life of the product.
If he's anything like JT, he's doing it because he loves it anyway, and enjoyed the challenge of making something special.
They are pretty cool looking aren't they?

Larry

RE Vandy's big gun

There are, amazingly enough, other models in that ionisphereic range from which to pick. Certainly, 'got rocks loyalists' will be all over them. I'd feign placing a number on units being moved short term. < 50 pairs in a year? More?

I wonder just how many of the top tiered units from any makers line up are sold on average, annually. On these shores or others.

I do tend to agree also that the greatest majority of 'high end audio' devices tend to reflect performance to expense of ownership more often than not. Amps, preamps, sources and cabling usually do reflect and validate their promises of performance to cost... and there are exceptions to the rule in each genre of course.

With speakers though, it does seem otherwise a bit more often. Overachievers there do continue to spring up to public attention more readily. Like as not it's a mere attribute of their portion of the system's overall performance, and how integral or impactful they can be to it.

I sure would love, for just one time to hear some $40 or $50K speakers all set up right... AND then hear some of lesser expense in the exact same setup. Or vice versa... just to hear what's what on that level. Just once.

BTW.... just how much total cost should be in a rig whose speakers are right at $50K, anyway? $50K? $100K $200K?

... and would they use 'em for HT? I bet someone would.

Blindjim,

Several years ago, when I WAS involved in retail, I put a $30K pair of speakers, as LR, a $9K center voice, and a pair of $18K rear speakers in a home theater set up. The amps were excellent quality too, with the total system coming in at WAY more than $150K.

The system that Rich was using for his debut of the 7's was, I believe in the $300K range.
One of the ezines reporting on this said so anyway.

As to how many pair, I wondered that about the Alexandras. Their Asian market is most likely much larger than the US market. It really is a pride of ownership mindset, with regard to owning expensive audio in the PAC rim. I would think that Vandersteen will sell several pairs there. Now, I also believe that the Alexandras as well as the 7's will only be made to order, with no stocking. Could be wrong on that, but letting $100K on the Wilsons, or even the $40K for the Vantersteens sit is suicide for a manufacturer.

Larry

Larry

Re "...letting $100K sit around is suicide..."

Probably. but it would sure seem one pair at least needs to be 'show ponies', huh? Maybe even two pairs.

Hmmmm. There's a demo deal for someone, down the road. Step right up folks... pristine shape, near no use and only with top eschelon gear... now only $39,999.

so what then is the big diff when going from say 10K speakers to 40K speakers, sonicly? Is it really a night and day thing, with all else being equal in the rig? By gosh it sure oughta be.

First and foremost, this is my first post after reading these forums for six years! So, hello to all…

I must be upfront and say that I own an audio store that began back in 1972. While I was not alive when the store opened, I was brought up to enjoy the benefits of the local audio stores and the people who work in them… oh, and the equipment too!

In my honest opinion, you are all correct. Prices are high, quality is down and the stores are less knowledgeable. But the question on my mind is, why?

The “audio store” used to be the forum location, not the Internet. People used to spend their free time checking out the new equipment, sharing what they know and just talking with others; face-to-face. That doesn’t happen anymore. It is more convenient to have a debate online than face-to-face. It is more convenient to spend a couple minutes on the computer than drive to the local store. It is less expensive to buy online than at the store.

For those dealers out there, we should be focusing on what made the audio stores successful in the past and adapt them to the present. The past offered us the “community”, the service (with technicians onsite), the experience of the sales staff and the equipment. Are we providing that to our clients? If not, I urge you to try and see what happens. Our store re-evaluated what we were doing two years ago and started putting more focus on the “old ways” and I can say we just finished the best year of sales in a ten year history. People are looking for a “community” and we all used to offer that. When we lost sight of that, our patrons moved to another source… the Internet.

To those of you who are not dealers… I urge you to give the local store another look. There are some of us who are trying to improve the industry and we need the support. So, support the local shops! If we, as a “community”, do not figure out how to balance the trade, then the “community” will die. Simple as that.

But don’t take my advice. Answer the questions yourselves… Where do you go to audition equipment? Where do you get your equipment repaired (especially the old stuff)? Where can you debate the tweaks? Etc…

This is a hobby. There is more to this than buying and selling equipment. When you play poker, you need the beer, peanuts, cigars and hot waitresses to make it fun. Same with audio… you need great service, good discussion and glowing tubes to make it complete.

All in all… if your local dealer is providing great service and knowledge, then give them your respect and help them stay alive. There is more to this “community” than a price.