Best Packaging in the Business

I must say that a few years ago I was setting up a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppies for a friend. The packaging for this things blew my mind. I mean, the construction of the crates was better than the construction of many loudspeakers out there.

I also had the great pleasure of setting up a pair of Mark Levinson 33H's after having the great displeasure of having to carry the crates down a flight of stairs. The 33 and 33H are assembled attached to their shipping crates and it was impecable.

I wish I saw this sort of packaging for all of my gear and would be willing to spend the extra money for it. However, most packaging has left a lot to be desired.

Yes, the double box-in-a-box method with foam around component in inner box, foam around inner box in outer-box--this is about the most surefire packaging and I know that Levinson, Cary, and McIntosh all do this. Always arrives in one-piece even if the outer box gets dinged up.

But best packaging is w/o a doubt Jeff Rowland amps--foam on all sides around amp (which itself is in a velvet bag), that inside a hard metal flight case, which itself is surrounded by foam and contained in an outer box. Superb packaging. Bullet proof.

I also like guys that use hard wooden crates like Lamm, again, very hard to get shipping damage in that case (tho not impossible).

Avalon speakers. Saw a fork lift drop them at the air freight terminal and no damage done!

Verity speakers - the metal cases provided by this company are unbelievably well made and able to withstand an earthquake. The absolute best!

Not exactly on topic, but, if you want to ship a piece of gear, certain UPS centers have a machine that makes self expanding styrofoam-like plastic bags. These are then placed into the box (or outer box) where they will swell and conform, wrappping and protecting your unit. These bags end up as a solid hard styrofoam shell. I'm sure other shippers must have this machine, too. Perhaps someone knows the name of this device. Happy Tunes!