PS Audio Revises Marketing to a Direct Sales Only Model

PSA offers annual Black Friday sales (usually runs 2-3 weeks) every year where they provide 30-40% discounts on select equipment.  I bought their BHK PreAmp (2 yrs ago) and the P12 Generator (last yr) that way.  They also offer a very friendly trade-in policy on new purchases, usually 30% of the MSRP.  That trade-in discount is up to the list price of the equipment you're trading in, no matter how old, up to the 30% of the piece you're buying.   You can do very well with their trade-in policy.

Their service is very good.  I've had Paul, CEO, personally write to say PSA was giving me an added discount because of a screwup by a 3rd party dealer in ordering PSA equipment.

The downside is their equipment can be quirky.  I've had to send back for service my DS Junior within the first month.  Software upgrades are problematic at times.  You can read endless war stories on their Forum of people having issues with new purchases.  However I've rarely seen anyone throw up their hands and request a refund.  Through it all they are always there, LIVE on the phone with great patience to help you get through it.  Once the equipment is settled, it has been very good.

All in all they're a very good company that could be great if they had a better QA department.

Everything is cutting edge in high end audio (yes, this is true, think it through), and no reams of support staff (location with 1200 people on the phones, 7000 in R&D, etc), as high end audio companies are just too small to cover it all.

I’m not saying you want cutting edge products, low prices, with personals service and the support levels of a multi billion dollar corporation.

But, that some actually do expect that and get upset when it is not that level of perfect.

The other thing is that when things go wrong...lots of people get brushed off by those major corporations.

Direst sales also has the advantage of the producing company being in direct contact with the end user. Usually at least a few times, for each major sale. This is a very good thing for the company and ultimately, the customer.

I’ve seen up front and personal...I’ve seen dealers mess around with manufacturers and mess around with the buyer, as they are in control of both ends of the relationship of people - to the the equipment they buy.

Dealers can be a good thing but they can also be a bad thing.

@ aberyclark- If you’re still interested in the BHK amp(s), contact these guys, about their PS Audio blow-out sale. I just got an email from them, regarding some VERY steep price cuts, on their, "photo models."   (ie: BHK S250 = $4799, delivered). https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/ps-audio

Thanks I already have a fine dealer that discounts products similar to Underwood. 

maybe its time for someone to set up a "demo dealer" someone that is not there to sell to you but to allow you to listen, feel and spend time with an item. maybe the manufacturers can pay them or you pay for the services maybe both. I'd love to go into a spot listen and look at new stuff and if I like something buy it online directly. I don't know if it's is a financial model that would work but interesting anyway. 

They could even have computers set up to access the direct sales of the product in the store with help from the staff. This way the manufacturers have a dedicated demo site with little overhead and reap the benefits of direct sales and dealers. 

 I think the distributor model is dead who likes paying a middle man. I don't but a local dealer (demo site) I do support in what ever capacity it warps into. 

 I like the knowledge a good dealer brings but hate the pressure of a sale. not to mention a spot to facilitate warranty work even if its just liaising with the manufacturer. 

Think of what it would be like to go into a space and see hear tekton, Zu audio, Schiit, PS audio gear (the list goes on) with out having to spend months playing the buy-listen and return game for how much loss each time (shipping and restocking fees alone could sink you). 

How much would you spend for a service like that? what's that type of service worth to you?