Guys - your input is valid and welcome. I don't claim to have answers, only observations.
Prof - I agree that the numbers seem odd. I go on what I sniff out, including Rob Gillum's input. The 2.7 uptick is due to re-emergent marketing under Steve DeFuria.
Beetle - I think you're on it. I know that early FST boards used ERSE coils, caps and resistors, which were made in China, but to very high standards including a best-of-form Japanese PP film, proper coil wire and winding, etc. Later FST including your SE boards have none of that. So quality was being compromized as time went on.
Robert - That 1500 count was from New Thiel reported to Rob. It may not be true or correct.
Jazzman - thank you for all the references. The review cycle goes like this: first production goes to dealers. Review samples come next which is often a few hundred pieces into the run. Thiel carefully tested and ensured those review samples were best of form. (Let's hold that ethical discussion till later.) It was rare for a product to be re-reviewed after a long time into its cycle and when that did happen, the reviewer would have been given home-brewed units with applicable updates. Of course it would be of great interest to directly compare a late FST product to a Lexington tweaked one - but I don't have that luxury. I have developed an opinion that the Lex versions with higher-grade parts and methods are better products.
Prof - I agree that the numbers seem odd. I go on what I sniff out, including Rob Gillum's input. The 2.7 uptick is due to re-emergent marketing under Steve DeFuria.
Beetle - I think you're on it. I know that early FST boards used ERSE coils, caps and resistors, which were made in China, but to very high standards including a best-of-form Japanese PP film, proper coil wire and winding, etc. Later FST including your SE boards have none of that. So quality was being compromized as time went on.
Robert - That 1500 count was from New Thiel reported to Rob. It may not be true or correct.
Jazzman - thank you for all the references. The review cycle goes like this: first production goes to dealers. Review samples come next which is often a few hundred pieces into the run. Thiel carefully tested and ensured those review samples were best of form. (Let's hold that ethical discussion till later.) It was rare for a product to be re-reviewed after a long time into its cycle and when that did happen, the reviewer would have been given home-brewed units with applicable updates. Of course it would be of great interest to directly compare a late FST product to a Lexington tweaked one - but I don't have that luxury. I have developed an opinion that the Lex versions with higher-grade parts and methods are better products.