I've dealt with the people from Nordost over the years and they are very helpful and considerate of both new and used purchases. I've also known dealers that have represented them. Everyone is trying to get a cut in the cable game. Some dealers are selling their demo looms and years ago would cut off the little serial rings- which is why they went to printing them on the cables. I can only imagine the emails they get from those counterfieters looking to get insight into making their scam work better. I imagine they probably get emails from people that have purchased fake cables. There are so many people of there trying to get by on the work of others. The worst in my opinion is when you see importers not supporting second hand products. They only want to get fat on the talent of others only when they get a good cut of the action. The whole thing is a bit disheartening. However I agree with the op- you make something, you support it, at least until you learn otherwise. Everyone faces a no-win situation at some point. They are still there making good products.
Has Nordost forgotton who pays the bills?
Recently I was entertaining the thought of purchasing a pair of used Nordost Heimdall 2 rca Interconnects from a private owner online. Prior to purchasing the cables I did a bit of research on Audiogon to see if anyone had any issues with counterfeit cables. I found no real issues but did read that if contacted Nordost would authenticate the serial numbers on the cables to verify that they were the genuine article. Well, I did contact Nordost and much to my chagrin I was met with the following response from Nordost:
"Due to the overwhelming requests to validate serial numbers for cables being purchased on the used market we are no longer able to offer that service. Serial number verification requests can only be requested by authorized dealers/distributors for cables involved in trade in/up requests"
My curiosity got the best of me so I contacted my local dealer that I have been doing business with for years. I was told by the associate that "He did not have access to this information" Long story short, I bought the cables and I do believe that they are genuine. But the larger issues is that it seems Nordost has gotten too big for its britches. Lets not forget that without consumer there would be no Nordost. The response from them seems so snobbish, not customer friendly or client centered. Most audiophiles are aware that cables have the greatest mark up of any other audio product. Given that and the already overly inflated price for Nodost cables you would think the company would at least give the hint that they care for their customers. Used cables are truly a bargain and my be an introduction to the brand. I digress. My goal with this post is merely to inform folks that if you are considering used Nordost cables and are looking for then to authenticate your potential purchase, well forget about it. They ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO OFFER THAT SERVICE!
Stay well, Stay safe, Stay home and listen to tunes.
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- 39 posts total
Hello, I think if you have a relationship with a specific Nordost dealer they should look into it for you. Especially since they are the only ones allowed to do it. Labor cost money and it could cost the dealer $25-$50 in time to verify. Ask the seller to provide a receipt with the dealers name and number. If they won’t do that then they might have bought it used or it might be a fake. The Nordost dealer I deal with in the Chicagoland area has a 1 year upgrade program. https://holmaudio.com/ It’s not just with Nordost, but all the new products they sell. They even let you demo in your home before you buy to make sure the product works in your home on your system. No guessing and no buyers remorse. |
- 39 posts total