GIK alternatives


Last month, an audiophile colleague inquired about GIK acoustics on this forum. I shared my experiences as a longtime customer. I pointed out episodic challenges with build quality but a highly responsive staff. I have changed my impression and would not recommend them. GIK has recently changed CEO and several longtime colleagues appear to have left. Their prices have increased, especially for shipping. I’ve been attempting to place an order by phone without success. And their product lead time is extraordinary. For example, I was informed that routine scatter plates would not be shipped out for 2 months. They’re having problems. Any recommendations for alternative companies?

wfowenmd

Quick update on GIK acoustics here, just to share my most recent experience:

Last time I had placed an order was early 2019. So I placed an order on August 30 this time around, pretty substantial order. I was promised a shipment date of September 22. Which sounded very reasonable.

Not only that promise was kept, but, everything was actually delivered to my house on September 21st. I was pleasantly surprised, given the chatter and negativity on this thread. Everything was in good order, no blemishes, no damage, just great. 

Stillpoints Apature panel much better not cheap though worth every penny.

I'll chime in as well since I had a positive experience with GIK. I ordered 244 absorption panels, Alpha diffuser/absorbers, soffit and tri-trap bass traps all in an optional fabric and color. 

 

While the time from order to delivery was slightly longer than originally quoted, they were very communicative and expedited shipping so that stuff would be sent as they were ready. In terms of quality, I have no complaints and everything was made to a good standard with no damage when received. 

This is kind of related 'on the side'. Maybe someone can help out with this. I read not too long ago, in an issue of Stereophile, that there was an abandoned nuclear site in Washington state. Stay with me, this is a little weird but related. The site was later used for the acoustical testing of loudspeakers and acoustic absorbers. Before getting into this area, I am sure that you would benefit from reading this article. Much of what I understood before was off the mark, as well as the science behind such thinking to begin with. The intent is credible, to be sure, but the application is much different than I would have imagined.

Lots to absorb here (ha ha) but one thing is standing out:  So far, I haven't seen any negative comments about ATS.

That's impressive, because *ANY* company will have mistakes along the way which upset a customer here and there, so you always expect at least a few negative posts.

Somehow these guys (and gals?) are on a very good streak of success. I think I will check out their corner traps.