Class D, "Control (Variable Gain)," Amplifier versus Class A/B Separates?

@mashif I have the Schitt Kara. ...

However, there are two issues that are annoying. ...

The other is its sensitivity to static electricity. A slight touch and it will go into some strange mode and has to be power cycled. ...

I have 5 Schiit products. I returned one. Their CS is terrible and it’s nearly impossible to communicate with anyone besides AI. ...

---------------------------------------------

A deal breaker for me. I thought about trying the new Kara in a 2nd system. When they have Schiit Customer Service, and don’t return emails, [I’ve sent 3], what can we look forward to with customer service later when the Schiit breaks, no thanks.

Their AI engine is Schiit too. Who wants to talk with that, I sure don’t. Waste of time. Makes me appreciate the boutique designer builders even more.

To be fair, their communication, not the service, is the problem. When I ordered the Kara, I never received a shipping notification. It just showed up a week later.

When I requested an RMA for a Lokius, I received it and returned the product. No confirmation of the return or refund, just a charge back on my card. The AI didn't even know that had happened. 

I wouldn't reject their products over that issue. It's in keeping with their generally snark attitude. 

@decooney @mashif There is something to be said about getting what you pay for in a way, though. PS Audio is a jiffy to get a hold of during their hours, the conversation was quite pleasant, and they even offered me to trade in my GCC-100 for a half off discount on a new, Stellar integrated amplifier ($1,750). If I weren’t already so happy with my current sound, I’d very seriously consider it!

-Ed

@mashif "...I wouldn’t reject their products over that issue. It’s in keeping with their generally snark attitude."

I would. Attitude is important. Emotional intelligence is not that difficult. If we lack most of all five elements of EI, consumers eventually get bored and move on.

"There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.". Good Marketing & Support involves mindful communication too. Letting AI do most of that for you becomes self-defeating in time. Many people still appreciate a little human interaction too. That's all.  

@decooney 

I was really turned off by Schiits demeanor but I held my nose and purchased anyway. I care about getting what I want. I don’t need to be stroked. But I do appreciate good CS and it does influence my buying decisions.