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Transparent Audio is anything but Transparent

I bought a new tube amp. With its placement the right channels speaker cable is too short.  Out of impatience to reach the tube amp I bought a single 15 foot super old Music Wave Ultra MM at a reasonable price. It’s 25 years old and sounds great, so I decided to look for a newer 10/12 foot pair, and move that single to the center speaker.

I went to Transprent Audio’s website and it became apparent that I can’t afford new. I started a search for used. This is where the frustration with Transparent Audio began.

My mindset or expectations from Transparent stem from a 2022 letter that Transparent Audios’ president and CEO, Karen Sumner wrote on the “What’s Best Forum” titled “Preowned Transparent Opportunities.

The article opens with Karen writing, “With the introduction of Transparent Generation 6, there are a few more than usual Gen 5, MM2, and older Transparent Cables available through the pre-owned market that offer a lot of performance and value. I hope many of you will want to take advantage of this opportunity.

She makes it clear that with third party sales, “the warranty is not transferable. There will be a fee for recalibration and for any repairs or termination changes that might be necessary. Call 207-284-1100 or write to info@transparentcable.com for recalibration help and service. She never discourages third party sales. Quite the opposite. Karen closes the article with, quote, “Please feel free to ask me questions if you are considering purchasing some preowned Transparent.

So, in a nutshell she writes, “I hope many of you will want to take advantage of this opportunity, and “Please feel free to ask me questions if you are considering purchasing some preowned Transparent.”

But it’s all a lie. They don’t answer any questions, and they screw over Audiogon sales by steering you away from third party sales, and pushing you to their dealers.

I called and asked “how do MM2 Ultras stack up against the G5 Supers. I was literally told that they don’t give out that information. It’s for us to know and for you to find out. While searching I stumbled upon the Aliexpress counterfeits.  They are shipped in a poly bag. Then you go to eBay and buy the box for $50.00 a pop. Transparent Audio Reference PowerLink Factory Cartons eBay item number:224172498955.

I found a pair of G5’s that would work, but being worried about counterfeits, I emailed Transparent customer service with three photos for only for their opinion. Like I said, they don't answer question, and steer you to their dealers, scewing over the Audiogon sellers.

Their reply was “We can never guarantee the authenticity or functionality of products being sold by anyone other than our authorized dealers. If you choose to purchase from third parties, those purchases are made caveat emptor. If you’d like to be absolutely certain you are purchasing authentic Transparent products, I recommend you shop our network of authorized dealers.

So it’s clear to me, that this article wanting you to take advantage of buying used and answering your concerns was just a bunch of propaganda. Thanks for nothing.

 

 

marshinski15
audio_is_subjective
52 posts
 

I am not a customer of Transparent cables, though I have had the opportunity to demo their cables. You appear to have more of an issue that they would not validate or make an assumption on a used product that you wanted to buy on eBay. I completely understand why they wound not and would point you to a dealer for confirmation.

How are they screwing the sellers in the secondhand market? More unethical practice committed in this market segment than by Authorized Dealers, just read the pages in this forum.

Karen at Transparent is trying to maintain the value in her product line in both the Primary and Secondary Market. Who can fault her for this?

Transparent is not the only manufacturer to take this position and I for one think it is awesome. They are trying to protect the brands that they built and have integrity in the secondary market.

Now of course there are the "Conspiracy theorist" (Transparent is just like all the other cable companies taking advantage of the gullible by clever advertising and obfuscation!) That see this a move by "Big Cable" (laughable like they are big Pharma or Insurance Companies) companies to shite on the secondary market and inflate pricing. They are only selling what the market is demanding and it is clear the demand is higher for Integrity, Quality, and Authenticity than fakes. I know it is a big capitalist’s scam!

I for one am a CAPITALIST and agree with "Big Cable" I congratulate companies like Transparent Audio, for initiating a Upgrade Program, to add and preserve the value and the integrity of their brand.  Cardas, Transparent, and other high end cables come with a "Certificate of Authenticity" . This is done to preserve the value and integrity of the product and to protect the "Consumer" in the secondary market. I am going to assume that your eBay seller did not have this?

We all want a deal, we want to fly first class for coach prices, we all want new cars for the price of used. Fact is business cannot remain viable by being socialist’s. If you want quality you are going to have to pay, and if you cannot afford it then you must compromise. No BMW’s for KIA prices here.

 

Their reply was “We can never guarantee the authenticity or functionality of products being sold by anyone other than our authorized dealers. If you choose to purchase from third parties, those purchases are made caveat emptor. If you’d like to be absolutely certain you are purchasing authentic Transparent products, I recommend you shop our network of authorized dealers.

So it’s clear to me, that this article wanting you to take advantage of buying used and answering your concerns was just a bunch of propaganda. Thanks for nothing.

audio_is_subjective
52 posts
 

Here is a link to the actual WBF thread. For those interested. 

 

classicrockfan
174 posts
 
jasonbourne71

"Transparent is just like all the other cable companies taking advantage of the gullible by clever advertising and obfuscation! "

Well put! OP try Ebay/Amazon and do your own research. You'll find excellent audio cables for far less money like 1/10, 1/20 and use that money to upgrade your DAC and go to a concert with your wife (or gf) on a Sunday.

 

audio_is_subjective
52 posts
 

@classicrockfan wont go that far. Look at other options like Wireworld, Signal Cable, RSX Technologies, Zavfino, DH Labs. I gravitate to OCC cables. But you can use an old extension cord on your system, just not my system.

Well put! OP try Ebay/Amazon and do your own research. You’ll find excellent audio cables for far less money like 1/10, 1/20 and use that money to upgrade your DAC and go to a concert with your wife (or gf) on a Sunday.

 

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classicrockfan
174 posts
 
audio_is_subjective

Go for it (you got the money). fyi i don't use extension cords/power conditioners on my system. I still use the kimber 8tc that i bought 20 years ago and probably won't need any better speaker cables at all. but if i ever get to buy new s..c. i will definitely try amazon/ebay

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