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

There are two kind of fakes. One is OEM manufacturer also manufacture extra numbers and sends to some other wholesaler who sells it cheaper. The purchaser gets original part but no brand. Second is copy of some expensive and fast moving items and very cheap. Only visual appearance and usage can tell the difference between 3. Transparent product description in website and price implies cable has some kind of AI tech/chip which modifies SQ. Still there are large section of people who consider snake oil selling.

 

The OP seems bent for not getting a freebie at the manufacturers expense so that the OP can save money. That doesn’t seem like a victim but rather an opportunist. 

I'm not addressing directly your issue: I take advantage of the thread to point out a "form" issue of Transparent Audio that always annoyed me. A personal rant.

How can a cable with a bulge between the two ends be called Transparent is beyond me. Imagine a photo/video lens with a box between the front lens and back lens.

What is it? All but transparent. Call them Enhanced Audio cables, Boosted Audio cables, Improved Audio cables, Augmented Audio cables, ... Whatever you want, not transparent, please.

Let alone the whole "calibration" thing: does Transparent Audio have the guts to enter a recording studio and propose their cables and its calibration process? They will either gently decline or laugh at them in face in the worst case.

I know many appreciate their cables. Good for them. I just always feel fooled when I see those cables.

marshinski15

Thank You the post. The upper tier TA cables/cords will have a Serial Number (S/N). I will second, Echo Audio. Big fan here of TA cabling. Keep me posted on your purchase decision.

 

Happy Listening!