Rather can continue speculating and making erroneous and provocative allegations, let me off you all this right from the source itself.
Being both a former proprietor, and a personal user, according to Audiogon policy, I required to have a commercial account and a personal account for non business interests. This explains 2 different monikers and identities, either of which I never attempted to conceal.
Image Audio has not been operating in retail capacity for nearly 6 months. Due to all the internet sales, expected discounts and just better opportunities, I made the concious decision to close these operations as ( for myself ) these opportunities were not profitable enough to continue.
In case it is not fully known, there are indeed a number of regular posters who seem ( as Budt and a few others have noticed )to be heavily biased towards one particular brand and regularly post how superior it/they are to other brands.
This is their " opinion " and it is valid and welcomed whether or not they are connected to any type of retail enviroment, or are just a simple enthusiast.
The fact that when this is challenged or opposed in any fashion, by a personal user, retailer, associate, etc. by the suggestion that brand X just might be better, or another users preference, ends up in an attempt ( by someone ) to discredit that opinion, or sling mud in an attempt to make that opposition appear invalid.
I personally have no outside opinion on other brands, and do not compare them to the ones I prefer. I do not sell or own any of the brands that I have posted information on and have no business interests as I am not conducting business , only that I felt they sounded exceptional and better that what I have currently been exposed to in hi-fi.
What is apparent in all of this is that this influence ( person, or association ) is desparately trying to shift the focus, and others are seeing it as well. Call it hi-fi politics, campaingning or whatever you like, I personally do not care and have been enjoying this hobby for over 35 years and take all this activity with a grain of salt.
Just for the record, I am not Budt, or any of the others and these accusations are silly and without foundation
