Counterfeit Audio?


Many of you may have seen the recent auctions for Cello line state preamps on Ebay?

I have always been intrigued by the design and rarity of Cello equipment, but otherwise would not put it on my short list of realistic purchases.

In this case, however, it seemed like a simple, useful piece of gear, which I could perhaps use as a line stage, and I came very close to bidding.

My instincts told me to pause, however, perhaps because the seller claimed "still brand new...never touched by human hands etc etc" which seemed a bit odd about the sale.

Subsequently, the item was relisted with comments about fraudulent and/or counterfeit Cello for sale.

Before reading this, that never would have occurred to me, but I thought I should ask the community here before bidding.

Any ideas or advice? This seems like a nifty collector's type component, but I dont want to pay big bucks for the high end audio equivalent of a fake Rolex?
cwlondon
Jadis too....Defy 7 amp the imposters had smaller transformers than the real ones.
I looked at the ad in question. My gut instinct is to "STAY AWAY"! Among other things, the picture of the packaging does not look like it came from a legit manufacturer. I would think that a legit Cello component would have custom sized packaging... this picture makes me think this is a high priced knock off. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
I just looked at it too and fully agree with Pdreher. Forget about it. :)

Arthur
FWIW, the one shown on ebay looks, from memory, JUST like mine, which I bought used from a dealer here in Japan, where the Cello equipment had quite a good market (and continues to have a healthy secondary market - I have seen three go past the used market in the past 4 months and the lowest offer I have seen is just north of $1000 (store), the other two went for $1300 (store) and $1550 (auction)). I will check later tonight against mine to confirm and post again. FWIW, there should be pictures on Google Image if interested in chasing more pics down.

They still have quite a following in Asia based on the quality of the 59 step attenuator (from 0 to -50db in one-step increments then to complete attenuation in another 8 steps), which is supposed to be among the best made. I personally had a problem with the frequency extremes being "thin" but I can say that the midrange was as transparent and detailed as I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

The Etude was originally sold some 20 years ago (first sold in 1986 I believe). FWIW, specs were as follows:
input impedance: 10k ohm
output impedance: 0-10k ohm (though the one-page manual specifically states 100k ohm amp input impedance preferred)
Size: 24W x 10H x 25D (in cm)
Weight: 1.6kg
Jacks: 4 RCA inputs, 1 set out

From what I have heard and read, the stuff made by Mark Levinson under a name other than his known which may or may not be re-badged Chinese equipment is Red Rose Music equipment.