DO NOT BUY anything from AV123

[cschang]

Didn't MLS post that some of the MFW's are actually assembled in Colorado, and that all go through some kind of inspection there as well?

 

[droht]

What's really scary is that if you read through the latest posts on avs from mls on the mfw-15s it almost seems like he watched Chu's latest animation and has taken his cue from it.

 

[Chu Gai]

Didn't MLS post that some of the MFW's are actually assembled in Colorado, and that all go through some kind of inspection there as well?

According to Shifty, he's got two places in China making and Commandante Santiago of the world famous Uniaudio making boxes. They all don't use the same MDF (Uniaudio is alleged to use an MDF called Trupan) which 'may' require a different type of screw for effective attachment. Of course, they could've used things like t-nut inserts but... Final assembly is done in Colorado which constitutes assembly of the driver and amp. Shifty's talked about their having a rigorous 3-step QC program but I don't recall anyone asking the simple question of what the 3 steps are. I guess we'll have to ask their engineering department. Oh wait! They don't have one!

 

[woofersus]

I understand that people with such issues may be more likely to post about it and all that jazz, but seriously, there's just too many issues. I can't fathom how that much stuff could get past them. Sure a bad driver could get through here and there. Easily fixed. Missing screws though? Loose screws in the drivers, loose screws in the amps, screws entirely missing, wiring done wrong, amps not connected, serious cosmetic issues missed on items built out in Colorado, missing feet, and the list goes on. It baffles the mind, to be honest.

 

[Chu Gai]

There's always somebody to blame for 123. The faithful will blame the shipping. They'll say what do you want for $600 or whatever they're going for. You can't blame 123's engineering department because they never had one. Another issue that seems to be coming up a bit is that of soft MDF. Makes me think this might not really be MDF but something lighter, more friable, and definitely cheaper.

 

[stevo238]

When I worked for IBM, that company was prone to using acronym's for every project, department, or brain washing idea there was. I worked in a department called Business As Usual. (BAU) I continue to be heartened that the more things change at AV123, the more things remain BAU.

You can dress up a chicken, but it's still a chicken.

 

[Matt34]

Another update from MLS:

Dear Long Suffering LS-9 Customers:



I hope this note finds each of you well.



Today I wanted to send along a note of update and apology. I'm going to try to make it brief - given you are all probably very tired of the long litany of excuses and upsets that have gone along with your orders.

I thought that the 'new local supplier' had invested in a bunch of new equipment to speed up production.



Over the last two months we had been really excited with the emergence of a new local supplier that we all thought to be the answer to our prayers. We soon realized that because this supplier was too new and too inexperienced in production manufacturing we made the wrong decision with respect to you folks that have waited ever so patiently for your LS9's. Sadly, we saw after the delivery of the first several sets that while these were really beautiful - they were - nevertheless - more than four weeks late. Along the way we had many positive signs that allowed our hearts to be won over as well as our minds. but it became evident that we made the wrong decision from a production standpoint.



We contacted Jeff at Lucid and moved all of the orders back to him as we knew that the quality would be there - and while the delivery is slow from Jeff, he is nevertheless someone we could really rely on with respect to dates and finishes.



Below you will find the on or about shipment date of your order. I want to personally apologize to each of you for the additional delay - but with my promise that this new date is one we can all count on.



All of us at av123 wish to convey our apologies for my bad error in judgment. I allowed the promise of delivery to far outweigh the reality of these promises. I feel really bad about it - but I am also encouraged with Jeff's delivery timing - and our ability to get it done now.



With thanks,



Mark L. Schifter

This is effecting some that were promised shipping dates two weeks ago.

 

[GirgleMirt]

lol! This is almost as funny as me losing more than 500pts in rep and now showing 4 red bars for the CraigV "Lets put JerryLove on ignore" thread! lmao!

This part was truly classic: "Over the last two months we had been really excited with the emergence of a new local supplier that we all thought to be the answer to our prayers." rofl! You know it's bad when the CEO says that they're praying for their products to be finally delivered... Ouch! And go with a "new local supplier", most probably, unproven supplier then blame it on them when they can't deliver their last promised date? What's up with that?

And why does he keep referring to unknown people with their first names? Such as Jeff, Frank, Bob, etc? It makes it extremely unprofessional, and basically just shows as an attempt to put the blame others for their failings... Seems like they never do anything wrong, always the fault of Dan, Robert, Santi, etc... This Jeff guy at Lucid, how would he like it if people waiting for their speakers started to call him and tell him to move it? I don't understand most things about this company...

Oh well... More of the same... Sucks for those still waiting

 

[Matt34]

lol! This is almost as funny as me losing more than 500pts in rep and now showing 4 red bars for the CraigV "Lets put JerryLove on ignore" thread! lmao!

I'm sure your sig line is winning you fans as well.

 

[Alex2507]

Seems like maybe Joe Schmoe got an internet connection and a new handle.

I'm sure your sig line is winning you fans as well.

 

[GirgleMirt]

Heh, yeah I guess some people might not fully agree with my sig... ([edit]who am I kidding... Most people here are americans, so probably 90% are believers right off the bat... sigh! The sig goes fantastic with the negative reputation though!!!) But since religious views in sigs seemed to be popular here, I thought I'd also share my religious and snake oil beliefs... Hmmm... It might be a bit too strong though, I'll try to find something a little more refined...

Seems like maybe Joe Schmoe got an internet connection and a new handle.

Sorry, no idea who Joe Schmoe is, but I'll search for his posts, he looks like an interesting guy

(sorry for OT!! Now back to your usual program...).

 

[MinusTheBear]

Heh, yeah I guess some people might not fully agree with my sig... But since religious views in sigs seemed to be popular here, I thought I'd also share my religious and snake oil beliefs... Hmmm... It might be a bit too strong though, I'll try to find something a little more refined...

Sorry, no idea who Joe Schmoe, but I'll search for his posts, he looks like an interesting guy

(sorry for OT!! Now back to your usual program...).

Joe Schmoe was a hoot. He was a man that loved Klipsch speakers, God and especially George Bush.

 

[Alex2507]

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/member.php?u=22081

 

[Matt34]

lol! This is almost as funny as me losing more than 500pts in rep and now showing 4 red bars for the CraigV "Lets put JerryLove on ignore" thread! lmao!

This part was truly classic: "Over the last two months we had been really excited with the emergence of a new local supplier that we all thought to be the answer to our prayers." rofl! You know it's bad when the CEO says that they're praying for their products to be finally delivered... Ouch! And go with a "new local supplier", most probably, unproven supplier then blame it on them when they can't deliver their last promised date? What's up with that?

And why does he keep referring to unknown people with their first names? Such as Jeff, Frank, Bob, etc? It makes it extremely unprofessional, and basically just shows as an attempt to put the blame others for their failings... Seems like they never do anything wrong, always the fault of Dan, Robert, Santi, etc... This Jeff guy at Lucid, how would he like it if people waiting for their speakers started to call him and tell him to move it? I don't understand most things about this company...

Oh well... More of the same... Sucks for those still waiting

Mark has become remarkably good at throwing others underneath the bus, that's for certain.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Mark has become remarkably good at throwing others underneath the bus, that's for certain.

Who is their design/engineering team at the moment? It begs the question how attractive of a job this would be.

One thing is for certain, this company is an absolute trainwreck.

 

[Chu Gai]

Another update from MLS:

Dear Long Suffering LS-9 Customers:



I hope this note finds each of you well.



Today I wanted to send along a note of update and apology. I'm going to try to make it brief - given you are all probably very tired of the long litany of excuses and upsets that have gone along with your orders.

I thought that the 'new local supplier' had invested in a bunch of new equipment to speed up production.

Over the last two months we had been really excited with the emergence of a new local supplier that we all thought to be the answer to our prayers. We soon realized that because this supplier was too new and too inexperienced in production manufacturing we made the wrong decision with respect to you folks that have waited ever so patiently for your LS9's. Sadly, we saw after the delivery of the first several sets that while these were really beautiful - they were - nevertheless - more than four weeks late. Along the way we had many positive signs that allowed our hearts to be won over as well as our minds. but it became evident that we made the wrong decision from a production standpoint.

We contacted Jeff at Lucid and moved all of the orders back to him as we knew that the quality would be there - and while the delivery is slow from Jeff, he is nevertheless someone we could really rely on with respect to dates and finishes.

Below you will find the on or about shipment date of your order. I want to personally apologize to each of you for the additional delay - but with my promise that this new date is one we can all count on.

All of us at av123 wish to convey our apologies for my bad error in judgment. I allowed the promise of delivery to far outweigh the reality of these promises. I feel really bad about it - but I am also encouraged with Jeff's delivery timing - and our ability to get it done now.

With thanks,

Mark L. Schifter

Was this a private email as I didn't find it on the 123 website. I guess this means that MLS is dumping Ruben aka 'Master Cabinet Man'? But it's good to hear he's sticking with Colombia because he can count on timely deliveries of B-stock subs with the lower grades of veneer. Frankly, I can't blame Ruben for being cautious in investing in CNC equipment given MLS's stellar commitments to prompt payment and contractual obligations.

 

[Chu Gai]

Mark has become remarkably good at throwing others underneath the bus, that's for certain.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Ruben the guy who came up with the Black Obsidian Stardust paint finish? Betcha those slow guys at Lucid will be using that.

 

[GirgleMirt]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Ruben the guy who came up with the Black Obsidian Stardust paint finish? Betcha those slow guys at Lucid will be using that.

Ah man this thread is comedy gold... lmao!!!

Was this a private email as I didn't find it on the 123 website. I guess this means that MLS is dumping Ruben aka 'Master Cabinet Man'? But it's good to hear he's sticking with Colombia because he can count on timely deliveries of B-stock subs with the lower grades of veneer. Frankly, I can't blame Ruben for being cautious in investing in CNC equipment given MLS's stellar commitments to prompt payment and contractual obligations.

(EM mine)
lol! They also use very high quality MDF wood there I think, or that might be somewhere else... Anyhow, they were saying they had to switch to different screws to use with their MDF. Something about it being too hard and being too hard on equipment. Oh no wait I think I'm mixing them up with Ascend and their bamboo cabinet... Oh yeah Schifty used some kind of especially soft MDF in which you can't screw normally... Even themselves couldn't screw decently in it, they'd strip the screws and would have to rotate the drivers to fix their screwing screw ups to install the amps, then they'd also strip the screws another time... Then customers would have to fix their screw screw ups themselves...

I wouldn't recommend a sub by a company who can't get screwing right... Well screwing as in screwing screws right... They certainly seem to be able to screw people in the other sens right... Haven't someone sent them the memo telling them in which way it's ok to screw? Maybe Schifty is trying to pull off a fast one and think we won't notice the difference?

-"What's happening with the charity money?".
-"Did you call about the screwing?"
-"Huh yeah... the stolen charity money... All those orphans and sick people you've screwed..."
-"Yeah I'm sorry, it's Mike's fault, but we've changed screws and now we've certainly screwed them right!"
-"Uuugh, yeah I know, that's why I'm calling, about the stolen charity money, are you admitting you've screwed everybody?"
-"Are you having trouble with your screws? I told Dan about it, I also prayed, but he let us down... Want me to send you some toothpicks to fix your screws?"
-*hits forehead* *hangs up*

 

[Chu Gai]

Ruben, if you're reading this, sign up for an account and contact me. Man, we've got to talk.

Now about those long standing RSL-II beta testers that ponied up 6K each and those charities...

 

[stevo238]

lu⋅cid
  
–adjective
1. easily understood; completely intelligible or comprehensible: a lucid explanation.
2. characterized by clear perception or understanding; rational or sane: a lucid moment in his madness.
3. shining or bright.
4. clear; pellucid; transparent.

I believe MLS is becoming less so.