A few threads back when I reflected that I sold off all of my VA321 speakers, I didn't mean to imply that it was all to VA321's doing. Truth be told, I'm an audio addict. I rarely come across gear that remains in my possession for more than a few years, tops!
I did feel that something was amiss at VA321 during late 2008 as there were "patterns" that were starting to become quite obvious. First, there were long, written personal reviews of equipment by Mark along with products that were really missing the mark as far as actual time-to-market was concerned. Finally, a bit later in 2009, Mark came out with the release of the "X" series of amps and declared how he sold his mega-buck power amplifier and replaced it with a pair of X-series mono amplifiers. Like anything, or any gear powered and made by VA321, those "X" amps were very late to market ... and, seemed to be buggy as hell. Very noisy amps were reported by some people, while others seemed to get a good product. Another victim of that fabulous VA321 QC process. I also recall recently reading (before Mark's arrest) that he was very soon to release the stereo version of the "X" amp. Ha!
I feel ever-so-thankful to Mark Schifter for all that he has done. Sure, he did at one point provide some good products and tried to provide the best support possible. This allowed for me to get my foot-hold into audio. Also, I want to thank him for his actions that led to a souring taste in me - as it really opened the door to products from many other manufacturers that has provided me with 100 times more joy than any of his products ever made me. Now, these other products are more or less "keepers" for me. I don't feel the need to switch out the items as rapidly as I once did. Now, it's all about enjoying the music with what I have ... and, sitting here on the sidelines with a bowl of popcorn watching VA321 slowly chop away the pillars that support their foundation.
