Internet only brands

[furrycute]

Has anyone else observed that lately there have been more and more postings, "recommendations" of internet only brand speakers and amps? What's up with this trend? Suddenly audioholics feels a lot more commercial than it used to be. Whereas before I used to frequent the speakers forum quite regularly. Now I hardly visit that forum anymore, because 90% of the posts there push internet only brands, it just turns me off.

 

[Sheep]

I'm going to have to disagree. There may be more recomendations, but its for a reason. Most internet only brands are cheaper for the same performance then local retailers.

Plus, telling people to give a listen to things in there price range means, go out and listen to some speakers. Internet only speakers don't have the luxury of this.

SheepStar

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Internet-direct is where its at right now in mid-range loudspeakers. Does JBL make anything as remotely cool as the Onix Rocket Rs1000 for under $6000? Can Paradigm make a speaker-range as nice looking as the Swans? Do you really think anyone would be building servo subwoofers right now is SVS didn't own the bang-for-buck subwoofer market for 3 years straight with a $529 sub?

 

[gellor]

...you wouldn't be talking about the subwoofers threads, would you?

 

[hifiman]

Like it or not the internet is the future for consumers; that goes double for audio purchases. Traditional audio stores have been dropping like flies the last few years. They just can't compete. The internet is the only viable alternative. I hope more manufacturers get on board soon.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

B&M still has all of the high-end & ultra luxury high end equipment. Unless I'm mistaken nobody is trying to sell $50,000/pair speakers without a dealer network.

 

[Doug917]

I have bought certain devices from internet companies (2 SVS subs 20-39CS+ and 2 Outlaw 755 amps). I bought the SVS subs a couple years back after reading many opinions and reviews on them and have been extremely satisfied with their performance. I just bought the Outlaw amps several months ago and am thrilled with them. I think I will probably buy many more products from these companies in the future for the following reasons:

1) Customer support that goes above and beyond any local retailer. Both companies stand firmly behind thier products and will work tirelessly to make sure you are satisified within reason.

2) Excellent products at an exceptional value. There products many times compete with retail products costing twice as much.

3) With Outlaws 30 trial, you have the same ability to try the piece out as you would if you purchased it locally. Yes, if you don't like it you have to pay to ship it back, but this is minimal.

4) Warranties are longer than what you get at many retailers and are included in the price of the piece (not at an additional expense) and are usually transferrable which means you can get more out of a used piece of gear if you decide to upgrade.


I don't know why more magazines and websites don't review more of these internet products (Audioholics excluded as they have reviewed SVS, and AV123). Without reviews from places like these, you have to talk to people and get thier opinions on internet only items. I see plenty of things that don't intrest me in this forum and others, so I just skip over them and go on to something else. Internet audio companies are here to stay and I am glad.

 

[edwelly]

Has anyone else observed that lately there have been more and more postings, "recommendations" of internet only brand speakers and amps? What's up with this trend? Suddenly audioholics feels a lot more commercial than it used to be. Whereas before I used to frequent the speakers forum quite regularly. Now I hardly visit that forum anymore, because 90% of the posts there push internet only brands, it just turns me off.

While I can understand your position, I am happy that people here helped me find SVS's PB10-isd and Part Express. Otherwise I would have ended up spendid several hunder more dollars on a Paradigm sub and who knows how much more on Monster cables
Seriously though, the SVS brand is awesome for the money. I am so glad I went this route.

 

[onethought]

It may be true that internet only brands are an answer to lower priced good products. Good products are also associated with good after-sales. I somehow do not trust internet only brands. Not for things like speakers and tube amps and expensive gear. Cabling and DIY parts definitely. Things like speakers need auditioning. If an internet only brand gives money back auditioning period then please use theat feature. Make sure(verify) that a customer in the past has been able to use of this feature with that particular company before you pull the money from bank.

 

[furrycute]

Internet-direct is where its at right now in mid-range loudspeakers. Does JBL make anything as remotely cool as the Onix Rocket Rs1000 for under $6000? Can Paradigm make a speaker-range as nice looking as the Swans? Do you really think anyone would be building servo subwoofers right now is SVS didn't own the bang-for-buck subwoofer market for 3 years straight with a $529 sub?

1) The JBL professional line has many outstanding products at a great price. They are used in many recording studios all over the world. And JBL is highly regarded in European audiophile circiles. In the past Team Rocket has tried to knock on JBL, Klipsch, B&W, Paradigm, Sonus Faber, etc. Those campaigns had some pretty nasty backlashes.

2) Swans? You mean those pod tweeter knock offs (Swans once almost got sued by B&W for design patent infringement). I certainly hope Paradigm doesn't follow Swans' design principles.

3) Paradigm servo 15 is an amazing sub, has been ever since its inception 10+ years ago. For bang of the buck subs, I would rather try a Hsu VTF-3 MK2, rather than an SVS.

 

[hifiman]

It may be true that internet only brands are an answer to lower priced good products. Good products are also associated with good after-sales. I somehow do not trust internet only brands. Not for things like speakers and tube amps and expensive gear. Cabling and DIY parts definitely. Things like speakers need auditioning. If an internet only brand gives money back auditioning period then please use theat feature. Make sure(verify) that a customer in the past has been able to use of this feature with that particular company before you pull the money from bank.

I don't have a distrust of internet-only brands. They make good sense since the savings is passed on to the consumer by cutting out the middle man. Of course I always do my research before buying any product regardless of where it is purchased. If these internet-only vendors had inferior products or poor customer service I would know about it in just a few short minutes after a google.

Judging by what's happened to the audio market in my neck of the woods in Southern California it's evident that the few remaining bricks and mortar audio stores are hanging by a thread. The higher-end manufacturers are slowly losing floorspace to market their wares. Will they go extinct or market on the internet to save themselves?

And as for speakers. The thing about speaker auditioning is that it's just about pointless in the showroom. You really can't begin to appreciate a speaker until it's in your living room connected to your equipment. The last speakers I purchased I took without hearing them at all. I figured why bother. I was familiar with the brand and liked the build and appearance. If I didn't like them I would just return them. The same can be done with the internet companies. I might lose a bit of shipping money, but with the increasing competition on the internet I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a bit of over-the-phone haggling could eliminate or reduce that. And even if it was non-negotiable, given the price of gas and two round-trip visits to purchase and then return an item I doubt we're talking about that much of a difference (at least where I live).