So this is what the local dealer meant when he told me last week that ML changed distributor and going more mass market, causing them to drop the line... So sad... Up next - bathroom and garden speakers? :-(
ML now available on AudioAdvisor?
- Thread starter spectral
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sleepysurf
Well-known member
According to their website, it looks like they will be carrying the lower Designer series, plus the Vista, but not the upper echelon models. ML obviously had to find some other distribution since Tweeter/Sound Advice went kaput. I'm sure ML is still looking for new higher end dealers to carry the top ESL line models.
Ummmm, nope.
nothing "sad" about Audio Advisor in my book, I've found them to be a good web / catalog outfit to deal with. Good Lord knows they are better then the handfull of Magnolia's I've been in so far.
David Matz
Well-known member
Hey Spectral,
Interested evolution in the ML dealer market. A long time Chicago dealer, Audio Consultants, and ML broke off their relationship a couple of years ago. These guys knew Sanders closely, from speaking to the owner. More recently Sound by Singer in NYC no longer carries ML. Now your dealer...
There are a few home based dealers popping up in Chicago instead. You may get a home based dealer pop up where ever you are as well. For people comfortable calling a home based dealer, the service may even be better.
However, industry-wide, well established brands like ML, where potential buyers can get exposure through other channels will be ok as the customers will get hooked. But for smaller brands, the trends for exposure aren't good.
Yes, it's a conundrum, but times change, and so must ML if they are to prosper.
I see the move to AA as a positive, as those catalogs are eye candy, and the 'advertorial' helps shape people's opinions.
Just the midnshare ML gets by having a model on the cover is a big win. Plus the regular reminders of the brand (with its distinctive looks) as readers peruse each edition of the catalog.
As for home dealers, it might be the wave of the future for the uber-expensive models.
I think I might convince a person or two to buy CLX's if I could give the demos in my hyper-articulate room.
I'll need to figure the ROI of that one
I see the move to AA as a positive, as those catalogs are eye candy, and the 'advertorial' helps shape people's opinions.
Just the midnshare ML gets by having a model on the cover is a big win. Plus the regular reminders of the brand (with its distinctive looks) as readers peruse each edition of the catalog.
As for home dealers, it might be the wave of the future for the uber-expensive models.
I think I might convince a person or two to buy CLX's if I could give the demos in my hyper-articulate room.
I'll need to figure the ROI of that one
Mantana
Well-known member
I bought a few things from Audio Advisor. They are a good
online outfit, so I don't see any negatives in this move. I bought
my Spires from a local dealer and got a decent price, 20% off,
but they never called me once after the sale. I bought
a Vincent CD player from AA and returned shortly thereafter
and they refunded 100%. I have no complaints about AA and
will buy from them again.
online outfit, so I don't see any negatives in this move. I bought
my Spires from a local dealer and got a decent price, 20% off,
but they never called me once after the sale. I bought
a Vincent CD player from AA and returned shortly thereafter
and they refunded 100%. I have no complaints about AA and
will buy from them again.
Irishtom
Well-known member
Saturday Audio Exchange on Belmont sells ML, that's where I bought my Vistas. Very nice shop and several of the employees are old-time "hi-fi" guys who enjoy shooting the bull about KLH-9s, JBL Paragons, Quads and old hi-fi shops like Victor's, Musicraft and the Allied Radio store on Western Ave.
Besides, you gotta love a place that has a JBL C-34 and an EV Georgian on display just because they look cool.
sleepysurf
Well-known member
Just got the latest copy of the Audio Advisor catalog, featuring the Vista on the cover, and a nice introductory spread about ML's on pp. 5-9 (even old pics of Gayle and Ron with a prototype ? Monolith). I think it's smart for ML to expand their market via AA, as AA is a respected source, but won't "turn off" prospective higher-end buyers, like the "snob factor" of some B&M stores. It's interesting that the ML commentary mentions the in-wall Voyage, Passage, and Ticket speakers, but they are only listed online, not in the print catalog.
If they leave the Spire, Summit X, and CLX to the boutique dealers, I think both channels can peacefully coexist.
If they leave the Spire, Summit X, and CLX to the boutique dealers, I think both channels can peacefully coexist.
I'll also add Vantage to that list since these four represent their "Made in USA" contingent.
sleepysurf
Well-known member
I would have assumed they'd limit AA and other online dealers to selling only the Design and Architectural lines, but AA (and OneCall) are also carrying the Vantage. Maybe ML is testing the online market, with the option of selling the whole ESL series there, if they see a significant sales jump with the Vantage.
Jungle Jack
Well-known member
Hello,
It is hard not to feel this approach has been preordained since ML was sold to Shoreline. I would guess that the approach was to do this gradually so as not to engender the decades long relationship with smaller independent dealers.
The place where smaller dealers will not be able to keep up is when models are phased out or upgraded. Given the deals Tweeter/Sound Advice used to offer when a model was discontinued, I would guess smaller dealers who often purchased their inventory at a higher price will not be inclined to match. I just hope the dealers which can best showcase ML's do not abandon the brand. Unfortunately, it sounds like some already have.
Cheers,
ML
It is hard not to feel this approach has been preordained since ML was sold to Shoreline. I would guess that the approach was to do this gradually so as not to engender the decades long relationship with smaller independent dealers.
The place where smaller dealers will not be able to keep up is when models are phased out or upgraded. Given the deals Tweeter/Sound Advice used to offer when a model was discontinued, I would guess smaller dealers who often purchased their inventory at a higher price will not be inclined to match. I just hope the dealers which can best showcase ML's do not abandon the brand. Unfortunately, it sounds like some already have.
Cheers,
ML
Mantana
Well-known member
maybe they just see the writing on the wall and realize the
small boutique firm is a dying breed, particularly in this
economy.
small boutique firm is a dying breed, particularly in this
economy.
1) ML no longer understand the value of first evaluating equipment in a properly set up environment
2) Selling online implies there is no value in typical high-end retailers. Really? What happened to the good old time support these guys offer, even the ability to show up at your house to review set-up and positioning problems, help you remove the panels should something go wrong, et al? One would rather speak to an online retailer sales person instead?
3) Selling online is really asking consumers to rely on reviewers' and others' opinions before they buy. This is EXACTLY the wrong way to approach to the high end - what happened to using your ears first before buying?
4) Sure, you can now evaluate ML speakers right at your home, but can you return them for a full refund including shipping and insurance? I seriously doubt it. And what about all the effort to unpack and re-pack them? And who's going to give you advise for proper set up?
In addition, I have no indication that ML were about to go out of business to justify desperate measures like this. To me, these are nothing but mass-marketing techniques to improve revenues at any cost.
Irishtom
Well-known member
Selling online is no different from the old days when you could buy top-shelf stuff like Mac, Marantz, AR, Scott, Altec, JBL, EV, Tandberg and Fisher from the Allied Radio catalog.
But that wasn't "high end", merely "hi fidelity".
But that wasn't "high end", merely "hi fidelity".
Gordon Gray
Well-known member
Hi Guys,
Here's my perspective.
1) I've purchased several products from AA and their service and follow up (if required) is top rate. Don't know many of the folks that work there but I can highly recommend Tim Hahn. He's extremely knowledgable and a dedicated audiophile like many of us.
2) They sell other products including the complete Thiel line, PSB , Vincent, Cambridge, NAD, Bryston, Marantz, Magnum Dynalab, Velodyne, and the Parasound "Halo" (John Curl designed) series.
3) They offer a 30 day / money back guarantee policy.
4) To me, they are similar to Music Direct in their "hi end" product selection. MD carries Esoteric, VPI, Rega, Avid, PS Audio, Marantz, and Clearaudio.
5) IMHO, if the mom and pop dealers can offer the personalized, hands on service that they are supposed to, I see no issue. All other things being equal, I suspect many of us would prefer to buy from these type establishments.
GG
Here's my perspective.
1) I've purchased several products from AA and their service and follow up (if required) is top rate. Don't know many of the folks that work there but I can highly recommend Tim Hahn. He's extremely knowledgable and a dedicated audiophile like many of us.
2) They sell other products including the complete Thiel line, PSB , Vincent, Cambridge, NAD, Bryston, Marantz, Magnum Dynalab, Velodyne, and the Parasound "Halo" (John Curl designed) series.
3) They offer a 30 day / money back guarantee policy.
4) To me, they are similar to Music Direct in their "hi end" product selection. MD carries Esoteric, VPI, Rega, Avid, PS Audio, Marantz, and Clearaudio.
5) IMHO, if the mom and pop dealers can offer the personalized, hands on service that they are supposed to, I see no issue. All other things being equal, I suspect many of us would prefer to buy from these type establishments.
GG
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