SOUND DEVICES... I seriously need to rant!!!

[Aearth]

It's amazing when some people get a great deal from a dealer, they still dump on them for what .......business ethics. Did you not get a good deal??????????
If I can get a great buy from local or OS or second hand or Ebay, I'm there.


Nick

[HiString]

Aearth,

Quite the opposite, my main local dealer/retailer has on occasion voluntarily done "deals" for us which has left them with almost zero profit..........the benefit of having had a good relationship for many years and if you re-read my post you should realise my comments are aimed squarely at the importer/distributor segment of the industry and their all to frequent claim that shipping and import duties are to blame for high RRPs.

[Aearth]

Originally Posted by HiString

Aearth,

Quite the opposite, my main local dealer/retailer has on occasion voluntarily done "deals" for us which has left them with almost zero profit..........the benefit of having had a good relationship for many years and if you re-read my post you should realise my comments are aimed squarely at the importer/distributor segment of the industry and their all to frequent claim that shipping and import duties are to blame for high RRPs.

Sorry I misread your post.

Nick

[entropy]

Originally Posted by SJRS

I want to put a shameless plug in for Brisound. They have always given me a reasonable price. It sometimes may not be as cheap as importing it, but I know the guys are willing to help out if something goes wrong, and do everything in there power to get me back up and running again.

And its not the retailers to blame for the prices most of the time, its the distributors that set the RRP and then give the retailers bugger all off the price.


Jason

Big up SJRS!!! Thanks for the plug man.... & Moogus.

& just one more shameless plug.... we're looking to have the A Designs Pacifica in the next week so if anyone's interested in having a play, give me a shout. There's a queue forming so you'll have to take a number though.

[Haigbabe]

Originally Posted by entropy

Big up SJRS!!!

And a "Big Up" for Grevillea in Brisbane (where SJRS does some of his finest) who have provided me with exemplary service with SADiE and Weiss gear.

They also carry Gefell and have been most helpful when I needed to audition.

Grevillea are the real deal.

Best regards,

Haigbabe

[Kingtone]

well.. i have to bring a small.. very small balance to the Sound devices issues...
I bought 'something' there the other day... not because i like to shop there... but because they had something very cheap that i couldnt find anywhere else... surprise! and i must admit...
the 'certain sales person' was very friendly and i was attended to as i walked in the door.
all in all... it was almost a pleasant experience...
maybe someone down there is reading this post... if so... well done to you guys...
now... this pleasant experience has to happen OVER and OVER and OVER again to make up for every annoying experience ive had down there...

but i for one will give you kudos for the other day.

keep it up...

[jonboyrock]

I think the best way to deal with Sound Devices is to get in their face, so to speak. Be very forward, "I want this" etc. That seems to work.

But having said that I was recommended by an American Manufacturer to ask SD for some replacement parts (bulbs). They didn't have them, which is fine, but didn't want to take it any further, like maybe ordering in the parts. Weird. And a pretty bad representative for the US company.

[jerbtracey.com]

Originally Posted by BCains

I have never been bothered to get gear from there.
There are alot cheaper places around, thou my old boss was pretty good mats with one of the guys down there.

I wonder if it would be worth becoming a dealer for some of these high end companies that we can't seem to get in Oz and run a internet based store.

Hey Beck,

I am beginning to think this is a great idea. I've been chasing some gear for the 500 Series API setup, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest in helping me out. Probably because I only want a couple of items to start with, and maybe the dealers don't find it worth their while. But what about when the lunch box is full, will that have added up to make me a worthwhile customer?

I'm looking for an OSA lunchbox, an API 512C pre, and a Buzz Audio Elixir (to start with). Seems hard to get them at the one place. I live in country NSW, so I've been trying to find stuff over the net. I seem to spend a lot of time waiting for emails that never get a reply, or dealers who want to know what someone else is charging so they can beat the price. I don't think that's how it works.

I've been told by some people to just buy from the US, but then you face customs duty which doesn't make it financially viable.

This is turning into quite the whinge, isn't it?

Anyhoo, if anyone wants to sell me a Buzz Audio Elixir, an Old School Audio Lunchbox, and an API 512-C preamp, I'm cashed up and ready to go.

Jerb..

[Rocc Howse]

I second that 100 fold. Horrible service.

[Aearth]

Originally Posted by jerbtracey.com

Hey Beck,

I am beginning to think this is a great idea. I've been chasing some gear for the 500 Series API setup, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest in helping me out. Probably because I only want a couple of items to start with, and maybe the dealers don't find it worth their while. But what about when the lunch box is full, will that have added up to make me a worthwhile customer?

I'm looking for an OSA lunchbox, an API 512C pre, and a Buzz Audio Elixir (to start with). Seems hard to get them at the one place. I live in country NSW, so I've been trying to find stuff over the net. I seem to spend a lot of time waiting for emails that never get a reply, or dealers who want to know what someone else is charging so they can beat the price. I don't think that's how it works.

I've been told by some people to just buy from the US, but then you face customs
duty which doesn't make it financially viable.

This is turning into quite the whinge, isn't it?

Anyhoo, if anyone wants to sell me a Buzz Audio Elixir, an Old School Audio Lunchbox, and an API 512-C preamp, I'm cashed up and ready to go.

Jerb..

Aussie Links

For API
http://www.legacyaudio.com.au/index.php

For Buzz
http://www.gbg-technology.com/index.html

For OSA you need to go USA direct.
http://www.gbg-technology.com/index.html

I have some OSA pres, 2 x MP1 L3 and they are great.

For A-Design
http://www.brisound.com.au/home/default.asp

Hope this helps

Nick

[BCains]

Just to concur with SJRS for Cris @ Brisound, not only does he know his gear hes a great guy also!
He looked after me in the past and i will be a repetitive buyer from there.

[jerbtracey.com]

Originally Posted by Aearth

Aussie Links

For API
http://www.legacyaudio.com.au/index.php

For Buzz
http://www.gbg-technology.com/index.html

For OSA you need to go USA direct.
http://www.gbg-technology.com/index.html

I have some OSA pres, 2 x MP1 L3 and they are great.

For A-Design
http://www.brisound.com.au/home/default.asp

Hope this helps

Nick

Thanks Nick. It does. I'll keep everyone posted on how my dealings go.

Jerb..

P.S. Jules (the administrator has put a few reminders about to put AUSTRALIA in your profile location so they can keep us informed of 'local' stuff..

[Sonics]

As in the words of prodigy.....

"I’m the trouble starter, punkin’ instigator
I’m the fear (C'mon GEAR) addicted, danger illustrated

I’m a firestarter, twisted firestarter
You’re the firestarter, twisted firestarter
I’m a firestarter, twisted firestarter

I’m the bitch you hated, filth (C'mon GEAR) infatuated – yeah
I’m the pain you tasted, well intoxicated

I’m a firestarter, twisted firestarter
You’re the firestarter, twisted firestarter

I’m the self inflicted, mind detonator – yeah
I’m the one infected, twisted animator

I’m a firestarter, twisted firestarter
You’re the firestarter, twisted firestarter
I’m a firestarter, twisted firestarter"

Mmmmmm...... It it goes full Circle.

[silentb0b]

have to say, I've been dealing with sound devices for years now, and they've been great. Matt in particular has always bent over backwards to get me sorted out, and has helped with lending gear, letting me try stuff out, and answering questions for me that weren't going to get him direct sales. they do get busy, but i think you have to bear in mind that it's a small business and most of the questions and set ups are very hours-instensive. I haven't used turra or intermusic for ages, so i don't have much of a comparison to go by, but just thought the guys were getting a bit of a bad rap. not trying to say the other stories aren't true, just thought i'd get a positive experience in there as well.

[jonutarr]

Originally Posted by Kingtone

My only experiences with Intermusic have sucked too. They dont even blip on my radar for a serious thought in ever going back there. I do not appreciated being treated like a chump... even if there is a small chance i might be one!

yep had to go home and back twice cos they were like that to me,

they have shite ears too. maybe thats why i was only heard after shouting contest.

[jonutarr]

Originally Posted by Rossco

According to the Focusrite website, the Australian distributor is listed as Electric Factory in Melbourne. Perhaps somebody from their company can help us all out with an answer?

Dont exspect any help or a useable warranty when dealing with them

dfegadElectric Factory = Tightarse ******s

[jonutarr]

From past experience id rather deal with an ebay seller than an Australia retailer regardless of price, the negative feedback option at least gives them a bit of accountability

[Rossco]

Hey guys,

Looks like some of the Aussie distributors are finally listening-the latest ad for Turramurra Music in Audio Technology announces that there are new lower
prices for all Focusrite products.

Hmmm maybe I'll go back and have a look before I order off-shore again!

[sweetjesus]

Originally Posted by silentb0b

have to say, I've been dealing with sound devices for years now, and they've been great. .

hi silentb0b

lucky you because sound devices officially = assholes in my book

i went in there with the intention to blow a bit of cash.

i asked to listen to a ****, they gave me a pair of $20 headphones and when i asked to listen to it on a pair of reasonable monitors, i was given a death stare from hell.

while i was checking the synth, the entire staff were having a competition as to who could laugh or shout or talk shit the loudest.

following that they weren't able to demo a ***** to me properly so they suggested I rent one. long story short, i ended up paying rental for a defective unit that should have been loaned out as a free trial in the first place.

i agree with the comment above suggesting they would prefer dealing with an ebay merchant.

ive had nothing buy love with all my interactions with merchants on there.

oh for what it's worth i bought a heavily discounted **** from a shop in Melbourne for even less and they chopped the shipping, they billed me a day late... (wow big deal) but they were very nice and quite cheery on the phone.

[RockDog]

well i found them helpful and ive also borrowed alot of highend gear from there i mean 10 grand rack worth of gear many times. i have spent alot of money there i must say, but to lend people gear with no hire charge is beyond helpful in my book, it lets you try out expensive gear before you buy, now how can you do that at mercenary audio i ask? thumbsup

[Sonics]

Originally Posted by Rossco

there are new lower prices for all Focusrite products.

Hmmm maybe I'll go back and have a look before I order off-shore again!

Whoa, Check out the new ISA pricing !!!!!

[KimSira]

I really hope the new focusrite pricing is good.
The Electric Factory prices were, well, rediculous!

Kim

[sweetjesus]

Originally Posted by RockDog

well i found them helpful and ive also borrowed alot of highend gear from there i mean 10 grand rack worth of gear many times. i have spent alot of money there i must say, but to lend people gear with no hire charge is beyond helpful in my book, it lets you try out expensive gear before you buy, now how can you do that at mercenary audio i ask? thumbsup

i have personally spent maybe 10k in there and took a friend to spend 10k there (in one hit) so i dont know why theyre giving some customers good service and others poor service.

i had to frekkin pay for a buggy unit to TRY it... that's like the total opposite of your experience.

[heathen]

My last visit to SD was'nt too bad, I think they may have read this thread before I went, who knows. A little good will and friendly customer service goes a long long way. They got the 2nd part right this time anyway.

[Spec]

sorry about the header just my lame sense of humor.

i think it all depends upon who you speak with down there. i make sure i deal with a person called paul. always v. helpful and v. friendly and v. knowedgable especially on keyboards/virtual paino related stuff. even though i am shopping in the under $1000 market. i wish i followed his advice ..spend more $$ and get a fully weighted keyboard.....

however i agree it does not have warm &welcoming vibe. not one of those audio places you drop into to talk about audio issues on your mind.

yes turra music more firendly. they were great when i was auditioning monitors.repeat visits to audition was no issues at all.

i must also give a plug for the new company setting up in sydney called soundcorp. they were incredibly helpful when auditioning ADAM monitors. cannot say how much i have liked dealing with them, cameron actually arranaged to take the adam monitors to a friend's studio to audition them in the best possible environment and to allow me to A/B them with the mix monitors in the room (BM6A)

AND he bought a six pack with him on friday afternoon!!!!!! i really wish soundcorp stocked the monitors i eventually went with. anyway cannot speak too highly of those guys. they even offered to send up some MOPADS from melbourne when i needed them in a hurry despite making almost ZERO $$ on the deal. really great people.

Spek

[heathen]

I'll actually put in a plug for "GBG Technology" they are great guys to buy from, very helpfull indeed.

[Scott From GBG]

Hey Heath

Thanks man - will you take a cheque for that or is it still the old brown paper envelope!

Cheers
Scotty

[jerbtracey.com]

I'm backing Heath up here. Scotty at GBG is a real pleasure to deal with. (Just post me a cheque) No, but seriously, I've been buying some gear through Scotty at GBG and it's all smooth sailing. Great service, they really look after you.

I'll put in a plug for Daniel at Legacy Audio who also sold me some gear. He's spent quite a bit of time on the phone with me, talking shop.

I'd buy from those two again without even flinching.... Except for when I tell my lovely lady how much I've spent this time...

Jerb..

[Daniel Antix]

Originally Posted by chymer

Cant stand them, arrogant, rude and generally unhelpful, unless you walk in and you make it clear you have heaps of cash or you own a mac. They are so mac-biased its really funny. i will avoid them if I can at all costs.
Turrumurra are better i feel.
Ok, ive had my rant, feel better.
Chymer

123.

Turramurra are awesome and sound devices sh!t me to tears, never bought anything from them never will.

Adiran @ turra always takes good care of me.

I should also mention they are on the other side of Sydney from me... so i travel over an hour to shop there... they are that good.

[Sonics]

I realise this thread actually might come down to Personality Conflicts... I work in retail , and trust me , it aint all roses...

We all are different people ... And we dont all get on ... (except Ozzi GS) Its plain and Simple..

What ever works for U , Me and ...