SET Asylum

Posted by big-eyed beans from venus (D) on July 30, 2005 at 23:10:21

In Reply to: Re: Need help choosing a new 45 SET. posted by chopper87@aol.com on July 23, 2005 at 09:55:48:

Hi Lance,

I can recall our phone conversation from a couple of weeks back - it was quite cordial, although I do remember that you were a bit disappointed that the last of the original Yamamoto A-08 amplifiers had just been sold.

But I simply cannot understand the misinformation and animosity contained in the above post. To be specific:

1) "I was planning to order the Yamamoto yesterday, but, was told that it is no longer available and that the replacement will not be out for months."

Actually, the replacement (the A-08S) begins shipping next week. I have known for quite a while that the new A-08S would become available in early August, and have never said otherwise.

2) "The distributor also said 'with enthusiasm' that it had been suggested to him that he should sell the Yamamotos for more than $5,000!"

Lance, you asked me over and over again if I thought that the A-08 was REALLY worth $2250, and I eventually wound up sharing an anecdote about a fellow importer who told me that this amp could easily sell in the U.S. if it cost TWICE as much, given its sonics and built quality. But I ALSO told you that I would never consider such a move - my goal is to sell Mr. Yamamoto's products in the U.S. for as close to their Japanese factory-direct pricing as possible, even though this means a rather slim profit margin for myself.

3) "Bring a product to the market at a price point so much lower than it's perceived value, get glowing reviews about how underpriced the units are for their sonic value, generate inflated demand, change the product slightly, raise the price, sell many of the more expensive and more profitabe units from the ferver derived from the much better valued earlier product. Not only that ,but, make the product unavailable for the right amount of time to drive up the supply demand ,now I gotta have it, mentality of people like me."

Lance, do you truly believe this, or is this simply a case of sour grapes?

Cheers,
Brian