All ,
Some things to point out from a fellow manufacturer aware of the basics surrounding this situation (we teamed up with Fidelis AV at the past two NY Audio Shows and used 30.1s, so price did come up in conversations at the shows):
1. Canadian pricing may not yet reflect the current Harbeth UK price increases.
2. Starting June 1st, Resonant Woods stands will be included (a $700 dollar value) with the purchase of the M30.1 only as a promotion through Dec. 31, 2013. These are the stands shown at the NY Audio Show 2013.
3. Canadian Distributor has a handful of dealers, but mostly sells direct through its 2-3 stores. The U.S.distributor (Fidelis AV) sells through a dealer network of 20-25 dealers who need a decent markup to survive in this tough economy.
4. ALL Harbeth models sold in the U.S. for the last 5-6 years include the upgraded internal wiring which adds a considerable charge to the distributor and apparently get passed along accordingly.
5. The U.S. distributor has a consistent advertising program in the two major USA audiophile magazines and online and promotes the line at four to five audio shows per year. The Canadian distributor does a lot less of this.
The Harbeth 30.1 is a fantastic sounding speaker, but the customer will need to listen for themselves (hopefully comparing to others in this price point) and decide if they are worth it. I know that they have a very hard time keeping them in stock at the current price point, so there have to be people who believe they are worth the cost. Count me in on being in this camp!
Vinnie
Some things to point out from a fellow manufacturer aware of the basics surrounding this situation (we teamed up with Fidelis AV at the past two NY Audio Shows and used 30.1s, so price did come up in conversations at the shows):
1. Canadian pricing may not yet reflect the current Harbeth UK price increases.
2. Starting June 1st, Resonant Woods stands will be included (a $700 dollar value) with the purchase of the M30.1 only as a promotion through Dec. 31, 2013. These are the stands shown at the NY Audio Show 2013.
3. Canadian Distributor has a handful of dealers, but mostly sells direct through its 2-3 stores. The U.S.distributor (Fidelis AV) sells through a dealer network of 20-25 dealers who need a decent markup to survive in this tough economy.
4. ALL Harbeth models sold in the U.S. for the last 5-6 years include the upgraded internal wiring which adds a considerable charge to the distributor and apparently get passed along accordingly.
5. The U.S. distributor has a consistent advertising program in the two major USA audiophile magazines and online and promotes the line at four to five audio shows per year. The Canadian distributor does a lot less of this.
The Harbeth 30.1 is a fantastic sounding speaker, but the customer will need to listen for themselves (hopefully comparing to others in this price point) and decide if they are worth it. I know that they have a very hard time keeping them in stock at the current price point, so there have to be people who believe they are worth the cost. Count me in on being in this camp!
Vinnie