Hollenbeck,
Von Schweikert just completely re did their web page, and displaced Wilson Audio in a HUGE Hong Kong Dealer!
That don't sound like a company that is going out of business to me ?
But, as a consumer, I could care less about some "dealer network" as long as I get a good deal on the speakers I want to buy ?
Orion sells direct only, as do many other small companies, so what ?
All I know is that Albert has been around high end audio since the late 70's.
My friend just had a pair of 15 year old original VR 4's updated, so how is that for product support ?
I don't know that Albert is going to sell direct, or remain a dealer supported company.
Frankly, I really do not care.
What matters to me, as a consumer, is that Albert will be there for me down the road, if I need him.
When Alberts original company in Upstate New York went out of business because of a flood, wiping out his inventory, Albert still supported his old customers with parts, and updates, etc.
Original VR 4's sell fast on Audiogon, if you can find them ?
So why should I, as a consumer, be "afraid" that Von Schweikert isn't going to "be around" ?
As a consumer, I see Albert still supporting 20 year old original VR 4's with mods and updates.
So, why should I be scared to buy his newer stuff, knowing his excellent track record of supporting old designs ?
Personally, I wish he would sell direct, and cut out the dealers altogether so I could get the best deal I can.
But, that is his business, not mine.
One final thought, do you remember CounterPoint ?
They went bankrupt, yet the old owner Mike is still offering mods, repairs, etc.
Even if Von Schweikeert goes bankrupt, there are many thousands of Von Schweikerrt speakers out there.
Albert would have to be a complete fool to "walk away" from all these speaker owners!
And, as far as resale goes, Celestion and Hales are long gone, but still have plenty of resale.
Resale value is high, when the product is good, because speakers are pretty reliable devices.
Look how fast old VR4's sell here ?
Von Schweikert just completely re did their web page, and displaced Wilson Audio in a HUGE Hong Kong Dealer!
That don't sound like a company that is going out of business to me ?
But, as a consumer, I could care less about some "dealer network" as long as I get a good deal on the speakers I want to buy ?
Orion sells direct only, as do many other small companies, so what ?
All I know is that Albert has been around high end audio since the late 70's.
My friend just had a pair of 15 year old original VR 4's updated, so how is that for product support ?
I don't know that Albert is going to sell direct, or remain a dealer supported company.
Frankly, I really do not care.
What matters to me, as a consumer, is that Albert will be there for me down the road, if I need him.
When Alberts original company in Upstate New York went out of business because of a flood, wiping out his inventory, Albert still supported his old customers with parts, and updates, etc.
Original VR 4's sell fast on Audiogon, if you can find them ?
So why should I, as a consumer, be "afraid" that Von Schweikert isn't going to "be around" ?
As a consumer, I see Albert still supporting 20 year old original VR 4's with mods and updates.
So, why should I be scared to buy his newer stuff, knowing his excellent track record of supporting old designs ?
Personally, I wish he would sell direct, and cut out the dealers altogether so I could get the best deal I can.
But, that is his business, not mine.
One final thought, do you remember CounterPoint ?
They went bankrupt, yet the old owner Mike is still offering mods, repairs, etc.
Even if Von Schweikeert goes bankrupt, there are many thousands of Von Schweikerrt speakers out there.
Albert would have to be a complete fool to "walk away" from all these speaker owners!
And, as far as resale goes, Celestion and Hales are long gone, but still have plenty of resale.
Resale value is high, when the product is good, because speakers are pretty reliable devices.
Look how fast old VR4's sell here ?