Primaluna?

@mozartfan - my observation is that a well-run luxury brand emphasizing quality *never* runs a “sales event”, both to maintain long-term economics as well as value associated with the brand. They might offer discount on an older product line as it is being replaced ( @upscaleaudio might smack this assertion around)

If second-hand prices are falling, or dealers are selling “grey market” at a discount, then the maker cuts production and lives with lower revenue for a few years, but maintains pricing

The second-hand market is where price-sensitive buyers look for less expensive entry points

Rolex. Porsche. Hermes.  Companies with brand value including quality and longevity, that sell massive volumes, but never discount

Appreciate the above contains generalizations in service of sharing an idea

If mozartfan will post some stock tips, I will short them…just sayin.

We need our audio dealers and they need to make a profit or we wouldn't have any. A reason so much cheap tube gear is out there is because much of it has no return or warranty support. As Kevin mentioned if that's all you can buy that's not his concern doesn't sound elitist to me. But still, any dealer that goes into an open public forum and self promotes will get some grief it's just the way it is and these forums or groups are really not the place for it. You most likely turn off as my buyers as you turn on. 

Yea sorry I got defensive. I was beat tired. Also want to say I do not want to imply ASL or Jolida don’t have U.S. support. I have zero idea. The guy I mentioned bought it used. But calling me elitist is a bit much when our first product in 2003 was a $1300 disruptor. And we keep it as real as we can today.   

I truly believe these low-priced tube products are a great boon to the industry and said that in an interview. They could be a major gift that dealers don’t recognize.

They plant a seed that there is something more fun and better sounding than an Alexa speaker on the counter. It fires the imagination. As people age and their income increases, they might upgrade. It’s always been like that.

Some manufactures don’t agree with me and see it as a threat. I think it’s one of the best things that can happen to our industry and we should be counting our blessings.

The old audiophiles are dying off. I get more young people getting involved with this than I ever would have guessed. And it starts somewhere.

I wouldnt trade places with any hifi manufaturer or dealer, I just wouldnt have the patience. Ralph at Atma-sphere or Kevin at Upscale.

caller: Im looking for a 6wpc SET amplifier to drive my homemade speakers but it must have 12ax7 tubes in the pre section and 12au7’s in the driver stage. I dont mind 12at7’s but I would need input from the designer as to why.

hifi professional: well, where do I begin….