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Post by deaconblues on Feb 23, 2022 11:34:10 GMT -6
We aren't going to take your money and make you wait and wait and wait. I think the issue isn’t pre-paying for something not available…the idea is having a waiting list instead of a lottery. Step 1: announce device and take people’s info. Step 2: order initial parts based on response. Step 3: make device. Step 4: contact first name on list with a link to send money. Step 5: after 24 hours if they pass, send to next name on the list. (This can be automated). Step 6: sell and send device. Step 7: repeat and scale based on interest. Because you aren’t making 20 devices and then crossing your fingers that they sell, and because you aren’t tying up labor resources, the output and bottom line should improve with lower risk. In theory, you’re only invested in one extra assembled unit sitting on the shelf at any given time. Sure, you lose some hype because you aren’t advertising scarcity twice a week with “drops,” but the truest hype comes from people seeing your devices in racks being used / loved / bragged about. People WILL wait for a product that works well. A buggy website experience that feels like I just have bad luck twice a week is something a consumer tends to avoid, and is counter to the feeling of professional grade audio gear that is being advertised.
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Post by crillemannen on Feb 23, 2022 11:43:03 GMT -6
I don't mind the AS business model. Preorders ala Stam is a disaster.
Although the post above has some valid points. An automated waiting list would be better and wouldn't be bad at all. But I guess that could build up to an endless order chain and AS get stuck at making 1000s of the same unit. The whole thing build, sell out I'd imagine is allot of fun for the people working at AS. But if their is a demand why not capitalize on it. If a company want to be in it for the long run they need their bread N butter products that sell good all the time.
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Post by enlav on Feb 23, 2022 12:20:35 GMT -6
But I guess that could build up to an endless order chain and AS get stuck at making 1000s of the same unit. You're probably on to something. If there wasn't a limit to the waitlist, or some other way to circumvent the list becoming too large to supply, I guarantee there would be a post along the lines of "I signed up for the waitlist on an Opto Comp 7 months ago; haven't heard anything. Any luck with you guys?" (Let's assume there's a high demand or low supply issue in this case.)
If the waitlist has a specific cap that tries to drive reasonable turnaround times, someone would post: "I want to sign up for their 76A, but the waitlist is always full. When can I sign up for it?" And if they made announcements of for spots opening up for the list at specific times... we'd potentially be back to square one with people discussing solutions to announcement/drop times and what not. I'll not pretend to know how the backend works here, or if there's a better middle ground that would be achievable, but my point is that we, the consumer, will find fault with any solution. I don't necessarily think it's bad to critique or evaluate whether one method is better than another, and I don't think it's wrong for a company to take a firm stance either.
Ultimately, the different options and methodologies of doing business are what allow for competition to exist in the market, and I think companies like Stam, Locomotive, and AudioScape, if we're looking specifically at outboard gear, are allowing us to get some awesome gear at competitive prices with a variety of delivery/fulfillment methods.
I do think that this particular problem is exasperated by hype and limited-run characteristic of this product. Outside of some periods where a product was out for a while due to part supply issues, I don't think it's ever been such a big issue that we've had people analyzing the way they're handling business to this extent. Like I noted previously, it takes quite a while for some items to sell out now, I've definitely seen the reverb, which was unobtanium for a while, stay in stock for basically a whole day (though I don't think that was the case with the last drop or two). I hope I'm not coming off as an adamant defender of the process either, I just appreciate having the alternative method of purchasing gear as well. I have no issue with pre-ordering and paying for gear in full; I'm currently awaiting fulfillment of... 4 different pieces from various manufacturers? And while I'm perfectly fine for waiting for those orders to reach fruition, I do also like the near-instant gratification of ordering gear from AudioScape that performs as well as gear I could get from in-stock options from Big-Name stores at a fraction of the price.
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Post by Ward on Feb 23, 2022 15:38:03 GMT -6
deaconblues and @enlav. We're reading your suggestions and thank you so much for taking the time. Damnit, once again, LOVE this forum!
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Feb 23, 2022 17:16:17 GMT -6
Long thread and can't recall. Any feedback on this unit yet? I'm sure it's great but would be cool to hear from someone who's messed with it.
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Post by maldenfilms on Feb 23, 2022 17:31:11 GMT -6
Mine should be here Monday!
EDIT: I'll report back once I have a chance to use it.
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 23, 2022 17:42:57 GMT -6
deaconblues and @enlav. We're reading your suggestions and thank you so much for taking the time. Damnit, once again, LOVE this forum! What am I chopped liver ?
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Post by enlav on Feb 23, 2022 17:53:27 GMT -6
deaconblues and @enlav. We're reading your suggestions and thank you so much for taking the time. Damnit, once again, LOVE this forum! Don't misunderstand me, now. I feel like my stance is "do whatever works best for yourselves." Laissez-faire or something. What am I chopped liver ? ^ When I was talking about missing drops months back, kccat actually had the best advice for me then.
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Post by christophert on Feb 23, 2022 18:06:24 GMT -6
I was really keen to purchase a Golden 58, but there were quite a few concerns for me. #1 it was not 240V when first advertised, a deal breaker at the time (but now apparently it is 240V - no communication on both voltages becoming available) #2 there were no reviews as to what it sounded like, and I'm not into purchasing any gear without knowing it's sonic footprint and behavior (especially for a tube preamp). #3 the scramble to purchase / most likely not succeeding. #4 what are the rare components - will there be issues to service / parts supply ? I went for the new Locomotive Audio 86B-2 dual tube preamp. (which sounds like the 286a - with plenty of reviews) I paid for it with a presale discount. Delivery in April. I must admit I do prefer this method of purchase, and very confident it won't be dragged out like a Stam time gamble. It's a tough one for AS to release a limited edition product with no reviews. If there had been a review and comparison description to other tube pre's, and on tube behavior / clean all the way / saturation / gradual overdrive etc - then I may have persisted. If ambassador Ward-of-the-flies had one in advance and could describe it's footprint - we would all understand what we would be purchasing
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 23, 2022 18:35:28 GMT -6
Fair enuff, but in the other hand AS’s reputation speaks for itself, so I do think one can buy with confidence. It does allow returns of course, in the unlikely event someone was unhappy with the gear.
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Post by christophert on Feb 23, 2022 18:44:05 GMT -6
Definitely we can buy AudioScape with 100% confidence ! I was looking for a certain tube preamp sound, as I already have V72s's and Coil Ca70's, and don't want anything like what I already have.
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Post by Ward on Feb 23, 2022 19:21:05 GMT -6
I was really keen to purchase a Golden 58, but there were quite a few concerns for me. #1 it was not 240V when first advertised, a deal breaker at the time (but now apparently it is 240V - no communication on both voltages becoming available) #2 there were no reviews as to what it sounded like, and I'm not into purchasing any gear without knowing it's sonic footprint and behavior (especially for a tube preamp). #3 the scramble to purchase / most likely not succeeding. #4 what are the rare components - will there be issues to service / parts supply ? I went for the new Locomotive Audio 86B-2 dual tube preamp. (which sounds like the 286a - with plenty of reviews) I paid for it with a presale discount. Delivery in April. I must admit I do prefer this method of purchase, and very confident it won't be dragged out like a Stam time gamble. It's a tough one for AS to release a limited edition product with no reviews. If there had been a review and comparison description to other tube pre's, and on tube behavior / clean all the way / saturation / gradual overdrive etc - then I may have persisted. If ambassador Ward-of-the-flies had one in advance and could describe it's footprint - we would all understand what we would be purchasing I'll have it soon and will be doing a bunch of comparisons in my own studio using matched KM84s and U87s, so everyone has a good reference point. Your points are not lost on us, and we're on it! Ok, I'm taking responsibility for that. I'm on it.
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Post by michaelcleary on Feb 24, 2022 9:31:28 GMT -6
I had one and by the time I checked out, poof. It wasnt even 8:01. But I will keep trying.
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Post by Ward on Feb 25, 2022 10:06:56 GMT -6
I had one and by the time I checked out, poof. It wasnt even 8:01. But I will keep trying. Hang in there! Hope to help you this weekend.
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Post by tasteliketape on Feb 26, 2022 19:05:23 GMT -6
Tried every sale to grab one . Tonight it was in my cart when I hit pay (immediately) Says not available.how can they be gone if it’s in your cart ! I’m out .
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Post by indiehouse on Feb 26, 2022 20:00:57 GMT -6
Tried every sale to grab one . Tonight it was in my cart when I hit pay (immediately) Says not available.how can they be gone if it’s in your cart ! I’m out . I think that’s the trick. Try it one more time. The cart is persistent, meaning when you log in again, it’ll still be in your cart. Now, come Wednesday at 8pm, all you have to do is hit, “Purchase”. Be sure to click “check out” from your cart before 8, so that you just gotta hit that purchase button. Worked for me tonight.
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Post by OtisGreying on Mar 28, 2022 4:42:57 GMT -6
Any word on the Audioscape fairchild? Itching to buy a compressor but don't want to miss out over here. Or the 1178??
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Post by Ward on Mar 28, 2022 5:24:47 GMT -6
Any word on the Audioscape fairchild? Itching to buy a compressor but don't want to miss out over here. Or the 1178?? Parts for the 1178 are being procured. The faceplates design is almost done. It is going to happen! The Effed Child clone is in trial stages at this point. There's a prototype. It is going to happen.
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Post by OtisGreying on Mar 28, 2022 5:34:43 GMT -6
Any word on the Audioscape fairchild? Itching to buy a compressor but don't want to miss out over here. Or the 1178?? Parts for the 1178 are being procured. The faceplates design is almost done. It is going to happen! The Effed Child clone is in trial stages at this point. There's a prototype. It is going to happen. Double rainbow.
Cant wait!
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Post by tahoebrian5 on Mar 28, 2022 20:48:14 GMT -6
G58 sitting on my table right now. This thing is a work of art. I haven’t heard a thing through it yet but I think just having it in the same room improves any and all audio.
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Post by tahoebrian5 on Apr 8, 2022 20:12:27 GMT -6
Well I finally got my patch bay in order and fired up the G58 today. I feel like it fattens up the low end and puts a subtle almost shimmer on the top. I need to experiment with different sources but my first impression is very positive. I will post up some clips soon.
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Post by teejay on Apr 27, 2022 18:17:02 GMT -6
Am I missing something about doing business with Audio-Scape? I was logged in right at 5:00 Pacific and succesfully added one to my cart. I checked out quickly and when the Paypal processed it said it was not available. If I can get one in my cart why was it removed? I'd love to buy some Audio-Scape, especially this tube pre but this doesn't make sense You're not missing anything, all their stuff goes fast. I got one, I think it took me about 10-15 seconds; got my confirmation email at 8:00. The cart is not persistent, it's "first paid, first served", not "first added to cart, first served". It took me a few times to get it right, now I can pretty reliably score one...50/50 anyway. There are a few things you can do that make it possible to grab an audioscape item, if you don't do this you don't really have a shot: Create an account on the A-S site. Enter all following information into your profile; shipping address, billing address, and credit/debit card info. Be ready to go when it's time, and once you add to cart, you can just hit continue, continue, confirm, and you're done. If you use PayPal or do it any other way, you're going to be too slow. Everything must be entered in ahead of time, and make sure you're logged in when ite time to buy. If you're not able to get it after a couple tries, let Chris or Nichole know, and they may be able to help you out (not sure if they'll put one of these back or not, being a limited run of 300). 12 sold tonight, out of 300, so don't worry, you'll be able to grab one if you keep trying. Takes time, I think I tried 3 or 4 times before I got it down enough to be fast enough. They can go real fast. I slept on it for one minute and missed the chance too. More to come though. edit:
That sounds like someone checked out with the last one before you did.
The best advice is to make your account, get your shipping and billing ready, all before any drops happen. May not be in this thread, but a few folks recommend that and it's the method that works for me. I wouldn't be too worried about missing this one, Chris makes it sound like it's going to be gold 58's for a while now, so there may be more next Wednesday? (Purely speculation on my part.)
But yeah, even products that have been in their rotation for months (years?) will still sell out in less than a minute regularly. I'm pretty sure with my four orders, by the time I finished checking out and went back to see what was still available, they were out-of-stock on the product I had just ordered. I actually have a VP1290 arriving next week, so maybe I'm being greedy going after the Golden 58.
I've got a VP1290, great preamp, but if the Golden 58 covers it, I'll have a hard time keeping it. Phenomenal preamp though. I have several Neve types, and it's by far my favorite. I was in at 8:01 and it already said sold out.... Like I said above, I got my confirmation email at 8:00. You gotta be quick. I just used locrain's method, and it worked perfectly. Started clicking the "Buy It Now" link as the start time hit, after about four tries it got added to my cart, three more quick clicks and in a manner of seconds the transaction was done. Got the confirmation email about a minute later. Edit: FYI this was NOT an AS 58 purchase, but a comment on the purchase methodology.
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Post by audioscape on Apr 28, 2022 11:22:55 GMT -6
Thank you teejay for giving the breakdown. For anyone who is having difficulty getting something here are the tips!
- Create a profile on our website and save all of your information (shipping and credit card) - Follow us on social media or sign up for our mailing list on our website. - Be on the site a few minutes before our sales time (ON A COMPUTER) - Refresh the product page at 7:59:57 PM EST. - Add to cart and hit continue, continue, confirm. Do not hesitate. The cart will not secure the item. Do not use PayPal since it redirects.
These steps are for sales days and for pre-order days. If you're in a country that has slower internet, maybe refresh a little before.
Again thank you to teejay for looking out and giving the breakdown. I know I basically said the same thing as him, but just elaborated a little bit more.
-Trevor
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Post by vintagetubelug on Apr 28, 2022 23:02:17 GMT -6
We aren't going to take your money and make you wait and wait and wait. I think the issue isn’t pre-paying for something not available…the idea is having a waiting list instead of a lottery. Step 1: announce device and take people’s info. Step 2: order initial parts based on response. Step 3: make device. Step 4: contact first name on list with a link to send money. Step 5: after 24 hours if they pass, send to next name on the list. (This can be automated). Step 6: sell and send device. Step 7: repeat and scale based on interest. Because you aren’t making 20 devices and then crossing your fingers that they sell, and because you aren’t tying up labor resources, the output and bottom line should improve with lower risk. In theory, you’re only invested in one extra assembled unit sitting on the shelf at any given time. Sure, you lose some hype because you aren’t advertising scarcity twice a week with “drops,” but the truest hype comes from people seeing your devices in racks being used / loved / bragged about. People WILL wait for a product that works well. A buggy website experience that feels like I just have bad luck twice a week is something a consumer tends to avoid, and is counter to the feeling of professional grade audio gear that is being advertised.
This method makes way more sense to me. Not everyone can be sitting at a computer clicking on a cart two exact days of the week at an exact time. I tried a bunch, failed and eventually gave up trying. People seem to love the gear and the hype that scarcity brings is surely good for the brand. I imagine it would be hard for AS to abandon what works for them.
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Post by christophert on Apr 29, 2022 2:54:39 GMT -6
I think the issue isn’t pre-paying for something not available…the idea is having a waiting list instead of a lottery. Step 1: announce device and take people’s info. Step 2: order initial parts based on response. Step 3: make device. Step 4: contact first name on list with a link to send money. Step 5: after 24 hours if they pass, send to next name on the list. (This can be automated). Step 6: sell and send device. Step 7: repeat and scale based on interest. Because you aren’t making 20 devices and then crossing your fingers that they sell, and because you aren’t tying up labor resources, the output and bottom line should improve with lower risk. In theory, you’re only invested in one extra assembled unit sitting on the shelf at any given time. Sure, you lose some hype because you aren’t advertising scarcity twice a week with “drops,” but the truest hype comes from people seeing your devices in racks being used / loved / bragged about. People WILL wait for a product that works well. A buggy website experience that feels like I just have bad luck twice a week is something a consumer tends to avoid, and is counter to the feeling of professional grade audio gear that is being advertised.
This method makes way more sense to me. Not everyone can be sitting at a computer clicking on a cart two exact days of the week at an exact time. I tried a bunch, failed and eventually gave up trying. People seem to love the gear and the hype that scarcity brings is surely good for the brand. I imagine it would be hard for AS to abandon what works for them.
I also agree with this. I have full respect for AS, they are a model business in many ways. The quality of the gear is exceptional.
But the buyer at the end needs to have super fast internet - those who don't miss out every time.
EG - I tried to get a 76D a few times, and gave up. I found I don't have the time to panic around a certain time of the day to scramble for a product with others around the globe. It actually left a bad taste in my mouth, no matter how good the gear is.
I bought a Bluey instead. Fast . Done . Delivered. Took 30 seconds of my life with no panic around a clock and a bunch of other circling vultures with a quicker internet pathway.
If I was advising AS business model, I would split up some products for the vultures to swoop in on, where buyers can sit panicking for a sale around a clock, but plan some sales where there were at LEAST 100 units for sale on a order basis.
I'll go and crawl back in my corner now....
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