Unsolicited Testimonials

[Ron Thorne]

I always try to be balanced in the way I go about things, sometimes more successfully than others. It's easy to get frustrated over a product or person, get angry, blow off steam and move on.

I feel that it's equally important to praise a product or person when appropriate, and that's what this thread is about. Feel free to add your positive experiences to the one I'm about to share.

About18 months ago I decided to begin a search for a new integrated audio amplifier to replace our old workhorse Dynaco Stereo 120 amp and PAT-4a preamp. Here's yet another instance in which The Alley and my friends who inhabitat it were invaluable. I learned from several posters that they had had very positive experiences with Audio Advisor. I spent a lot of time looking at various options from a wide variety of sources, taking my time in the hopes that my patience would pay dividends. Various amps, preamps and integrated amps were recommended to me, and I ultimately chose to purchase a Cambridge Audio Azur 540A integrated amplifier from Audio Advisor.



This piece of equipment met all of my needs and was within my budget. The first bit of good news occurred when I placed my order with Joe at Audio Advisor, and during the conversation mentioned that I'd seen the CA 540A amp at a lower price elsewhere. It was being sold at AA for $349.00 in December, 2003, and still is, by the way. He asked what price I'd seen and I told him $329.00, to which he immediately responded "OK, we'll meet the price." He didn't even ask where I'd seen the lower price. He accepted my lower price as the honest truth, which it was. How refreshing!

The next bit of good news was when we finally got everything connected during the Christmas holidays, thanks to our son, Justin. What a spaghetti-like bunch of wires and cables! I bought new interconnects (cables) also at the urging of JC members, and am glad I did, and didn't overspend in the process. It sounds wonderful. It has plenty of power for our small room, ample connections, is very clean, and has performed beautifully ... until last weekend.

The amp powers mini bookshelf speakers which are connected to our CD player, DVD player, VHS player, cassette deck and television. Early Saturday morning, while I was out of the living room, Patti reported to me that the speakers had suddenly gone silent. As I approached our entertainment center I noticed a very small blinking red led which I'd never seen before. We quickly got out our owner's manual and after looking over the troubleshooting guide were sad to read that a protection circuit had been activated due to DC being detected which could destroy the speakers. It went on to say that this would require factory authorized servicing. We found our receipt, the original box and packing, assuming that we'd have to ship it to New York for warranty service.

I called Audio Advisor to ask them what steps I should take, and lo and behold, Joe, the very knowledgable, personable associate who originally sold me the amp was on the other end. He apologized and was empathetic with our situation. He gave me his direct line number to call him back, if necessary. He said that warranty work for Cambridge Audio products is handled by Audio Plus Services, and gave me their toll-free number. I was unable to speak with the person I needed to yesterday afternoon, so left a message on his voice mail. He returned my call this morning, apologizing for taking so long to get back to me due to a staff shortage this week. When I described the scenario to him (Michael) he said that he was sorry that we'd experienced a problem and said he would be happy to help me with warranty service, if needed. He then asked if I had tried to disconnect and reconnect the amp to AC power. I said that I had only disconnected the AC power cord on the rear of the amp and not reconnected it to a power source. He said that we could have had a sudden spike in the power line to our home which triggered the incident and suggested that I try reconnecting and call him back. Hallelujah! It worked. I had thought of doing that myself, but didn't want to void our warranty, so was glad when Michael made that suggestion.

Now, the resf of the story. When I called Michael to let him know that the amp seemed to be operating fine, he was pleased. I thanked him for being so prompt and helpful, since we often only get to speak with a computer-driven recording. He shocked me by saying (again) that he was sorry that he couldn't get back to me sooner. Then, when I asked if I could share a complaint with him, he said "of course." My only complaint with this integrated amp has been the remote. It's a very cool, functional remote, but the letters and numerals on the buttons began fading and flaiking away within 60 days or so after we purchased it. He was shocked, and immediately asked for our address so that he could send us a new remote right away.

So, I highly recommend Audio Advisor and Cambridge Audio products, as well as their U. S. importer, Audio Plus Services.

And, of course, I'm grateful to Joe at AA and Michael at APS for their extraordinary service. How refreshing ... and rare.

Excellent!!!

Thanks Ron.

It can really be a pain in the ass finding a reputable dealer, especially online.

[Chris D]

Glad to hear you had the same great experience with Audio Advisor that I have had, Ron. (I've never had to call with a service question, but they've always been prompt and helpful with orders and inquiries.)

Through the years, I've bought through them an AMC CD player, Mission speakers, a bunch of accessories and the Record Doctor LP cleaning machine.

[jesus marion joseph]

That's great news, Ron. Usually one only hears horror stories about warranty service that's provided by third-party vendors.

[Monte Smith]

Great thread, Thorne.

Today at Costco, I bought a chicken pot pie, thirty dollars in lamb chops, two bundles of asparagus, and half a case of Red Truck wine. Now all that is going to taste good. But after the first barbecue of the season, the product that I will be turning to is another great deal I found at Costco:



Nothing kills more bad breath germs than Scope. Scope gets your breath clean and fresh so that you have the confidence to get close. Its minty tingle tastes great--not mediciny.

I wouldn't trust my rancid filthy mouth to anything else.

[jesus marion joseph]

Originally Posted by Monte Smith

I wouldn't trust my rancid filthy mouth to anything else.

An excerpt from "Monte Smith-The Post- College Years":

"...Smith's stab at advertising were short lived. The first account he worked on was "Scope" mouthwash, and he suggested that the firm retain outspoken celebrities (his initial suggestion was superstar trial lawyer Johnnie Cochran) for a series of print ads with the slogan "I wouldn't trust my filthy mouth to anything else!' To Smith's credit, the partners actually considered this idea for a few moments before suggesting that he not bother putting any personal effects in his new desk."

[Dr Dave]

Laura Lynn nonfat buttermilk, from the Ingles Supermarket chain, is really good, especially with bite-sized shredded wheat, and I've never needed warranty service.

[bluenoter]

Originally Posted by Ron Thorne

He said that we could have had a sudden spike in the power line to our home which triggered the incident and suggested that I try reconnecting and call him back.

Ron--

If you haven't already done so, I suggest that you plug your amp into a surge protector strip. (Buy one if necessary.) Then plug the surge protector strip directly into the wall. You can use the extra outlets on the strip for lamps, appliances that aren't part of the sound system (such as a vacuum cleaner), etc.

Glad that you had some pleasant surprises.

[Monte Smith]

Originally Posted by jesus marion joseph

An excerpt from "Monte Smith-The Post- College Years":

"...Smith's stab at advertising were short lived. The first account he worked on was "Scope" mouthwash....

Actually, my first pitch was for Riunite Lambrusco. But there, too, my unique approach went down in flames:



Riunite, it turns your shit green.®

[Ron Thorne]

Originally Posted by bluenoter

Ron--

If you haven't already done so, I suggest that you plug your amp into a surge protector strip. (Buy one if necessary.) Then plug the surge protector strip directly into the wall. You can use the extra outlets on the strip for lamps, appliances that aren't part of the sound system (such as a vacuum cleaner), etc.

Glad that you had some pleasant surprises.

Thanks, bluenoter. Actually, our amp and all other entertainment components were plugged into a surge protector power strip. However, just yesterday, Patti attended a computer workshop in which one topic was Aging Surge Protector Power Strips which can fail after only a few years of service. That was certainly news to me. Thankfully, our Cambridge Audio amp has a very sophisticated protection circuit, which obviously worked. We plan to buy a new power strip this weekend, however, for added protection for the remaining components.

Another reason I chose this particular amp was that it has an unusually long warranty for an amp in this price category -- three years, instead of the usual one year.

Originally Posted by Father Thorne

Thanks, bluenoter. Actually, our amp and all other entertainment components were plugged into a surge protector power strip. However, just yesterday, Patti attended a computer workshop in which one topic was Aging Surge Protector Power Strips which can fail after only a few years of service.

Also, and I know this likely doesn't apply to everyone, surge protector power strips are useless in a direct lightning strike. Having lived in Florida(the lightning capital of the world) for most of my life I was under the impression that these would protect against these types of strikes. But my best friend is an electrician and set me straight on the matter.

Sorry, I know it's a little useless info, but I thought I'd pass it along anyway.

Originally Posted by Father Thorne

Another reason I chose this particular amp was that it has an unusually long warranty for an amp in this price category -- three years, instead of the usual one year.

Ron, I have heard nothing but good things about CA amps. That three year warranty will likely be meaningless to you, and I hope it is!!!

I'm hoping to pick one up this year myself!

[Ron Thorne]

I just did a little research on the subject of surge protectors and felt I should share the following, which sounds like very solid advice, especially information contained in the 1st and 3rd paragraphs (my emphasis).

A good quality surge suppressor will cost anywhere from $20.00 to $100.00 and be "UL" listed. It should also feature an indicator light that tells you when the surge protection circuit is no longer functioning.

Now, when you start talking surge protection, you sometimes run across folks babbling about clamping voltages, response nanoseconds, and joule levels. Although that is a valid way to compare various surge protectors (and make the speaker look knowledgeable), not every protector gives you that info—and who's to say it's even accurate? Let's look at the "down and dirty" method of finding a good surge protector.

The easiest way to tell if you're getting a quality surge protector is to look at the "connected equipment" warranty. I like the ones that cover connected equipment for up to $15,000 or more. I figure it they are willing to risk 15K +, they're probably selling a good piece of equipment. If it doesn't have a connected equipment warranty, set it back on the shelf and keep a-walkin'

Sure, it's not as geeky as going into a computer store reciting clamping voltage figures, but for most people it will be every bit as effective.

~ Steve


Source: Worldstart.com

[bluenoter]

Ron--

I'm sorry, but IMO and in my experience, that $20-$100 price range is complete B.S. Go to your local office products superstore (not a drugstore) and buy one that's on the $20 end (or less). Almost all of them have an indicator light, and many of the low-priced ones have a "connected equipment" warranty. For your purpose, a low-priced one will do just fine.

Oy.........


I hate it when I'm forced to agree with Rita, but she is right on the money.

[Ron Thorne]

Sorry, Rita (and Scott), but on this subject we'll have to agree to disagree.

I'm neither totally ignorant of surge protectors nor interested in spending more money than necessary. Having said that, the author is not talking about a power indicator light, he's talking about an indicator which shows that the surge protection feature is still intact (or not) ... a completely different kettle of fish.

In my life experience, if you do your homework and aren't too impulsive and impatient, you usually get what you pay for. What I intend to pay for is protection, and if it costs me $40.00 to protect my thousands of dollars invested in audio/video components, so be it. If I can get one which seems adequate for less money, Father Thorne is no fool ... nor wealthy.

Wal-Mart, here I come.

[bluenoter]

Ron, I understood exactly what kind of indicator light was meant, and my advice stands (for you to take or leave). (Actually, my surge protector has both kinds of indicator lights. It's made of reddish pink translucent plastic, BTW! Both lights are still glowing strong after more than four years. I get lots of electric current vacillations in my ancient apartment building.)

I also understood that the author was talking about a surge protector, not a "plain" power strip.

I have to repeat my suggestion that you buy a surge protector at an office supplies superstore (or a computer products store, but then it would really be overpriced), not at a drugstore, a Wal-Mart, or any other "all-purpose" store. They carry shoddy brands in this sort of thing.

[clinthopson]

My 27 year old Pioneer 5 ways are starting to show their age. It sounds like I should talk to those Audio Advisor guys.

I've always thought that Montebaby smelled minty fresh.

[walto]

In 1987, due to a separation, I landed in half a two-family with stove having a broken oven and only one working burner. I moved out of that house over 10 years ago, but....

I've still got the item that saved my kitchen life--my Sharp Carousel II Microwave . It's now almost 20 years old, has gotten constant use, rarely gets cleaned, and not only the microwave and the convection continue to work perfectly, but even the moving parts that turn the base around in both directions, refuse to get gummed up or otherwise break. Nobody makes stuff like that, do they?

[EDIT: I'm a hell of any endorser, no? I got the name of the company wrong!]

[Dr Dave]

I have a Peavey Classic Chorus 130 guitar amp that I bought new in 1986. I have used it in clubs where you wouldn't let your dog piss, thrown it in the back of vans, hauled it in and out of people's basements, and generally shown it no mercy. It is sitting about three feet away from me right now, and it looks basically the same as the day I bought it. It is strong as a horse, painfully loud, and has never, ever given me a lick of trouble.

[moneyp]

Press N' Seal is the greatest invention in the history of great inventions.

[jesus marion joseph]

I've got a Yamaha component bookswhelf stereo system with a three disc cd player that me and the mrs. bought when we were still living in sin (our 10th anniversary is in June). We bought it from Tweeter, and bought an extended warranty, which we extended a couple of times. We had to send the cd player back for warranty service three or four times, but it has worked fine since the warranty ran out. It cost us about $800 new, and we probably would have paid more than that for the repairs if they were done out of warranty. For several years when we lived in our old apartment we had the TV hooked up to it. It has no subwoofer, but still puts out pretty good sound.

[Monte Smith]

I have a writer friend in New York who likes nothing better than to get high and conduct transactions. It really doesn't matter what the transaction is, he gets off on the potentiality inherent in Manhattan commerce and in the exacting manner of a commercial exchange. A thermal-printed receipt is like a prayer written in God's own hand to John when he is in this state. We may all scoff at the banality of a consumer society, but I agree with John that there is something pure in the infinite combination of small forces that allows a stoned dullard to walk into a Duane Reade and buy a lipstick, a halo around his features redolent of Adam Smith. In a hundred years, given all the chemicals in the world, John could never make a lipstick. If capitalism was fettered, or if John wasn't so high, that lipstick would just be a dream.