Angie's Blog

So Martin Logan is in Future Shop!

Just my thoughts about the latest buzz going around.

This is an eventual route that audio marketers need to take. What do I mean?

The small independents, such as myself, cannot hope to sell the volume that a manufactures needs to survive. The sales volume is a facture in determining the price attached to the product. If fewer are sold, then the price will remain high and if you look at the price of the speakers today, the price is not too high but affordable in the High End world today. The other choice is to sell fewer, charge more money and stay with the specialty store. They have made a choice. Having said that, there are still small independent stores that can still sell the product at competitive prices.

Another thing about products like Martin Logan being in a box-type store or Online store for that matter, is that they expose the products to a larger audience, people who would never know something like this exists. As an audiophile or not why should products not be available to all. Are we/you special, don’t we want more people to be exposed to better audio so we can share our passion, our hobby and have more people to talk audio to.

After 32 years in this industry and loving what I do, I have always shared even the super high end gear with my clientele, knowing that they could not or would not ever spend money at this level. But years later I have seen the same people come in that remember years later the sound that still remains in their head. “I am now ready to get my last system and I want to feel the music that I remember listening to years ago.” is what I hear from them.

The industry talks about the next generation, will there be any audiophiles to speak of. Well, if we want to sustain the audio market and have audio stores around, we need to expose this generation to what is out there. Where are they buying the first system? The reality is they do already shop at stores like, Future Shop, Best Buy and other such stores. So, if they are there anyway, lets have them trip over the more expense gear and experience it, to at least let them think about it. It may not be obtainable now, but when they move forward to a higher paying job or just a job they are now aware that such things exists.

To sum up, the future of audio in its 2 channel form is very limited and shrinking, so if we want to have our audio toys and have manufactures stay in business to create even more exciting gear we need to widen our clientele base.

OK, where does that leave dealers like me, the small independent, well our customers will bring in their new friend who wants to know more about audio and buy from a store that can steer them the right way with equipment that best suits them. Our value will only be in more demand because the customer will want to buy from a guy that is on the same page as himself, passionate and desiring the right gear for himself. Our experience is a product, which is more valuable than the product itself. Answers to questions, we will have that, but will the Big Box store?

Just my thoughts -
Angie

August 17,2009.

I received some sad news today from Nizar, as many know him from May Audio, that Alice, his wife had passed away on the weekend. Alice was a high energy and determined business woman in this industry but she succumbed to her long illness. For years she had been by Nizar’s side with a shared vision and focus in the audio world. She put up a brave fight to stay alive but now it is time to take a rest. You will be missed Alice. Loved by so many.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Nizar’s family and relatives.

Angie and the Team.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of David Stephen of dCS. He left us suddenly on February 21st.

David’s original thinking was a great influence in the High End audio community, raising every aspect of digital technology to the highest level.

We will remember him as a loving family man and a friend who will be deeply missed.

Love and condolences from all of us.

Angie and Staff.

Fire devastates Queen St.

As many of you know my grass roots in this industry were on Queen St.

I spent 15 years working with Paul at National Sound with many others through the years.

On Feb 20 a fierce fire destroyed many historical buildings along Queen at Portland, just east of Bathurst, consuming businesses like Duke’s bicycle shop and National Sound. As I watched the news channels showing the fire blazing through these buildings and seeing people on the street who have just lost their home I could only think of the way Queen Street neighbors look after each other. They will come through this however bad it looks but they will need some help.

I had flashes of when I was one of them and the way it feels to be part of a multi- cultural, multi racial community. For this reason I felt that I should reach out somehow, if only to make others realize that life on Queen Street is not what you read about from people who don’t live there, from people who don’t understand the life style that exists on the streets. Some of it was seen on TV with the interviews that took place on the street from store owners who had just watched their buildings go down and their customers, typically just the average Queen Street, downtown people. Help is there, however short or little but it is there.

The local community comes together.

I hope the character stays the same, that the community does not change so much that we end up causing more confusion and devastation.

As for National Sound and Paul, I am sure he will come through as the tremendous number of sincere calls I have taken from customers, vendors and ex-employees who have extended their help and asking, “anything I can do?” The shared memories of some customers amazed me; “I remember when you and Paul were on Queen Street and I purchased my first amp from you when I was 13 years old.”

Stories that took me down memory lane and how much music has touched them, so much so that they remember not only the store but the persons whom they purchased from. The warm condolences were amazing and comforting.

Employees from 20 years ago, calling asking how they can help, Vendors, some of which have lost their inventory in the fire, extending their help.

National Sound has touched many through the years, all through the equipment that makes music.

My grass roots experiences on Queen Street were carried over to Richmond Hill but my past flashed before me watching the News.

It is people like Paul Jilek that has put us on the path of Audio and many of which are still in the business or still in the pursuit of good music. We, including myself, should thank Paul of National Sound and encourage Paul to move forward with what he knows best, from needles for you old gramophones to speakers to complete your sound system. Old fashion maybe but still for the love of sound, National Sound.

Yes, it is amazing that someone would not have his business insured but this is the case. With the support of family and friends we will see Paul Jilek continue in the audio industry, hopefully soon.

Thanks for all the lovely phone calls and the stories and know that it was forwarded to Paul, all of which has encouraged and given him strength to move forward.

I will post progress as soon as it becomes available.

Angie

UPDATE: (March 23, 2008)
PAUL WILL BE OPENING HIS NEW STORE AT 644 QUEEN ST. WEST VERY SOON NOW!
I WILL POST THE GRAND OPENING DATE WHEN A FIRM DATE IS DECIDED.

UPDATE: (November 4, 2008)
Paul is now open and still on Queen Street. He is also Celebrating 40 years in the Audio Industry. I am sure he would love to see some of his customers drop in and say “Hi”, or just give a call. Congratulations Paul and many more. – Angie

Well, after 31 years in this industry I believe I have earned my stripes to put some issues on the line. All my thoughts following are sincere and well intended.

Now over 31 years in this industry, my passion for audio has not diminished and that in itself amuses and makes me a very lucky person: I love to come to work! But what brings me to write this is that this industry needs to survive to care for those who have been at it for a long time or those who have just joined us on the journey. Sometimes it’s about owning a piece of equipment that you have aimed to own for years. For others it may be simply to own a ’statement’ piece of equipment. The most common dilemma for a customer is what do I want and is this what I need and where should I buy it? Obviously, all these questions cannot be answered properly on the internet!

A trusted dealer will take you through these important steps: Is what you want is what you need to achieve your desired level. In our experience, a customer’ wants can be way too high to meet his target or are you asking the impossible of chosen gear. A dealer or his staff (her staff, in our case) who is not after a fast, indifferent sale is offering a customer an invaluable service: on who will suggest exactly what you need tailored as close as possible to your budget and life style.

On the subject of budgets and prices. A legitimate, stocking dealer is all too aware of the market forces and prices his merchandise accordingly. “We lose money on every sale but we make it on the volume,” is an old vaudeville line and not a staying-in-business plan. We charge every customer, new or old, a fair and reasonable price in order to stay in business for.. let’s see.. another 31 years.

When a customer does find who takes enough interest to figure out what you’re hoping for, then listen up. You need your Dealer to guide you but do not abuse this trust. When you find an assistant in the store and you click and you are on the same page, you will probably end up with something that best suites you. But all this effort can be squashed when you pound him down on the price. Does it matter if you are happy with what you have auditioned. Most dealers are fair with the price and after all they do want your business, today and down the road. Perhaps you will even bring your friends to share the same great experience.

I want to say to some, Don’t shop here if you are expecting to get 20% off or just shop price. In most cases I have found that people are usually trying to save money rather than ask-Is this the right piece of equipment for me?

So you get the price and find that you had wished that you had not purchased it. Now what have you created? As my dad said to me, “Were you there when it happened?”

Please don’t shop here if the price is your main incentive.

You need to enjoy the journey you are on, have fun and you will find that magic you are looking for. You want to say to yourself, I have never imagined that I could get that sound. So in closing I will say, give the salesman your ideas of an audio system or home theater that your research has lead you to and let him take you there. Trust that you are getting a fair price, just ask. Finally, take home what makes you happy. Passion will guide you, so don’t force it. Thanks to all for letting me share this with you.

Angie
Owner
American Sound of Canada Inc.

Your feedback will be appreciated and perhaps more postings will follow.

Ok, it is time to talk a little about what is happening with the US /Canadian dollar.

I will tell you that most stores are adjusting their prices where possible. By this I mean, if our costs, quoted in U.S. dollars, remain unchanged then we can sell at a price equal to the U.S. However, some manufactures are increasing their price to distributors and retailers because their costs have gone up as they pay their suppliers with U.S. dollars, the value of which has declined around the world. Also, note that costs of metals and other basic materials have increased. Hence, price parity with the United States can only be determined on a case-by-case item. For other imports such as those from England, France and elsewhere, taxes and duty, packing and freight are unchanged and are significant factors in landed costs.

Dealers do want to sell products and service their customers and are not looking to take anyone for a ride. Remember that we all need to be happy, you the customer and the dealer. I, of course, speak about Audio Gear, not clothing, cars computers or appliances. I would recommend you take advantage of the great prices and buy the next model up: as you know that had cost up to 50% more, but not now. I would encourage Canadians to buy on Canadian soil. It just makes sense that if you are investing significant dollars in a product you really need to protect yourself with local service and support. Warranties are not usually available in Canada on items purchased elsewhere, which means, should something go wrong, further costs to ship and have customs papers prepared for cross boarder shipments. Taking into account the initial purchase price, plus shipping and duty, an item may not be the bargain it seems to be. Do you really have time or does it really save you anything?

In closing I would say enjoy the ride with this currency boon and know that retailers in Canada want to do business with you. We will all benefit.

Thanks,

Angie
Owner of American Sound of Canada
Your feedback is appreciated.
email me: angie@americansound.com