(From a letter sent to us)
"Jack Daniels". A name synonymous with style, taste and the best quality money can buy at that price - point. Or is it? I personally know of at least 2 Bourbons of similar price that are far superior to "No7". But with superb marketing skills, JD has created a perception amongst consumers of superiority. And some of the biggest brands in the world have achieved this by the same strategy. But in order to do this, you need a good product and lots of money!
To my knowledge, hardly any SA hi-fi brands are well known, overseas or even locally, for that matter! Does that mean home made isn't any good? Those of us fortunate and open-minded enough to have tried locally manufactured hi-fi gear against the NAD's and Rotels of this world have realised that, not only do we have local products that easily surpass these big hi-fi names, our products can compete against much more esoteric brands. Only, off course, at much better prices!!
I am the lucky owner of a pair Eminent Technology LFT 8 speakers, a planar hybrid design. The ET's are considered to be something of a bargain in the world of hi-end hi-fi. If, according to the several happy discerning owners, you can provide it with " plenty good, clean amplification".
I have found the perfect partner for my beloved ET's in the Valve Audio's Predator! On manufacturer Schalk Havenga's recommendation he exchanged the valves (for EH), and the coupling caps ( for Hovland). WOW! I now spend several hours daily listening to music! ( not hi-fi )
I have also come to realise that others, fortunate enough to have made this kind of discovery, stick with the VA range when upgrading??..this says it all. In fact the VA Exclame 100 was recently compared by an on-line us reviewer very favorably with the Naim Nait 5 - a legend of British hi-fi! Off course there are a number of other SA hi-fi brands ( ISIS. Maestro, Sonor, et al ) that also provide a quality vs money ratio far superior to most imported NAMES. Unfortunately only for us open-minded types though?
It would be nice for other owners of proudly SA hi-fi gear to respond to this. Come on guys, let's get these manufacturers the recognition, praise and financial success they richly deserve! Not only do we have these guys providing us with great products they do so with great service and integrity!
Thanks
Werner Truter
Cape Town
"Jack Daniels". A name synonymous with style, taste and the best quality money can buy at that price - point. Or is it? I personally know of at least 2 Bourbons of similar price that are far superior to "No7". But with superb marketing skills, JD has created a perception amongst consumers of superiority. And some of the biggest brands in the world have achieved this by the same strategy. But in order to do this, you need a good product and lots of money!
To my knowledge, hardly any SA hi-fi brands are well known, overseas or even locally, for that matter! Does that mean home made isn't any good? Those of us fortunate and open-minded enough to have tried locally manufactured hi-fi gear against the NAD's and Rotels of this world have realised that, not only do we have local products that easily surpass these big hi-fi names, our products can compete against much more esoteric brands. Only, off course, at much better prices!!
I am the lucky owner of a pair Eminent Technology LFT 8 speakers, a planar hybrid design. The ET's are considered to be something of a bargain in the world of hi-end hi-fi. If, according to the several happy discerning owners, you can provide it with " plenty good, clean amplification".
I have found the perfect partner for my beloved ET's in the Valve Audio's Predator! On manufacturer Schalk Havenga's recommendation he exchanged the valves (for EH), and the coupling caps ( for Hovland). WOW! I now spend several hours daily listening to music! ( not hi-fi )
I have also come to realise that others, fortunate enough to have made this kind of discovery, stick with the VA range when upgrading??..this says it all. In fact the VA Exclame 100 was recently compared by an on-line us reviewer very favorably with the Naim Nait 5 - a legend of British hi-fi! Off course there are a number of other SA hi-fi brands ( ISIS. Maestro, Sonor, et al ) that also provide a quality vs money ratio far superior to most imported NAMES. Unfortunately only for us open-minded types though?
It would be nice for other owners of proudly SA hi-fi gear to respond to this. Come on guys, let's get these manufacturers the recognition, praise and financial success they richly deserve! Not only do we have these guys providing us with great products they do so with great service and integrity!
Thanks
Werner Truter
Cape Town
