Hello Srajan, I just read a review on the Musician Monoceros preamplifier which sells for $1'770. That would seem to be right up your recent 'Chi-Fi' street, wouldn't it? Just in case you weren't aware of the brand yet. I'd love to see your take on it. The Polish reviewer clearly was very impressed. Diego Apian
I'm familiar with the brand, thank you, Diego. Musician solicited us many months back to review their first product, a discrete R2R DAC. I documented that interaction in earlier features including on darko.audio. It explains why I elected not to review their DAC. But you're right, it's very competitively priced product, looks to be very well made and based on this review and others, also performs very well. My misgivings were only about the company's communications. Those were between me and them so shouldn't concern you if the Monoceros or any other Musician product interests you. Srajan
Can I ask what about their communications turned you off? I can't find any of your other posts on the subject, sorry. Diego
To me the product looked very similar to another I was familiar with. So I asked direct questions about their IP. The answers were very evasive and eventually combative. I didn't think it boded well for customer service. If someone bought their product because of my review and then encountered similar responses, I'd feel very responsible. So I opted out of covering the brand. The 'Chi-Fi' I do cover like Denafrips, Jay's, Kinki, Linlai, Soundaware etc. all has Western-trained representation. That eliminates language barriers and unduly divergent product/service expectations. I feel 100% certain that if/when a customer should encounter any issue with these brands, they'd be sorted promptly and to their full satisfaction. When I have evidence to the contrary, I lose all interest. My time is precious. I only have so much of it. I'd rather cover brands where customer service isn't a known issue. Just conduct your own due Google diligence on the brand, then proceed as you see fit. That's all I have on the topic. Srajan
