Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Discussion: A brief notice regarding recent forum changes

The classified section for private sales isn't changing. Browse to your heart's content; and there will still be a ton of stuff from the Premium Partners.

Reuben and others will sell via eBay and are not hard to contact.

Lack of Meridian involvement in the forum has drawn criticism for years.

As Nick has highlighted, these decisions were not taken lightly. On balance, it was felt that having Meridian on board (directly or indirectly via select Premium Partners) will serve the forum members better in the long term.

As I said previously, I totally get your rationale for doing it, just posting my initial thoughts on it.

If we posted a 'want to buy' (WTB: ) in the restaurant, would it be acceptable for the independent dealers to contact us?
Tim

That's cool gIzzE. And only on this forum would this thread's posters be so civil. I've read some truly horrendous stuff on other forums recently.

Via PM, absolutely. Just no negotiations in public.

On another audio forum I have seen premium dealers and independent dealers coexisting peacefully side by side.

With a clear difference in expertise offered, both on the forum, as well as (more importantly) outside the forum, radiating back in.

Of course there is then also a clear price difference between premium and independent dealers. With a difference in associated service. I.e. need to install yourself with some remote help versus full installation done on site.

It is very clear for everyone visiting the forum what the difference is in service and thus in pricing. With everyone making the choice for what suits them.

What I don't understand is why the premium dealers need the incentive of the removal of the independent dealers to start sharing their wisdom? If they have a good offering, people will be willing to pay the premium for their expertise and service, no problem. They had plenty of opportunity to show their service and expertise, but I have not seen it.

Not a strong move from where I am sitting. Don't try to squash the competition, make sure your offering is better.

Anyway, up to the premium retailers and Meridian itself to prove that this was a good move. Looking forward to a clear and visible information and support influx as well as some good deals on the forum!

Sorry, but I'm against the effective removal of Reuben and K4pog.

Will I leave the forum in disgust? Of course not. They do however perform an important function the premium sellers (understandably) can't. By not being able to advertize I feel that the prices they are able to offer or bid will be compromized. Have I ever dealt with either? No, but I've had discussions.

Is there no way to allow them some more overt presence, or is this a condition of the tighter tie-in with mothership?

I'd like to think this change, maybe with encouragement from M, would result in some US dealers becoming active here. Just a hope, that's all.

Seems to me that having Meridian more involved with the forum should be a good thing, to remove Reuben and K4POG and others I can not recall at this time seems to be very heavy handed? I have delt with Reuben several times and always had excellent service and I am sure I am not alone? I see now that premium partners are expected to contribute to the support and problem solving on the forum and not just advertise when they have goods for sale, I can only think of two! One who really steps up and that is Rick at Audio Images. Things may be quiet for a while.

Interesting times

Russ

Wise words indeed Roving Gecko.
Making up for past HH forum indiscretions should not lead to loss of independence / independents.

It is up to Meridian to ensure a level playing field. Market manipulation in whatever form will be recognised as such, with the possible consequent negative effect on brand loyalty.
Personally my spend on M by value over the last 3 years has been 68% Premium Partners, 32% independents.

Maybe to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds was not such a bad idea.
The customer has the choice and looks for value related to their level of competence.
The Jury is Out, but I am certain that market forces will prevail.

Hector

This is in my personal view a retrograde step.

I purchased my first Meridian kit 20 years and 15 years ago, all from official dealers. 5 years ago the forum helped me back into buying Meridian equipment. I purchased an MC200 and MS200 from Premium partners, and speakers from Reuben. Buying in this way made the process affordable. Now, having appreciated the DSP sound, I'd like a pair of 7200.2 and will buy them one day.

I am just about to buy my son a pair of DSP5000, which he desires after hearing mine bought from Reuben. Another future customer is born.

This process of rebuilding familiarity with Meridian would just never have happened for me without the interim step of independent dealers.

There is another aspect to consider, and that is used product pricing. A healthy and transparent trade in second hand Meridian gear gives me the confidence to purchase, knowing the purchase will retain a certain value if I later upgrade. Independent dealers play an important part in this process as I was offered a six month guarantee when buying my first DSP speakers. I believe we all (including Meridian itself and the Premium Partners) benefit from an open and clearly accessible second hand market.

Mat

What assurances did you receive that the Premium Partners would actually make a contribution to the forum in exchange for an exclusive in the Restaurant? It seems like Rick at AudioImages is the only dealer to have done so in the past.