Hi Ronnie,

good points; well made (as usual). Coincidence ? That's a good question.

I/we understand well the stress at play here for both ourselves as customers and M as the mothership. We would all hate to see them join TAG in the graveyard of hi-fi - not least because we are up to our eyeballs in expensive kit that we hope to use for many years to come.

I think the investing partners have had an influence on things. That may be great 'cos it kept M afloat, but, the cosy relationship we've enjoyed is tested however in the process. I feel that - we all do to some extent.

I think it's a very fine line between constructive feedback (call it what we will) and just off-hand web whinging. You make a point above about saying what you say here to M directly when you have the chance. I know you do that and recall your questions at HH1 doing exactly that. I think it's altogether different when criticism gets personal and almost slanderous at times from people who would never...ever...say such things to M face 2 face. This is the point that Ian was making the other day when he was in rant-mode suggesting that HH2 is most unlikely.

M do read this forum (at least last time I chatted to them about it). Well made feedback is something they should and do respond to as far as I can tell. And that starts at the top with Bob. They have however scored own-goals recently (demo's etc) and continue to be weak in other areas well documented. That needs to be dealt with.

My concern about the mood of the forum is such that if I was a prospective M customer and popped into the board to see what was going on I'd probably run a mile. That can't be right as we are enjoying the best gear around. It's not balanced.

The HD621 lands this weekend for some lucky folk, yet, one of the 1st posts is entitled "HD621 issues". I think we all do have some responsibility to play our part without becoming sychophants....this will be googled for goodness sake. Issues well worth noting and tackling but the headlines aren't good nor representitive of the positive buzz of the new toy landing at last. (MarkH - I'm not picking on you specifically but hope you understand the point I try to make).

We do have our eternal optimist Chris though.

Rgds,
Nick