New product launch?

[Damon]

This train has jumped the tracks in a big way. From 'new product' to AIR to farming production to Formula 1 and Parisienne product demonstrations. Holy crap-a-moley. We don't know what the announcement will be, but already Devialet is being kicked for anything they have done, or for any number of things some imagine they may or may do.

I accept that for some AIR has not delivered. But not for all, so the blanket statements about failure and customer support failings are failings of fact and reasoning. The cries of 'they didn't listen to me', or 'I'm having problems so everybody is having problems' just don't wash. And I'm also perfectly satisfied with the customer support I've received, and so are many others.

I have never diminished the problems that some users have with AIR or some other part of the product. But they are not universal problems: it fails on inductive reasoning; you can't extrapolate from the specific to the general and assume that your problem will be found everywhere. For the Nth time, I'll try and point your collective gaze to the Naim forum.... and I'll invite you to lather Naim with the same condemnation. Connectivity... UPnP apps.... dropouts.... 'no network found'.... 'no streamer found'..... Naim is a much bigger company and has been in business much longer than Devialet. Their list of peeved customers is substantial, even with a line of expensive products, serious research capacity and egotistical marketing and posturing. Even the lame but popular Sonos is not without issues. And I use a Sonos so I know how often it disappoints.

I'm happy that Devialet is sponsoring a Formula I team. I like it that they have not forgotten that show and presentation matter. It is excellent that dealers and distributors get an experience of Paris as well as my favourite audio product. I also know that death and dinner go hand in hand, so I'm not bothered by the menu. And I don't see how persons who have spent frickin' astounding amounts of money on audio equipment can criticize the spending choices of a small, innovative and young audio company.

I want them to keep developing and pushing new ideas. And most importantly, I still would not trade my D120 for any other box of tubes or transistors. Do I want them to put resources to fixing AIR? Yes, absolutely. But how on earth anyone can get on his (or her) high horse and assume they are not working on it is astounding. We have members here with a wide, wonderful range of experiences and backgrounds and yet, none of us is party to the corporate marketing or engineering strategy or resource allocation. Yet some assume they are doing nothing. What cheek, as the British might say.

Yes, some of their marketing is over the top, and much is lost in translation or at least comically distorted. Laugh and get over it. But scrutinize any number of ads for cars, or laundry detergent or toothpaste. Same story. Or try Donald Trump....

While some are throwing rosewater on the Kii or whatever, I'd say that Devialet has inspired quite a few imitators. And brought serious credibility back to the all-in-one integrated concept.

I don't want to make enemies of the friends I have on this forum. I'm not quoting anyone, or pointing my keyboard in any personal direction. I have spent considerable time revising this post so as to express myself without giving unusual offence. Likely, I've failed, and not for the first time. Oh well.