JCS123
Member
If I purchased a piece of equipment of any kind that claims to be made in the UK and I then found out that it was made in China, I would be pissed. It is nobody else's business what my reason for that is.
Why the Cloak and Dagger?
- Thread starter Michaels HiFi
- Start date
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #22
CPP
Active member
Agree, I want to know. At least let me know and let me chose to accept it or not regarding any purchase decisions..
CPP
Active member
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #25
Thank you for sharing. Yes - there is a a post there from Tannoy (supposedly) which states they are made in China. I think that is the same thread that I posted the screenshot from post #10 above.
I had posted a pic of that the other day asking the current distributor to help clarify as he posted on my YT page. He has not responded as of yet.
brad225
Active member
Post #15 was probably not necessary and maybe #20.
Im glad someone is touching on this... Ive experienced something similar with TAD, JBL and Hegel. None of them could tell me in which country a specific product was manufactured. This blew my mind, I finally had to look at a box of a JBL S9900 to see that its made in Indonesia. Its hidden in very small
print on a a single label... now how does the Distributor not know this??? You tell me!
print on a a single label... now how does the Distributor not know this??? You tell me!
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #28
And, I would argue the issue is compounded when they repeatedly claim and promote it being manufactured in a particular place as a selling point that influences purchasing decisions.
If it is indeed made where they proudly promote it being manufactured -note I didn't say assembled, then they should be proud to support that claim. It's such a very simple question that is triggered by multiple reports in the BBC and other outlets reporting something to the contrary. It's a different story if they didn't use the UK as a selling point, though to your point they still need to know and disclose if asked.
Also, the drivers were previously MANUFACTURED and the speakers ASSEMBLED in Scotland. Are the new drivers manufactured in China and speakers assembled in China? Are the new drivers manufactured in China and simply screwed into a cabinet in the UK? I personally am not going to pay the former UK pricing for a product that may now be manufactured in China and possibly simply screwed into a cabinet in the UK (If that is the case). Instead I'll buy Fyne Audio or others that are actually manufactured where they claim to be with the pricing that supports it.
I have no idea what may or may not be true. As a person that was looking to purchase and then decided against it due to all the conflicting info as I could not be sure what was true, I had a vested interest. I'm simply asking for the US distributor (who has STILL not replied to my questions on the comment he started on my video) or Tannoy to clarify. It's such a very easy, simple one sentence response that is needed. The only comment I have seen from Tannoy is the picture of their supposed response from the forum CPP also pointed out that stated made in China which appears to be contrary to what videos and websites from the former distributor claim. Note I say appear as I have no idea what may or may not be true and am simply asking questions that no one has yet answered.
HOWEVER, if they clarify that the info being promoted on the US web sites (and has been for years) that likely contributed to a major degree to purchasing decision is NOT correct (again, **IF**), then what does that lead to for next steps for people who purchased what they thought otherwise?
Why won't anyone simply answer the question clearly and unequivocally and why are some people so upset this question is being asked? If they don't care about this then don't read the thread.
Shadowfax
Active member
Most likely because they will lose sales and be unable to sell the backlog of units that "May" have been built in the UK.
crwilli
Member
Jim, I find the ‘ignore’ function on AS works well. 
Craig
CraigMr Peabody
Active member
I found this on Strata-Gee. I wonder why Tannoy didn't go with the other brands.
Upscale Distribution, a distributor of high-end, high-fidelity audio components that originated in association with Southern California retailer Upscale Audio, has announced that it is rebranding as Harmonia Distribution. The new brand is not just a new name, but rather a reflection of a changed mission and new, more independent direction for the company.
As part of this new business model, the company has named a new president who will guide the Harmonia Distribution down this new path.
Learn more about Upscale Distribution becoming the independent Harmonia Distribution
According to the announcement from the company, this rebranding “reflects a complete restructuring of the organization,” which it says will result in moving it “further away from the parent company’s retail operations.” Clearly signaling a declaration of independence of sorts, the announcement seems to signal the fact that a name change alone will not be enough…more changes are necessary.
To take the reins and drive this reconstituted distributor in a more independent direction, the company announced the appointment of David Schultz as President of the all-new Harmonia Distribution. Schultz, the company says, is a 23-year veteran of the high-end audio community.
I’m here to help dealers grow their business. I’m always thinking creatively about how brands and dealers can build the most synergistic relationships.
David Schultz, Harmonia Distribution President
David Schultz
Schultz is also said to be well-known for his dealer-centric approach and has a “proven winning track record at Transparent Cable, REL Acoustics, and most recently T+A Elektroakustik.”
In its new version, Harmonia Distribution is the North American distributor of PrimaLuna, Cabasse, and Feliks Audio. It is also the U.S. distributor of Pathos Acoustics and Sbooster.
While Harmonia remains a subsidiary of parent company Upscale Audio, Inc., the owner strongly asserts that President David Schultz “will run the distribution business completely independent of the retail side.” Dealers should expect improved contact and a whole new approach to running its business.
Harmonia, the company says, is the name of the Greek goddess of harmony and concord. This name was chosen for the rebranding in order to project “a spirit of positive cooperation” in which “the health of the dealers’ businesses always comes first” and where “all dealers are treated equitably.”
Harmonia is gearing up for some strong marketing initiatives, such as a website-based dealer locator for each of the brands it distributes. They will also be launching a YouTube channel offering information on distributed products with what the company says will be “a strong push for viewers to seek their local hi-fi store.
Learn more about Harmonia Distribution by visiting harmoniadistribution.com.
Upscale Distribution, a distributor of high-end, high-fidelity audio components that originated in association with Southern California retailer Upscale Audio, has announced that it is rebranding as Harmonia Distribution. The new brand is not just a new name, but rather a reflection of a changed mission and new, more independent direction for the company.
As part of this new business model, the company has named a new president who will guide the Harmonia Distribution down this new path.
Learn more about Upscale Distribution becoming the independent Harmonia Distribution
According to the announcement from the company, this rebranding “reflects a complete restructuring of the organization,” which it says will result in moving it “further away from the parent company’s retail operations.” Clearly signaling a declaration of independence of sorts, the announcement seems to signal the fact that a name change alone will not be enough…more changes are necessary.
To take the reins and drive this reconstituted distributor in a more independent direction, the company announced the appointment of David Schultz as President of the all-new Harmonia Distribution. Schultz, the company says, is a 23-year veteran of the high-end audio community.
I’m here to help dealers grow their business. I’m always thinking creatively about how brands and dealers can build the most synergistic relationships.
David Schultz, Harmonia Distribution President
David Schultz
Schultz is also said to be well-known for his dealer-centric approach and has a “proven winning track record at Transparent Cable, REL Acoustics, and most recently T+A Elektroakustik.”
In its new version, Harmonia Distribution is the North American distributor of PrimaLuna, Cabasse, and Feliks Audio. It is also the U.S. distributor of Pathos Acoustics and Sbooster.
While Harmonia remains a subsidiary of parent company Upscale Audio, Inc., the owner strongly asserts that President David Schultz “will run the distribution business completely independent of the retail side.” Dealers should expect improved contact and a whole new approach to running its business.
Harmonia, the company says, is the name of the Greek goddess of harmony and concord. This name was chosen for the rebranding in order to project “a spirit of positive cooperation” in which “the health of the dealers’ businesses always comes first” and where “all dealers are treated equitably.”
Harmonia is gearing up for some strong marketing initiatives, such as a website-based dealer locator for each of the brands it distributes. They will also be launching a YouTube channel offering information on distributed products with what the company says will be “a strong push for viewers to seek their local hi-fi store.
Learn more about Harmonia Distribution by visiting harmoniadistribution.com.
CPP
Active member
"" I wonder why Tannoy didn't go with the other brands."
Could it be that Tannoy is not apart of this business and its parent company Music Tribe has product distribution with AVL Media Group..
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #33
Pretty interesting update.
So this person started sending me threatening and VERY nasty messages today via FB and YT.
After digging around, it turns out she is closely involved with one of the parties who took exception to my video, and was fired from a previous party involved (as I've been told by TWO sources with direct knowledge).
Here are some screenshots from her FB page. How crazy is it that a distributor would align themselves with such a person?
NOTE: She is NOT currently affiliated with Upscale Audio or Harmonia Distribution. We know who she is affiliated with and they will be held accountable if she continues this as I know who it is.
So this person started sending me threatening and VERY nasty messages today via FB and YT.
After digging around, it turns out she is closely involved with one of the parties who took exception to my video, and was fired from a previous party involved (as I've been told by TWO sources with direct knowledge).
Here are some screenshots from her FB page. How crazy is it that a distributor would align themselves with such a person?
NOTE: She is NOT currently affiliated with Upscale Audio or Harmonia Distribution. We know who she is affiliated with and they will be held accountable if she continues this as I know who it is.
Honestly, for the last few years I'd assumed Tannoys had already switched to Chinese manufacture, and that this information was not being properly distributed (haha). I had no proof, just a "smell" test. About a year ago, in one of the Tannoy Facebook groups, someone posted a pic of what looked like gorgeous brand new pair of Tannoy alnico drivers (Canterbury GR), which came in boxes with Chinese markings all over them. To be fair, the drivers themselves looked legit - at least from what details could be seen via pics (wish I'd saved them). If they are made in China (which seems more certain by the day), I hope this is representative of the typical quality.
I'll be quite frank, the build quality of UK Tannoy cabinets was nothing to write home about. The outsides looked nice, but the insides and crossovers were often quite messy - glue, goo, and damping shoddily applied. Mostly serviceable but cheap parts. My Canterbury SE's always had various rattles from the "variable port" system. The DC drivers were always the beating heart of these speakers - that alone is what got me to open my wallet. There is quite literally a chance for MusicTribe to improve quality, even with Chinese production - IF they are willing to invest.
I'm a lifelong Tannoy fan, and always will be. I've got enough UK Tannoy speakers & drivers to last me a lifetime. Of course I respect the UK heritage, and this (presumed) move makes me sad in a way. However, it won't make me shun Tannoy, and I'm hopeful for good quality from their new production. However, the point that recent buyers may have been purchasing these speakers under false pretenses of "Made in UK" - somebody needs to be held to account for that! I had my suspicions, but...I'd best leave it at that.
And MichaelsMinute - what a horrible woman! I'm so sorry you have to deal with that.
I'll be quite frank, the build quality of UK Tannoy cabinets was nothing to write home about. The outsides looked nice, but the insides and crossovers were often quite messy - glue, goo, and damping shoddily applied. Mostly serviceable but cheap parts. My Canterbury SE's always had various rattles from the "variable port" system. The DC drivers were always the beating heart of these speakers - that alone is what got me to open my wallet. There is quite literally a chance for MusicTribe to improve quality, even with Chinese production - IF they are willing to invest.
I'm a lifelong Tannoy fan, and always will be. I've got enough UK Tannoy speakers & drivers to last me a lifetime. Of course I respect the UK heritage, and this (presumed) move makes me sad in a way. However, it won't make me shun Tannoy, and I'm hopeful for good quality from their new production. However, the point that recent buyers may have been purchasing these speakers under false pretenses of "Made in UK" - somebody needs to be held to account for that! I had my suspicions, but...I'd best leave it at that.
And MichaelsMinute - what a horrible woman! I'm so sorry you have to deal with that.
JCS123
Member
Exhibit "A" for why I don't go anywhere near the Facebook and other social media cesspools.
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #36
And it's interesting to see how dirty some of these dealers and distributers are the more I uncover.
Ricky64
New member
Isn't all of this already known, and why Fyne Audio came into being in the first place?
Mr Peabody
Active member
This is from TAS and several other sources can be found with a simple internet search showing same date and info:
October 7, 2019 – Tannoy has appointed Upscale Distribution as its exclusive Hi-Fi distribution partner covering the USA and Canada.
Operating from La Verne, California since 2003, Upscale Distribution has supplied North American dealers with the best in consumer high-fidelity electronics. Through the production of original content to drive consumer demand and the invention of unique go-to-market models, Upscale is innovating audio distribution.
Upscale is dedicated to providing high fidelity music systems and currently represents PrimaLuna, Pathos Acoustics, Feliks Audio, Kiseki, and Sbooster brand products. Upscale will carry the full Tannoy lifestyle range with immediate effect.
Craig Hoffman, Vice President, Upscale Distribution comments “Too many loudspeaker brands today sound alike. Tannoy offers our dealers and consumers a unique sound that isn’t available anywhere else. Consumers throughout North America can
now visit their local dealer and truly experience ‘The Voice of the Artist’. Upscale is thrilled to represent such a storied brand
as Tannoy.”
Tannoy head of sales for Tannoy lifestyle, Nigel Toates adds” We are very pleased to establish this partnership with Upscale. The move reflects our renewed commitment to the North American market and will provide us with greater market insight, to deliver an improved service to our partners and customers.”
For more information on Upscale Distribution –
October 7, 2019 – Tannoy has appointed Upscale Distribution as its exclusive Hi-Fi distribution partner covering the USA and Canada.
Operating from La Verne, California since 2003, Upscale Distribution has supplied North American dealers with the best in consumer high-fidelity electronics. Through the production of original content to drive consumer demand and the invention of unique go-to-market models, Upscale is innovating audio distribution.
Upscale is dedicated to providing high fidelity music systems and currently represents PrimaLuna, Pathos Acoustics, Feliks Audio, Kiseki, and Sbooster brand products. Upscale will carry the full Tannoy lifestyle range with immediate effect.
Craig Hoffman, Vice President, Upscale Distribution comments “Too many loudspeaker brands today sound alike. Tannoy offers our dealers and consumers a unique sound that isn’t available anywhere else. Consumers throughout North America can
now visit their local dealer and truly experience ‘The Voice of the Artist’. Upscale is thrilled to represent such a storied brand
as Tannoy.”
Tannoy head of sales for Tannoy lifestyle, Nigel Toates adds” We are very pleased to establish this partnership with Upscale. The move reflects our renewed commitment to the North American market and will provide us with greater market insight, to deliver an improved service to our partners and customers.”
For more information on Upscale Distribution –
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Yes.
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #40
It continues to be marketed as "Designed and Manufactured in the UK" on certain official web sites which I have captured screenshots of.
Videos were put on YT by distributors claiming manufactured in the UK.
I just received a picture of a Tannoy speaker that says "Designed in the UK, Made in China".
People can assume whatever they want, but the official word does not seem to line up with reality. With people making buying decisions based on it being marketed as continuing to be manufactured in the UK, if this is not the case it opens up potential legal issues.
Interesting to see some people annoyed this is being discussed. Makes you wonder why.