Thread: Why the Cloak and Dagger?

Interesting update in the last 24 hours after I posted this video. Tannoy US distribution appears to no longer be with Upscale and has moved to Rhythm Distribution.

What HAPPENED to TANNOY??? Hifi High End Audio Disaster - YouTube

My friend bought a set of Tannoy nearly a year or so ago. I forget the model. They are really top build quality.

It would be interesting to know why the change in distributorship.

I agree it shouldn't be a big deal just to say where your product is built. Maybe parts come from China and construction in UK, could be all is in China or some other country. Who knows unless they say.

My impression was you may have tried too hard to make the issue. You said something to the effect that others like you were waiting to buy. Could you back that up if challenged?

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

My friend bought a set of Tannoy nearly a year or so ago. I forget the model. They are really top build quality.

It would be interesting to know why the change in distributorship.

I agree it shouldn't be a big deal just to say where your product is built. Maybe parts come from China and construction in UK, could be all is in China or some other country. Who knows unless they say.

My impression was you may have tried too hard to make the issue. You said something to the effect that others like you were waiting to buy. Could you back that up if challenged?

Thanks for watching.

I agree it would be very interesting to know after all these years why Tannoy decided to move. Especially to WHOM they did - that is a massive shocker. That really has people "in the know" whispering.

I just watched the video. Very interesting. But the video comments from former VP’s at Tannoy and new distributor are very revealing.

I guess KD is no longer the distributor if I’m reading this correct? No love lost for me with him I’ll tell you that much. I could tell you stories. Was this a former UA employee who started a new company and took the line? Wowser. That’s like a soap opera! Kharma is a bitch.

Anyway, it seems like you’ve hit on quite the story by doing some good research. I’ll have to find the original documents you reference. I was honestly unaware of the entire situation.

I wonder what is going to happen to all that inventory here in the US?

When I was a Tannoy dealer, it was handled by a rep firm out of Florida. I forget their name. I enjoyed my Canterbury GR’s and I loved Paul’s Westies. But haven’t really kept up with the brand since finding Fyne at HiFi Deluxe in Munich a few years back (long before they became a known brand here in the US).


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Originally Posted by Mike

I just watched the video. Very interesting. But the video comments from former VP’s at Tannoy and new distributor are very revealing.

I guess KD is no longer the distributor if I’m reading this correct? No love lost for me with him I’ll tell you that much. I could tell you stories. Was this a former UA employee who started a new company and took the line? Wowser. That’s like a soap opera! Kharma is a bitch.

Anyway, it seems like you’ve hit on quite the story by doing some good research. I’ll have to find the original documents you reference. I was honestly unaware of the entire situation.

I wonder what is going to happen to all that inventory here in the US?

When I was a Tannoy dealer, it was handled by a rep firm out of Florida. I forget their name. I enjoyed my Canterbury GR’s and I loved Paul’s Westies. But haven’t really kept up with the brand since finding Fyne at HiFi Deluxe in Munich a few years back (long before they became a known brand here in the US).


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Thank Mike.

VERY interesting that although others "in the know" have reached out, not a single one has yet to answer the very simple, basic question.

I also uncovered that the biggest Tannoy dealer in the US has on his web site "Skillfully handcrafted in the U.K.," and "Designed and manufactured in the U.K." yet no one - not even former employees of Tannoy - can seem to tell us where. Although they did share a factory in China.

I would think simply stating where this mythical manufacture and production plant is in the UK after all these years would be a very simple thing to do.

Fyne Audio is the New Tannoy

Originally Posted by Shadowfax

Fyne Audio is the New Tannoy

For sure.

Am simply asking for transparency on the claims made by Tannoy and the distributors. BBC and other news outlets reported on the closing of the factory. I'm simply enquiring.

I would think if a product is in fact still manufactured in the UK, they would be proud to state that unequivocally and answer the BBC report I quoted as the plant having been closed. It's a very simple question that has a very simple yes or no answer.

From What Hi-Fi Magazine:


"The news that Tannoy’s parent company, Music Group, plans to close the company’s factory in Coatbridge, Scotland, and move production to a new facility in Zhongshan, China, is the latest blow to hi-fi manufacturing in the UK. 70 employees are likely to lose their jobs and marketing activities will be moved to Music Group’s Innovation Centre in Manchester."

There seems to be a lack of consistency in what is being stated.


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Interesting....


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Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

For sure.

Am simply asking for transparency on the claims made by Tannoy and the distributors. BBC and other news outlets reported on the closing of the factory. I'm simply enquiring.

I would think if a product is in fact still manufactured in the UK, they would be proud to state that unequivocally and answer the BBC report I quoted as the plant having been closed. It's a very simple question that has a very simple yes or no answer.

Personally, I don't understand what "the problem" is here.

Where a loudspeaker, amp, premp, DAC, whatever, is made has virtually no bearing, influence, effect, etc. whatsoever, on how it performs or sounds. The only key things that drives functionality and the quality of an audo product is...HOW it is designed, manufactured, and the quality of parts and materials it is made from.

If folks think that an audio product manufactured in the UK is than "better" somewhere else, well, as a 6S Master Black Belt, my request would be: "Show me the data".

Here's the bottom line: if you build two "units" of specific product, say a loudspeaker, one in the UK, and one in Asia, with the same exact design, the same exact parts, the same exact manufacturing process capability (aka Cp/Cpk), assembly tolerances, manufacturing operator expertise, and inspected with the same exact QC/QA procedures, they will sound...IDENTICAL.

So...what I'd like to see, then, is the manufacturing process Cp/Cpk data and control charts that supports with statistically valid data that products manufactured to the specifications I've described above in different geographical regions are "different" with respect to their quality.

The bottom lne is: It doesn't matter WHERE these products are made, only HOW.

Physics works the same way everywhere.

It is not bound by geographical constraints.

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Personally, I don't understand what "the problem" is here.

Where a loudspeaker, amp, premp, DAC, whatever, is made has virtually no bearing, influence, effect, etc. whatsoever, on how it performs or sounds. The only key things that drives functionality and the quality of an audo product is...HOW it is designed, manufactured, and the quality of parts and materials it is made from.

If folks think that an audio product manufactured in the UK is than "better" somewhere else, well, as a 6S Master Black Belt, my request would be: "Show me the data".

Here's the bottom line: if you build two "units" of specific product, say a loudspeaker, one in the UK, and one in Asia, with the same exact design, the same exact parts, the same exact manufacturing process capability (aka Cp/Cpk), assembly tolerances, manufacturing operator expertise, and inspected with the same exact QC/QA procedures, they will sound...IDENTICAL.

So...what I'd like to see, then, is the manufacturing process Cp/Cpk data and control charts that supports with statistically valid data that products manufactured to the specifications I've described above in different geographical regions are "different" with respect to their quality.

The bottom lne is: It doesn't matter WHERE these products are made, only HOW.

Physics works the same way everywhere.

It is not bound by geographical constraints.

It may be an Ethical decision. Not everyone wants to contribute to China's economy if they don't have to.

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Personally, I don't understand what "the problem" is here.

Where a loudspeaker, amp, premp, DAC, whatever, is made has virtually no bearing, influence, effect, etc. whatsoever, on how it performs or sounds. The only key things that drives functionality and the quality of an audo product is...HOW it is designed, manufactured, and the quality of parts and materials it is made from.

If folks think that an audio product manufactured in the UK is than "better" somewhere else, well, as a 6S Master Black Belt, my request would be: "Show me the data".

Here's the bottom line: if you build two "units" of specific product, say a loudspeaker, one in the UK, and one in Asia, with the same exact design, the same exact parts, the same exact manufacturing process capability (aka Cp/Cpk), assembly tolerances, manufacturing operator expertise, and inspected with the same exact QC/QA procedures, they will sound...IDENTICAL.

So...what I'd like to see, then, is the manufacturing process Cp/Cpk data and control charts that supports with statistically valid data that products manufactured to the specifications I've described above in different geographical regions are "different" with respect to their quality.

The bottom lne is: It doesn't matter WHERE these products are made, only HOW.

Physics works the same way everywhere.

It is not bound by geographical constraints.

Hi Steve - if you think this is simply about a product possibly made in China, you are missing the entire point.

"Physics works the same way everywhere." - Respectfully, not every conversation has to do with physics.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Hi Steve - if you think this is simply about a product possibly made in China, you are missing the entire point.

"Physics works the same way everywhere." - Respectfully, not every conversation has to do with physics.

Well then, if this post is not regarding how the speaker sounds, rather it is because of where it is made, then the thread is political and has no place in this forum.

Originally Posted by still-one

Well then, if this post is not regarding how the speaker sounds, rather it is because of where it is made, then the thread is political and has no place in this forum.

LOL. What a moron.

Originally Posted by still-one

Well then, if this post is not regarding how the speaker sounds, rather it is because of where it is made, then the thread is political and has no place in this forum.

The basis to the thread was about the manufacturer moving where the speakers were built and not disclosing that.

Originally Posted by brad225

The basis to the thread was about the manufacturer moving where the speakers were built and not disclosing that.

Exactly.

To advertise and say they are made in Scotland when you KNOW they are not, is completely dishonest. Now, if they were lying to the distributor too, then that’s another story, but I doubt it.

Pretty easy to tell where they are made because when you’re the distributor for a product, you must clear them through US customs from their origination point. So, to say otherwise, when you know damn well it’s somewhere else, is completely dishonest.

Again, I could tell you all stories….

Dirty, dishonest.


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Originally Posted by brad225

The basis to the thread was about the manufacturer moving where the speakers were built and not disclosing that.

Post 12 and most likely 13 are surely "NOT" about the disclosure.

Originally Posted by still-one

Post 12 and most likely 13 are surely "NOT" about the disclosure.

Sure they are. If a company cannot tell me where they make their product, I may not want to buy it for whatever reason. And post 13 was a response to the quoted's Bottom Line statement

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

LOL. What a moron.

What I'd expect from a Youtube wannabee.

Originally Posted by JCS123

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.

BINGO

I won't even get into the possible legal issues this raises IF TRUE.

Originally Posted by Shadowfax

Sure they are. If a company cannot tell me where they make their product, I may not want to buy it for whatever reason. And post 13 was a response to the quoted's Bottom Line statement

Agree, I want to know. At least let me know and let me chose to accept it or not regarding any purchase decisions..

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

BINGO

I won't even get into the possible legal issues this raises IF TRUE.

Found this on a forum back early this year, same concerns.
Tannoy production? | The WAM

Originally Posted by CPP

Found this on a forum back early this year, same concerns.
Tannoy production? | The WAM

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.

Originally Posted by still-one

Post 12 and most likely 13 are surely "NOT" about the disclosure.

Post #15 was probably not necessary and maybe #20.

Originally Posted by dznutz

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!

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.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

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.

Most likely because they will lose sales and be unable to sell the backlog of units that "May" have been built in the UK.

Jim, I find the ‘ignore’ function on AS works well. 😁 Craig

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

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.

"" 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..

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.


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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.

Originally Posted by JCS123

Exhibit "A" for why I don't go anywhere near the Facebook and other social media cesspools.

And it's interesting to see how dirty some of these dealers and distributers are the more I uncover.

Originally Posted by mulveling

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.

Isn't all of this already known, and why Fyne Audio came into being in the first place?

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 –

Originally Posted by CPP

"" 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..

Originally Posted by Ricky64

Isn't all of this already known, and why Fyne Audio came into being in the first place?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Ricky64

Isn't all of this already known, and why Fyne Audio came into being in the first place?

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.

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

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 –

From what I've been able to uncover, Craig Hoffman and Randy Bingham abruptly left Upscale last month and took Tannoy with them 2 weeks later away from Upscale.

I've been accused by Craig/Randy's friend Angie (who also worked for Upscale but as I've been told is no longer there and I've also been told by two people with direct knowledge she is very close with Randy) and others as being paid by Upscale, Fyne, and or being an employee of them and that I've been employed to somehow hurt Craig/Ryan as they took over Tannoy in the US. The implication was NOT that the video isn't correct, but they don't like the spotlight on this at this time as it was inconvenient for them.

TO BE CLEAR - I have never spoken to, known, emailed, gave any heads up, nor received a single penny from either of the companies prior to my video being produced and published, nor ANYONE, ANYWHERE in ANY capacity other than my wife. This is demonstrably true.

I bought my speakers like any normal customer through Suncoast Audio.

It was not made public, nor did I find out Craig/Randy took Tannoy until a week AFTER my video was released. I had literally never heard of him nor who he was. At the time of my video, I just assumed it was still Upscale Audio based on all the videos on their YT channel. If I had been working for Upscale, wouldn't I have made sure to distance them from this in my video?

I HAVE had Upscale, Craig, and others reach out to me AFTER I published my video. All have an equal opportunity to publicly comment on my video. Other than his snippy comment on my YT video, Craig has remained radio silent other than their friend (as I've been told by TWO knowledgable sources with direct knowledge they are and based on her actions/statements/slander would make sense ) Angie going full mental nutso (she did after all post on her FB page burning down her previous employer).

Not saying it’s a good excuse from an ethical or public relations perspective, but sometimes the legalities of change in ownership transactions can prevent public commentary from inside parties.

That said, you can put me in the camp of where something is made matters to me. And I don’t owe anyone my rationale.

Puma’s talk about all things being even based on measurable data and verifiable process might be legit, if you could obtain that information, which I seriously doubt, and then, if you can trust the source. Even if we take that as gospel we’re certainly entitled to choose product based on whatever subjective criteria we want, and that doesn’t intrinsically make it a political statement, though well it may be. The thread political correctness police can kiss my ass.

I'm not sure why you posted this in response to me. My post was responding to #32. I'm not sure where AVL fits into the picture, a website shows flag of Canada.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

From what I've been able to uncover, Craig Hoffman and Ryan Bingham abruptly left Upscale last month and took Tannoy with them 2 weeks later away from Upscale.

I've been accused by Craig/Ryan's friend Angie (who also worked for Upscale but as I've been told is no longer there and I've also been told by two people with direct knowledge she is very close with Ryan) and others as being paid by Upscale, Fyne, and or being an employee of them and that I've been employed to somehow hurt Craig/Ryan as they took over Tannoy in the US. The implication was NOT that the video isn't correct, but they don't like the spotlight on this at this time as it was inconvenient for them.

TO BE CLEAR - I have never spoken to, known, emailed, gave any heads up, nor received a single penny from either of the companies prior to my video being produced and published, nor ANYONE, ANYWHERE in ANY capacity other than my wife. This is demonstrably true.

I bought my speakers like any normal customer through Suncoast Audio.

It was not made public, nor did I find out Craig took Tannoy until a week AFTER my video was released. I had literally never heard of him nor who he was. At the time of my video, I just assumed it was still Upscale Audio based on all the videos on their YT channel. If I had been working for Upscale, wouldn't I have made sure to distance them from this in my video?

I HAVE had Upscale, Craig, and others reach out to me AFTER I published my video. All have an equal opportunity to publicly comment on my video. Other than his snippy comment on my YT video, Craig has remained radio silent other than their friend (as I've been told by TWO knowledgable sources with direct knowledge they are and based on her actions/statements/slander would make sense ) Angie going full mental nutso (she did after all post on her FB page burning down her previous employer).

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I'm not sure why you posted this in response to me. My post was responding to #32. I'm not sure where AVL fits into the picture, a website shows flag of Canada.

Hi - sorry I should have been clear. Your post was a good one. I was simply adding more information to add to it what I had uncovered.

It's amazing how hard certain people (not you) are working to try and silence the truth as I've seen happen every day since I posted this video. The fact certain people are so angry and scared and resorting to the actions they are - merely because a simple question is being asked that they are legally required to declare makes you wonder what is really going on.

Had they simply stayed quiet, this video would have gone away quietly. But the fact they are doing what they are doing is only giving this story more traction and visibility. They think they are acting stealthily. They don't seem to understand how many people want honest answers in all corners of this industry. It's sad what has happened to Tannoy, and it's a huge loss for this industry.

Every time they try and silence it, it gets louder.

Originally Posted by mikeyb

I thought the Prestige range was built in Scotland just down the road from the old Tannoy factory and the lesser range was built overseas?

Hi Mikey - this has been pretty clearly explained in the YT video, the comments by Graham on my YT video (you should Google who he is) and more.

You will find Graham's comments most interesting. He also directly answers this on my FB page.

I wonder if the people who are trying to silence me are trying to silence him as well? If they try that they clearly have no idea who he is...

[QUOTE=MichaelsMinute;365849]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.




I miss the days when Affirmative Action used to mean something entirely different.

@MM This just popped up from one of my FB groups.

Tannoy.JPG

Originally Posted by Shadowfax

@MM This just popped up from one of my FB groups.

Tannoy.JPG

Thanks for sharing. The previous US distributor reached out to me and shared some VERY interesting pics and info. We spoke for over an hour yesterday (he reached out to me after my video was posted).

I want to be careful how I share what he shared as I am still deciding in what format to best share (video interview, etc) - if even at all. Needless to say he confirmed some info and shared some new info about how the new distributor came about. I have no idea what is true and what isn't, and frankly I don't really care in the context of this video as it doesn't stay true to the core of my video. It's certainly fascinating to see behind the scenes how these people operate, but not relevant to the narrow focus of my video.

He also clarified that the plant did stay open past the 2017 date, but then was closed down.

I also have former Tannoy people who recently reached out to me sharing info with me in great detail even down to where in China the items are made.

From what I've been told, they have a small space in the UK where they take Chinese drivers and screw them into boxes to then ship on their higher end lines.

Graham (google who he is - he is as big a person in this as they come) asked the new distributor who posted on my YT video and basically called me a liar to simply post pictures of a single piece of machinery in the UK that actually manufactures a single driver. No response.

I say again - if this isn't a issues, why;

1) won't anyone official go on the record and simply clarify this (they should be PROUD if they are actually manufactured in the UK) and;
2) why is new distributor Randy's friend Angie (two people with direct knowledge told me about them being very close friends) - and others - sending me threatening message and trying to get all my posts taken down on social media?

Why are they so threatened by this very simple conversation?

And to be clear to all sides who think I am somehow working for the other side - I had never talked to, bought from, engaged, or even been in the same area of Kevin Deal, Upscale, Fyne Audio, Craig, Randy or anyone else part of this story in any capacity. Their accusations I've been paid for this story and I am racist for doing this story scream of people scared of the message.

I did this story as I simply needed new content for my channel and decided to share my buying experience of how I initially went to purchase Tannoy speakers, but my search ended me buying through retail a pair of Fyne speakers.

It's that simple.

Originally Posted by JCS123

Exhibit "A" for why I don't go anywhere near the Facebook and other social media cesspools.

Wy wife will show me things that nieces and nephews post on FB. Much of the time I shake my head and think, why would your portray weird or unusual thing about your life.