Theophany sellout at HN

[Peter G]

A floor model clearance, with no pricing on the website (maybe not even stickered in stores). I wonder if this signals a parting of the ways.

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/deals-and-events/theophany

[cloth_ears]

They're probably just getting ready for the release of new models.

I believe there was mention of them on another thread here.

[tamarillo]

It is just so silly having them in HN. A specailist high cost product in a generic value driven shop is a bad fit in any marketers book. DUMB.

[chopper]

It is just so silly having them in HN. A specailist high cost product in a generic value driven shop is a bad fit in any marketers book. DUMB.

I don't think it's that dumb. It's a question of "needs must" Theophany had almost no distribution prior to moving in with Harvey Norman. Now they have it in 20 odd stores.
It may not be ideal but it's a lot better than they had before.

I've been told there is a new range coming out - lower cost without the upward firing drivers. Probably make them sound better as a result IMO

[Brian Ono]

Garths a smart operator.He quite possibly sucessfully sold Edsels in a previous life.

[reddog]

This business model is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to build brand awareness and market share in NZ.

[itwasonly$60luv]

Garths a smart operator.He quite possibly sucessfully sold Edsels in a previous life.
Thanks Brian, snorted my Pinot Gris out through my nose reading your response.

[Brian Ono]

My apologies

[lac]

I think for buyers its a good move to HN, as we do see a few that go really reasonable price with full warrentys, even floor models come with warrenty. And they always throw in a few bits to make the sale. (Not that i have purchased the brand, but in general with regard to how HN sells their stuff and gets rid of older stuff)
What i do think they lack however, is taht the sales reps dont have enough product knowledge (not ALL but SOME) and sometimes just say things to make a sale.
Just my opinion though...

[Dunnersfella]

While they're not normally allowed to discount Theophany... they could 'give you' a set of Slinkylinks... or maybe a CDP...
So this is an 'official' discount off the price, whereas they previously could just wheel and deal instead of discount I suppose?

[lac]

Ah okie, i understand what you are saying. Didnt know that they arent allowed to discount certain brand.
Makes sense tho

[HiFi Si]

Or, if you buy a washing machine and dryer then maybe you get a Theophany throw in? About as musical

[Dunnersfella]

Clearly you've not heard a Fisher and Paykel playing the NZ national anthem?
If only I was kidding...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpp4urB2OV8

[Petard]

While they're not normally allowed to discount Theophany... they could 'give you' a set of Slinkylinks... or maybe a CDP...
So this is an 'official' discount off the price, whereas they previously could just wheel and deal instead of discount I suppose?

I was in the Henderson store a couple of weeks ago. They had a pair of M5s running off an AV receiver against the back wall, and when I expressed interest the sales chappie did a quick sleight of hand move while switching sources and turning up the volume. What he did was put the treble at 50% and turn the bass up to 100%. Presumably he thinks this is what customers want to hear. Maybe he's right. Anyway, the sticker said $3,900, but he said if I backed the car up right then I could have them for $3k.

What was more puzzling was coming across the new Perreaux amp on a shelf near the floor, damn' near invisible,and in the middle of a cluster of low-end AV gear. When I asked if he was selling many, he shrugged and said something to the effect of "It's not really something many people ask for". You have to wonder whether the two companies have a healthy relationship. If I saw my flagship model being treated like that, I'd be calling for a meeting.

[Nathan]

What was more puzzling was coming across the new Perreaux amp on a shelf near the floor, damn' near invisible,and in the middle of a cluster of low-end AV gear. When I asked if he was selling many, he shrugged and said something to the effect of "It's not really something many people ask for". You have to wonder whether the two companies have a healthy relationship. If I saw my flagship model being treated like that, I'd be calling for a meeting.

I bought my Audiant from HN Wairau Park. I went in knowing what I was buying and really didn't need any help from the salesman but after speaking to him for a while it was clear he was surprised I was buying one. They had it hooked up to a pair of B&W 683's but they weren't really set up for listening. The speakers were about 80cm apart facing a narrow isle. The only area setup for listening had the Theophany floorstanders and a couple of Perreaux Eloquence amps. Fair enough.

The salesman then tried to sell me a Belkin surge protector to "clean up my electrical signal". Apparently the $260 unit would be ideal for me because mumble mumble "more conductivity" mumble mumble "no I mean the opposite". It didn't really give me much faith in this guy, I wasn't interested in his upselling anyway.

After sorting out my purchase I had to go round the back to the warehouse to pick my amp up. This is where HN really disappointed me. The stock guy brought my amp down, dumped it on the floor balancing up on it's end and then fumbled around with the papers. As he did this the amp lost balance and as it fell over I caught it with my foot. I couldn't believe how carelessly this guy was treating MY new amp. I don't spend that sort of money every day and you can be damn sure I treat my gear as carefully as possible. The box was crushed on the side he dumped it down on. When I got my amp home the complementary music CD inside had been crushed by the amp which had slipped out of it's foam during this guys manoeuvre. Very disappointing.

Anyway, since then I've been in touch with Perreaux for some support on a mains power issue I'm having and the help I've been getting from Clinton is everything you want when buying from a specialist local company. Fast, knowledgeable and friendly help. I just wish I could completely cut Harvey Norman out of the supply line because dealing with Perreaux has been great.

[omegaspeedy]

Nice one on the purchase Nathan. They are lovely to handle and so heavy and solid!

Bummer about the dude handling it at HN. They should know better than that and have a bit of respect for the stock that helps pay their wage. Some guys are so narrow they don't understand the importance of doing the best for the company they work for if they want it to survive! Probably a 16 year old dropped straight out school know doubt...

[Nathan]

Nice one on the purchase Nathan. They are lovely to handle and so heavy and solid!

Indeed. The pictures online can't convey the sheer tankiness of this amp. It has a very reassuring weight and solidness to it. For anyone who hasn't touched one in the flesh, it's like picking up a rock. Not to mention the top plate is bordering on being sensual to the touch. Ahem. I'll be right back.

[too_tall]

Anyway, since then I've been in touch with Perreaux for some support on a mains power issue I'm having and the help I've been getting from Clinton is everything you want when buying from a specialist local company. Fast, knowledgeable and friendly help. I just wish I could completely cut Harvey Norman out of the supply line because dealing with Perreaux has been great.

Clinton is a man who knows how to keep customers happy. A good guy, who has a real passion for his hifi gear.

[Des W]

Clinton is a man who knows how to keep customers happy. A good guy, who has a real passion for his hifi gear.

I agree Clinton was keen to chat and talk his passion for the brand when I met him at CES-unlike the largish bald headed "gentleman" in the Perreaux suite who couldn't be bothered getting up off his arse to shake my hand when I introduced myself as from NZ.

Des

[Brian Ono]

the Hn guy who dropped it should buy it!

[marantz]

I noticed some M5s at HN Mt Welly were down from $6999 to about $5300, but as mentioned previously the price quoted at Henderson is quite a bit less.

[Petard]

I noticed some M5s at HN Mt Welly were down from $6999 to about $5300, but as mentioned previously the price quoted at Henderson is quite a bit less.

Correction and apology: The M4 was what I listened to at Henderson HN. They were next to a pair of M5s that weren't priced.