Apollon Audio complaints

[kemmler3D]

I personally think @Apollon Audio has shown a lot of class in these responses, and maybe it bears highlighting that people who get their orders on time and in good order don't go online to post about it...

 

[Apollon Audio]

So you are not going to change. That seems stubborn. My experience was delayed—a good amount. You also do not send power cords. Why not state that upfront?

Thank you for your feedback, I truly appreciate it.

To clarify, I never said we won’t change. In fact, we absolutely will, and we’re already taking steps in that direction. However, my priority isn’t simply to extend the stated lead times, it's to solve the root issue, which is production capacity.

In 2025, I’ve already expanded our team with two additional professionals who meet the high standards we require. My goal is to grow our team to 20 as soon as possible, and I’m investing more time and energy into this than ever before. This will allow us to handle demand more efficiently without compromising on build quality, which is the foundation of our work.

Regarding power cords: you're right, and it's a fair point. We’ve chosen not to include them in most regions due to different plug types and electrical standards globally and most customers already owning high quality cables, but I agree this should be clearly stated upfront, and we’re taking steps to improve that communication on our product pages.

Additionally, we are currently working on a major update to our website, which will include:

New module listings, detailed manuals for each amplifier model, improved technical descriptions, expanded product lines such as integrated amplifiers, preamps, DACs, headphone amplifiers, and interconnect cables.

The full update is expected to go live by the end of July. We're excited about this next phase and believe it will provide a clearer, more transparent experience for our customers.

Thanks again for your feedback, it’s through this kind of dialogue that we continue to evolve.

 

[Apollon Audio]

If this was only Micheal's experience it could be written off but his complaints seem to common to more than a few people...

You’re absolutely right to point out that when multiple customers share similar concerns, it’s something that deserves attention, and we take it seriously.

At the same time, I’d like to offer some perspective. When you consider the volume of amplifiers we sell globally, the number of complaints is still quite low. And while delays occasionally happen, especially during peak periods, it's worth noting that failure rates remain extremely low, with very few reports of actual technical issues across the thousands of units we’ve shipped.

Naturally, those who experience delays or issues are more likely to speak up publicly, while the vast majority of satisfied customers often remain silent. I truly wish more of them would share their positive experiences as well.

That said, we remain fully committed to improving, especially in communication and turnaround times, and we always welcome feedback that helps us grow.

 

[Apollon Audio]

I have two Apollon multichannel amps and supposedly another one that “has a shipping label” but not picked up. I like my two amps quite a bit and that is why I ordered a third to complete my system. But…..I can attest to the games they play to by time. Tibor and his staff will NEVER be honest about when things are actually shipped. I had this happen with the first two amps and now I am getting the same run around and telling me things I know are just not factually true. I came to this forum today because I am really frustrated with Apollon and the games they play and wanted other members to be aware of this. My current amp I ordered over 40 BUSINESS DAYS AGO. I know the his rules about it being business days. I was told two weeks ago and I have it all in the chatbot messages and emails that it was going through customs two weeks ago and I would receive the amp this week in the US. On Tuesday after not hearing anything about clearing customs and it being on the way I wrote them and got not one but 2 separate UPS tracking numbers both saying the label was created on Monday but not picked up. It still says the same thing. The current excuse is that Wednesday was a national holiday in Slovenia and that UPS would update their tracking yesterday which was Thursday. I thought that was odd so I when I did not see a change on the UPS site I wrote this morning in the chatbot and I was told that it was guaranteed that my order went out earlier this week and that the delay was because of the holiday. Now I am being told that UPS will update their tracking either later today or again guaranteed by Monday. Oh please!
I was not aware of these delay tactics about creating the shipping label to by more time. I presume that they have not completed my order and I am sure I will receive another excuse and then another excuse etc etc etc and then probably get my amp sometime later in July. I prefer blunt honesty from them and not this game playing. I do not know if this is just a “tick” of Slovenian society and as an American I do not understand the cultural differences. I would like to think it is that and not some type of deliberate deception. Again, the amps themselves are fantastic! I have the investment in the 3 amps from reading the forums on ASR.
I have attached the chat from earlier this week. I am doing this because @Apollon Audio likes to put up chats to show they have communicated.

Hi Jerry,

I’m genuinely sorry to hear how frustrated you’re feeling, and I’d like to respond directly to your concerns.

First, let me be clear: your order has been shipped, and the tracking will be updated on Monday as confirmed. I understand the delay of 10 days feels significant, especially after receiving earlier time estimates, but this is still well within the window of high-demand production scenarios we’ve been open about.

Throughout the entire process, you’ve been in constant contact with us, both through live chat and email. I’ve personally responded to your emails, and our staff has communicated with you regularly via the chat platform. We’ve provided all the information we could, based on the real-time updates available from UPS and our shipping team.

It’s disappointing to see your message accusing us of dishonesty or game-playing, especially given that your previous two amplifiers were delivered and you’ve stated yourself that you’re happy with the products. That matters a lot to us, and it’s precisely why we’re doing everything we can to complete and deliver your third amp with the same level of quality.

We do acknowledge that delays, even short ones, can be frustrating. But please understand, there is no strategy or intent to “buy time” by generating shipping labels early. The UPS pickup delay this week was influenced by the national holiday here in Slovenia, as explained, and we have no control over when carriers update tracking statuses.

Your amplifier is on its way, and we remain committed to getting it to you as soon as possible, not just because it’s our responsibility, but because we care deeply about our reputation and your satisfaction.

Thank you again for your support of our products, and I hope once this final amp is in your hands, your system will finally be complete and as exceptional as you envisioned.

 

[Golfx]

I personally think @Apollon Audio has shown a lot of class in these responses, and maybe it bears highlighting that people who get their orders on time and in good order don't go online to post about it...

Yes i agree his responses show class. It would seem a simple adjustment to his website could prevent misunderstandings. That would be my goto solution if I was him.

 

[sushi_sensor]

Many of us know it's hard for a small team to handle high order volumes and inquiries. if clear, reasonable reasons for delays are given beforehand (like sales spikes or supply chain issues), I think hobbyists would generally understand. rushing things and delivering a faulty product, even if quickly fixed, isn't what I call great after-sales support. I'd rather wait for a perfect unit.

To Apollon Audio: My amplifier's spot is ready. Please do your best. Looking forward to its arrival!

 

[Jerry Sobel]

Hi Jerry,

I’m genuinely sorry to hear how frustrated you’re feeling, and I’d like to respond directly to your concerns.

First, let me be clear: your order has been shipped, and the tracking will be updated on Monday as confirmed. I understand the delay of 10 days feels significant, especially after receiving earlier time estimates, but this is still well within the window of high-demand production scenarios we’ve been open about.

Throughout the entire process, you’ve been in constant contact with us, both through live chat and email. I’ve personally responded to your emails, and our staff has communicated with you regularly via the chat platform. We’ve provided all the information we could, based on the real-time updates available from UPS and our shipping team.

It’s disappointing to see your message accusing us of dishonesty or game-playing, especially given that your previous two amplifiers were delivered and you’ve stated yourself that you’re happy with the products. That matters a lot to us, and it’s precisely why we’re doing everything we can to complete and deliver your third amp with the same level of quality.

We do acknowledge that delays, even short ones, can be frustrating. But please understand, there is no strategy or intent to “buy time” by generating shipping labels early. The UPS pickup delay this week was influenced by the national holiday here in Slovenia, as explained, and we have no control over when carriers update tracking statuses.

Your amplifier is on its way, and we remain committed to getting it to you as soon as possible, not just because it’s our responsibility, but because we care deeply about our reputation and your satisfaction.

Thank you again for your support of our products, and I hope once this final amp is in your hands, your system will finally be complete and as exceptional as you envisioned.

I am not sure who at Apollon is responding but whoever it is I want to thank you for your response to the issues I have been having. I realize now that it is much easier to get a response through this platform if emails are not being responded to or I am getting incorrect information through the chat system, I hope that the UPS tracking is updated on Monday and if it is not I will be back on ASR.
First of all, I am not certain what this author is referring to when it reads that there has been constant contact. I ordered my amp on 4/29/25 and then 30 business day later I got on the chatbot and asked when my amp was going to be shipped. This was on 6/19/25

• I want to know if mu amplifier shipped this week. I was told in an email last week that it would go out this week. It has been over 30 business days. Jerry Sobel Phoenix Artzona
  Sent by: You6:14 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• Hello Jerry
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:15 AM
• 
  
• Yes your order waa handed over to export customs
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:15 AM
• when?
  Sent by: You6:15 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• It will move forward next week so you will receive it by the end of next week
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:15 AM
• 
  
• You will receive the shipping confirmation from UPS this week
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:15 AM
• Ok. I hope I receive it next week. Thank you
  Sent by: You6:16 AM
• 6:16 AM

This was on 6/19/25. I did not receive a UPS shipping confirmation so I went back onto the chatbot earlier this week on 6/23/25

Can I please get an update on my order.

• Can you give me your order number please
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:00 AM
• ###
  Sent by: You6:02 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• I see in our system that your order has been shipped
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:03 AM
• 
  
• Have you received the tracking number to your email?
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:03 AM
• No. That is why I am writting
  Sent by: You6:03 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• Ok I will ask our team to send it to your email
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:04 AM
• 
  
• You will receive it in about an hour
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:04 AM
• Is there a reason why I have not received it yet?
  Sent by: You6:05 AM
• I was told I should be receiving it this week
  Sent by: You6:05 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• I’m not sure why not because the tracking usually comes from UPS directly
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:06 AM
• Their system automatically sends the tracking to customers email
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:06 AM
• 
  
• So I will ask our shipping department to check and resend it manually to you
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:06 AM
• I am sure you have the number
  Sent by: You6:06 AM
• Are you sure it has shipped?
  Sent by: You6:07 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• 
  
• I see it as shipped in our system
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support6:07 AM
• Is it still in customs?
  Sent by: You6:07 AM
• Apollon Audio Support
• 
  
• I will get the info back from our shipping department shortly

I have not received an email on my shipping number from UPS or your company.-

I sent this through the chatbot system an hour and half later because I had not received an email and remember I was told that I would be receiving the UPS tracking information the week before and that my amp ($6,000 USD) would be delivered this week. I do not feel I was being impatient at all. If I was told it was going to take longer I would have been fine with it but I was told it had been sent to customs the week before. The first amp I purchased was delayed because of part shortages and summer vacations. After I was told that I just waited it out. That is not this case and for me $6,000 is a lot of money. So to continue with the chatbot on the same day.

• I have order our team to resend the shipping confirmation through UPS system. It usually takes about one hour, so if you haven't received it yet, you will soon.
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support7:46 AM
• And sir please note, we have a approximate lead time of 30 working days for for this amp.
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support7:46 AM
• We are now 38 working days since you placed your order. So your order was not delayed much.
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support7:47 AM
• 
  
• This is why I'm asking for your patience. We have lots of orders to complete and when you receive your order, you will understand why producing such products from scratch takes this much time. We focus on precision and build quality. We don't throw part in a Chinese enclouse and ship them out as soon as possible as our competition does. Everything is manufactured in our factory and everything is assembled by hand with highest precision possible.

I then received not one but two different UPS tracking numbers and another email from Tibor with the same message that is above but it ended with please contact if I have further questions. I immediately sent back an email asking which of the UPS tracking numbers was the correct one. I sent another email the next morning and neither messages were responded to. Slovenia is 9 hours ahead of where I live. I was frustrated and I had no idea that there was a national holiday in Slovenia. How would I know. The national holiday was on Wednesday 6/25/25. The next day I went back onto the chatbot system because I did get a response back to my first email and asked which UPS tracking numbers was the correct one

• I will check now which tracking is right
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support7:31 AM
• the second tracking that you received latest is the right one
  Sent by: Apollon Audio Support7:32 AM
• 
  
• It will be updated on Thursday when everything is open again. Please note that we have a national Holiday in our country until Thursday. The package will be in the US on Friday

Well as you now know the package was not in the US on Friday (yesterday) so once again I went back onto the chatbot system and asked about my amp. I was told that the tracking would be updated later in the day yesterday and absolutely by this coming Monday. So the week prior I asked about my order and I was told it went to customs already and in a later chatbot (not shown here) that it takes 1-2 days to clear). I was told receive my amp at the end of last week. Personally, I do not think I have been over reacting especially when I am getting different information from different employees. The company does not provide a phone number so I am not able to call and clarify the situation. Going through chatbots I think for most people can be at times frustrating because there can be delays in response times. One of the answers I was given was sent to the chatbot after I had already signed off. The chatbot asks for you to put in your email in case you get cut off and I would presume to send a missed message to my inbox. That function as far as I can tell no longer works.
In the end I would to conclude with saying I am very happy with the product. If I was not then I would not have ordered a third amplifier. What I am not happy with is the PROCESS. The two are totally different. Apollon is a direct to consumer company they do not have dealers in the US and they do not have a phone number to call. Correspondence only by chatbot and email can be frustrating especially when you get conflicting information about when you should expect your device delivered.

 

[Jerry Sobel]

Yes i agree his responses show class. It would seem a simple adjustment to his website could prevent misunderstandings. That would be my goto solution if I was him.

YES YES YES

 

[Jerry Sobel]

I personally think @Apollon Audio has shown a lot of class in these responses, and maybe it bears highlighting that people who get their orders on time and in good order don't go online to post about it...

I completely agree. I also think that @Apollon should communicate through DMs to fix issues quickly and if done ask the person to modify or remove the complaints from ASR. I’m just saying. I also think that the people that go on their chatbot system to respond to customers all have the same training or at least knowledge and to be tied into the shipping department on their computers so they can give the correct information. Saying that they do not know because they will have to ask someone in shipping is so last decade

 

[earik]

I've bought 4 amps from Apollon, three in one order and the fourth in another:

They measure great, sound great, and have superb build quality. I would without hesitation purchase from Tibor and his team again. I don't know where else to go to get the same level of quality without having to pay 2-3x more.

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not purchasing from Amazon. You're purchasing from a boutique manufacturer in Slovenia. They're not just box assemblers throwing together components in a prefab Ghent case. They fabricate a lot of parts themselves, and that takes time. For example, I ordered Speakon connectors for my amps, and so I had to wait for the CNC machines to cut the backplates. That doesn't happen overnight.

I can see why people get frustrated with shipping delays, but that has nothing to do with amp quality. That has everything to do with your expectations. Just put your order in, chill out, and your amps will come when they come. It might take longer than 30 days if you're in the US. Would you prefer a shit amp that arrived on time? Or an ugly homemade one put together by one of these Purifi/Hypex assemblers in their basement in their spare time? This is a lot like buying bespoke shirts - you get them when the tailor finishes and not any sooner, and putting pressure on them, or trying to stick to an arbitrary timeline will only serve to frustrate you.

Having said all that, I think the "fix" here is pretty simple. Appollon just needs to write a similar - but less snarky, obviously - paragraph somewhere on their site to manage customer expectations a little better. If everyone was expecting 60 days rather than 30, the blowback against them wouldn't have happened.

 

[Jerry Sobel]

I've bought 4 amps from Apollon, three in one order and the fourth in another:

View attachment 460104

They measure great, sound great, and have superb build quality. I would without hesitation purchase from Tibor and his team again. I don't know where else to go to get the same level of quality without having to pay 2-3x more.

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not purchasing from Amazon. You're purchasing from a boutique manufacturer in Slovenia. They're not just box assemblers throwing together components in a prefab Ghent case. They fabricate a lot of parts themselves, and that takes time. For example, I ordered Speakon connectors for my amps, and so I had to wait for the CNC machines to cut the backplates. That doesn't happen overnight.

I can see why people get frustrated with shipping delays, but that has nothing to do with amp quality. That has everything to do with your expectations. Just put your order in, chill out, and your amps will come when they come. It might take longer than 30 days if you're in the US. Would you prefer a shit amp that arrived on time? Or an ugly homemade one put together by one of these Purifi/Hypex assemblers in their basement in their spare time? This is a lot like buying bespoke shirts - you get them when the tailor finishes and not any sooner, and putting pressure on them, or trying to stick to an arbitrary timeline will only serve to frustrate you.

Having said all that, I think the "fix" here is pretty simple. Appollon just needs to write a similar - but less snarky, obviously - paragraph somewhere on their site to manage customer expectations a little better. If everyone was expecting 60 days rather than 30, the blowback against them wouldn't have happened.

Yes I could not agree more with your recommendations.

 

[Rit]

I’m really glad I purchased from Buckeye!!

 

[Mike_Trueman]

I would by from Apollon because i am from Europe. If i would live in the USA then i would buy Buckeye are another American brand. These long delivery times are normal overseas from such a small company. I would not evenmind waiting 30 days aslong they deliver handbuild quality products.

 

[Golfx]

I would by from Apollon because i am from Europe. If i would live in the USA then i would buy Buckeye are another American brand. These long delivery times are normal overseas from such a small company. I would not evenmind waiting 30 days aslong they deliver handbuild quality products.

Yeah below screenshot gives very optimistic build times. Mine was double that plus the back and forth dance of shipping labels and promises of deliveries. A simple added statement to their website would have prepared me for a longer wait.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Yeah below screenshot gives very optimistic build times. Mine was double that plus the back and forth dance of shipping labels and promises of deliveries. A simple added statement to their website would have prepared me for a longer wait.

Dont forget that 30 working days is longer then one month.

 

[Golfx]

Dont forget that 30 working days is longer then one month.

Oh i was reminded of that often by them. I waited patiently for a bespoke subwoofer for 7 months because they said it might take that long.

 

[Ropeburn]

I would by from Apollon because i am from Europe. If i would live in the USA then i would buy Buckeye are another American brand. These long delivery times are normal overseas from such a small company. I would not evenmind waiting 30 days aslong they deliver handbuild quality products.

Funny how Audiophonics for example (direct competitor) seem to manage shipping times of a few days.

Of course I don't have detailed insights into either companies' workings, but it would seem having a few specimen of your regular products always ready to ship, and NOT waiting to build them only after an order, pays off. It's not that hard to do. Every company I've been to and/or worked at (always electronic industry products) worked that way.

It also sounds kinda odd hearing about "oh especially in peak times we're a little slow, understandably", when the mere notion of "peak times" suggests some degree of experience with it, and predictability. Customers then can't but wonder: why aren't you prepared? Customers don't know, neither care about how exactly your inner organisation looks like, all they care about is the outcome as they see it, and the communication that goes with it.

@Apollon Audio maybe, just maybe you can up your game a little, invest a bit into your future and prepare some products in advance. It would go a long way from the customer perspective if you could ship at least your standard models right away. This is doable and would improve your reputation - which is already excellent in terms of the products themselves.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Oh i was reminded of that often by them. I waited patiently for a bespoke subwoofer for 7 months because they said it might take that long.

Apollon Subwoofer?

 

[Fidji]

If this was only Micheal's experience it could be written off but his complaints seem to common to more than a few people...

I was one of the customers with delay [on my 1ET9040 premium monoblocks, where I think I was one of first customers] and it was really annoying, so I have no reason to defend Tibor.

I work in also pretty challenging industry, where timing of deliveries is critical, with most of our customers expecting premium service and quality. Even if you get 99% of things right, this 1% of unhappy customers will create lot of bad aftertaste. You usually do not hear "I ordered this and that and it all went well".

@Apollon Audio - Tibor, I really think your weak point is upfront proactive communication, e.g. in my case - I had a buyer for my amps, scheduled 2 weeks after your promised and confirmed delivery and also had calibration scheduled, based on your commitments.
Is super easy - just write email - we experience this/that - we are sorry we need 2 more week, upfront, people will be unhappy but, will not have the impression you are not reliable. And this "shipping labels" thing is absolutely unnecessary and just pissess off everybody. Stop it, please.

Maybe as a sidenote - that you undertstand the impact - we were in discussion re 2x8 channel amps, where I really wanted new Purifi 1ET625 modules, but I needed the amps at exact date. As I could not risk to be delayed again for weeks, I just went and bought 2 Trinnov Amplitudes,, ordered and delivered within 10 days.

 

[Golfx]

Apollon Subwoofer?

Naw harbottle