restorer-john
Grand Contributor
I read this interesting tidbit on Nord's site:
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/nc1200
"Until recently the Hypex NC1200 was only available to a few Manufactures and with amplifiers costing upwards of £10K. We had access to the module but with a minimum pricing policy of £6.5K decided was to expensive for a boutique manufacture like Nord. A recent change in pricing policy means we are free to price as we feel fit. Without the expensive infrastructure of distributors , dealers, Reps, advertising, shows and other expense we can bring you this exalted amplifier at a reasonable cost."
What they are indirectly saying that Hypex were likely (and had been doing so for a period of time) engaging in retail price maintenance by only supplying material content if the selling price was artificially maintained at a minimum of £6.5K or above!
In this country, that behaviour is illegal and attracts rather large penalties (and jail time). Pretty sure it falls under the anti-competitive and cartel-like behaviour too. Maybe someone has pointed out they were treading on thin ice and they 'changed' their policy. If you had any reason to believe the various modules are ridiculously priced for what they are (I do), this might convince you.
Personally, I'm not surprised, but I am pretty disgusted. I sincerely hope the latest endeavours in Class D actually offer value for money and not just a lucrative cash-laden gravy train for the 'inventors' via licensing fees and artificial price points. I won't hold my breath.
Nord appears a stand-up, decent company BTW, something refreshing these days, with many others wallowing in a sea of dishonesty and deception.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/nc1200
"Until recently the Hypex NC1200 was only available to a few Manufactures and with amplifiers costing upwards of £10K. We had access to the module but with a minimum pricing policy of £6.5K decided was to expensive for a boutique manufacture like Nord. A recent change in pricing policy means we are free to price as we feel fit. Without the expensive infrastructure of distributors , dealers, Reps, advertising, shows and other expense we can bring you this exalted amplifier at a reasonable cost."
What they are indirectly saying that Hypex were likely (and had been doing so for a period of time) engaging in retail price maintenance by only supplying material content if the selling price was artificially maintained at a minimum of £6.5K or above!
In this country, that behaviour is illegal and attracts rather large penalties (and jail time). Pretty sure it falls under the anti-competitive and cartel-like behaviour too. Maybe someone has pointed out they were treading on thin ice and they 'changed' their policy. If you had any reason to believe the various modules are ridiculously priced for what they are (I do), this might convince you.
Personally, I'm not surprised, but I am pretty disgusted. I sincerely hope the latest endeavours in Class D actually offer value for money and not just a lucrative cash-laden gravy train for the 'inventors' via licensing fees and artificial price points. I won't hold my breath.
Nord appears a stand-up, decent company BTW, something refreshing these days, with many others wallowing in a sea of dishonesty and deception.