The REAL Problem of March Audio's Sointuva WG (Review, Measurements and Reinforcements with Klippel device)

[a4eaudio]

I would imagine a US distributor would lead to a substantial increase in selling price, maybe double. Back in the day distributors doubled the price of the foreign products they imported to cover salaries and stock.

I'm sure it could increase some, but keep in mind the manufacturer is currently acting (and spending resources) as the distributor and selling at retail prices. If he gives up those functions (and the resources it takes) he can sell at wholesale prices. In some cases, if a manufacturer isn't particularly well suited as a distributor, going through an established distributor could take advantage of efficiencies and end up at a lower retail price.

 

[Holmz]

I’m glad that person had a good experience. Maybe Alan has learned a thing or too about customer service.

Or maybe a thing or three?

M

'Any opinions on Genelec 8341a vs March Audio Sointuva?'

Jun 15, 2025

I've been having a few issues with my March Audio setup - currently miniDSP Flex HTx -> March Audio P482 -> March Audio Sointuva.

I'm using the miniDSP so I have HDMI arc volume control from my TV.

My issues with the March Audio components have made me look into alternatives and I've been thinking about going for powered studio monitors like the Genelec 8341a.

I like the sound of my current system, I've just encountered issues that's making consider switching to a more established brand - and taking one separate component out of the chain (power amp) will be a welcomed save of space...

• Mutsu
• Replies: 28
• Forum: Speaker Reviews, Measurements and Discussion

• 

Trying to design, R&D, and building, seems like a full time job to a lazy fellow like me.
Add in customer support and marketing etc. seems like another full time job.

I am already looking at the clock around the early afternoon, wondering… “how long until happy hour”.

 

[Frank Dernie]

I'm sure it could increase some, but keep in mind the manufacturer is currently acting (and spending resources) as the distributor and selling at retail prices. If he gives up those functions (and the resources it takes) he can sell at wholesale prices. In some cases, if a manufacturer isn't particularly well suited as a distributor, going through an established distributor could take advantage of efficiencies and end up at a lower retail price.

Since he is the manufacturer and distributor he is currently selling to all customers worldwide at what would normally be the wholesale price.

 

[Frank Dernie]

It depends on the distributor.

How much extra overhead and inventory the distributor has to take on will indeed influence the price rise.

 

[Billy Budapest]

Since he is the manufacturer and distributor he is currently selling to all customers worldwide at what would normally be the wholesale price.

Right. And customers are responsible for paying import duties. And return shipping if there is a problem that needs to be fixed in Australia. That’s where the real worth of having a national distributor comes in. They pay the import duties when they stock their inventory (or when drop shipped by the manufacturer) and they can handle repairs/replacements in country and some or all of the customer service. But this is getting off topic.

 

[Frank Dernie]

Right. And customers are responsible for paying import duties. And return shipping if there is a problem that needs to be fixed in Australia. That’s where the real worth of having a national distributor comes in. They pay the import duties when they stock their inventory (or when drop shipped by thx manufacturer) and they can handle repairs/replacements in country and some or all of the customer service. But this is getting off topic.

I know what the benefit of having a local distributor is, obviously.
It was the implication that it may in some way not add to the selling price which gave me the moments.

 

[Billy Budapest]

I know what the benefit of having a local distributor is, obviously.
It was the implication that it may in some way not add to the selling price which gave me the moments.

It would definitely add to the selling price—that’s a given.

 

[Holmz]

Right. And customers are responsible for paying import duties. And return shipping if there is a problem that needs to be fixed in Australia. That’s where the real worth of having a national distributor comes in. They pay the import duties when they stock their inventory (or when drop shipped by the manufacturer) and they can handle repairs/replacements in country and some or all of the customer service. But this is getting off topic.

I don’t think that it is off topic at all.
If there was a distributor, you probably woud have jumped at it.

However in the past when I spoke with Alan, he had no interest in having a US distributor.
And I suspect with the Customs looking at visitor’s social media upon entry, I doubt that there is surety that he would be allowed entry.
So that is one area where Alan and our forum owner here share a 100% alignment in opinion.

 

[Oniiz86]

Right. And customers are responsible for paying import duties. And return shipping if there is a problem that needs to be fixed in Australia. That’s where the real worth of having a national distributor comes in. They pay the import duties when they stock their inventory (or when drop shipped by the manufacturer) and they can handle repairs/replacements in country and some or all of the customer service. But this is getting off topic.

I don't believe that is correct, if the product is still under warranty, March Audio pays for the shipping fees, this is what was said recently,
"We have the longest warranty of any of our direct competitors at 5 years. We also pay for all shipping when problems occur, wherever in the world the product is.

We simply couldn't do that if we didnt have vanishingly low failure rates, we would go bankrupt paying the shipping fees"

 

[Billy Budapest]

I don't believe that is correct, if the product is still under warranty, March Audio pays for the shipping fees, this is what was said recently,
"We have the longest warranty of any of our direct competitors at 5 years. We also pay for all shipping when problems occur, wherever in the world the product is.

We simply couldn't do that if we didnt have vanishingly low failure rates, we would go bankrupt paying the shipping fees"

OK, that’s good to know.

 

[Billy Budapest]

I don’t think that it is off topic at all.
If there was a distributor, you probably woud have jumped at it.

Maybe, although at this point I have far too many speakers. But I was interested in the Sointuva at one point.

 

[Luvchampagne]

I'm curious what March Audio said to the Korean customer. Ship it back at our cost?

 

[Noske]

I'm curious what March Audio said to the Korean customer. Ship it back at our cost?

Given your ongoing curiosity about March Audio on this thread, perhaps it may be best if you asked him yourself about the Korean (??) customer rather than seek speculation on a public forum about the details of a private communication?

Or, perhaps message the customer from Japan on this forum @Mutsu about his experiences.

 

[A Surfer]

Truly, just go to the source rather than speculate.