sajunky
Headphoneus Supremus
Amazon except few key products branded by themselves is not a dealer, it is marketplace. It provides some method verification of a dealer, plus provides a warehouse and shipping facility for those dealers who sign for such option. It is very convenient for the casual user and trust is developed by numbers rather than personal experience. To the lesser degree Ali copies the same model.Since Amazon was/is not an authorized dealer of Denafrips products, I never looked at them for purchase. I simply went to Vinshine Audio and got my items there... with the included 3-year warranty. Before I buy any electronics, I look to see if the vendor I'm looking at is an authorized dealer. If not, I move on. That's me.
Denafrips has three busines models. One you prefer is copied from a dealership model, other is dumping most of their product range through the direct marketing channel creating awareness of the brand, but in a long term hurting a brand. These two methods are mutually conflicting and affecting a value of goods on the second-hand market. Why we should debate it? It is their choice and gives users a choice. You made yours, but blaiming others is inappropriate.
From the user perspective I have only one objection. They have appointed only one dealer who gives manufacturers warranty but has no world-wide network in place. It is very inconvenient to bring stuff for repair. It is a reason why people tend to use direct market. A three tier model separating distribution from dealership providing aftermarket support is more appropriate. Blame Denafrips, not users.
The third model should be also considered. There are alternate brands who use Denafrips design and manufacturing facility, offering similar products. There are interesting, as improvements to the Denafrips product line seem to appear first in alternate brands products like Musician.