[David222]

.

 

[Matez]

Just got the Noir Hybrid today -- good stuff. Shipping box needs a little improvement.

That's a lovely shot! Do you mind if I borrow it on my FB wall?

And as for my packaging, is there anything specific that you didn't like?

 

[iFi audio]

And as for my packaging, is there anything specific that you didn't like?

It's a very cool environment-friendly packaging to be honest. Once a cable is out, it's no longer relevant, so you won't hear us here at iFi any unhappy about it

 

[David222]

It's a very cool environment-friendly packaging to be honest. Once a cable is out, it's no longer relevant, so you won't hear us here at iFi any unhappy about it

.

 

[joshnor713]

Should we assume your other posts are manipulative marketing messages? What is cool about this and why is iFi audio involved ?

Here are photos of the package DHL guy handed me at my door. I sent Matt a friendly email yesterday and got no response. I just had a separate question unrelated to this...was not overly concerned, although at this price point for a HPC, could have been a better experience.

just seems like a bit more secure packaging could be used. Also, the loose "shavings" inside might not be the best solution.

The exterior box was ripped, the interior box was penetrated as well.

Being a bit harsh on iFi, aren't we? Everyone throws around "to be honest" these days, it isn't fair to jump on them or anyone about it.

I also think it's 'cool' that Forza is making a point to use as environment-friendly packaging as possible, but it's good that you let them know this kind of thing is happening so they know how much of it is going on and if they need to up it. Some of the blame could be with DHL, as I've recently gotten packages from them from other companies really beaten up. And I'm talking cardboard boxes that were crushed and penetrated.

I agree that the shavings are a bit annoying, but it's environmentally friendly, keeps the cost down, and is sufficient to getting the product to you safety. The box the cable comes in should be sufficient for mailing a cable, but now seems uncertain to withstand today's level of DHL manhandling.

 

[David222]

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[Nostoi]

Honestly, I don't think its that harsh

Just my opinion, but I observe iFi jumping into non-iFi threads fairly consistently ... using their branded (sponsored) account with embedded logos. I cant remember the last time I saw Zach (ZMF), or Jeff Wells (wells audio), Woo Audio, or Sennheiser, etc. etc. .... do this...outside their dedicated threads. And if they did, would they post on top of a members post when a very slight concern is expressed - and counter that point??

Separately, I very kindly and respectfully disagree with you on your DHL point. This is is a $400 cable and should be able to make it through DHL, UPS, FedEx unscathed. Lost perhaps, a slight tear to the exterior sure no big deal.... but a hole pierced through to the interior packaging in my book qualified as "needs a little improvement".

Lastly, I would also kindly point out that I was not being critical of this --> my original post was complimentary in nature....I was enjoying the cable.... I posted a photo with my gear and said "good stuff" and simply noted (again) that the shipping box could "use a little improvement"

Jan 31, 2023 at 7:50 PMPost #4,366 of 4,370

Agree on the Ifi point. I don't wish to be rude, but I find their marketing approach on Head-fi a little tacky. Great that they're enthusiasts, but I find it odd if not inappropriate (cynical) to see their sponsored account again pop up and chime in on a certain brands time and again. Always with the same tone, too. Dial it back, guys.

 

[FinHifi]

For the topics above this:
I dislike when people use:
"To be honest" - so normally you lie?
"I have to say" - no you don't.

But back to cable impressions: I have Forza Claire for my Elites , and Copper MK2 for my ADX5000. Nice cables, soft, no bulky cylinders in the Y split(why some add these is beyond me) and good looking, 10/10.

Improvement ideas:
-Maybe black colour option, and white.
-There is a subtle marking on the plugs which is which, but clear red black option for the headphone plugs might attract interest.
-You could design and create headphone stand which would store headphones and your cables neatly,
I have been looking for one because my cables lie on the table in a messy pile.

 

[BS5711]

Regarding the packaging that Matt uses.

I am intentionally not replying to the earlier post, just a general comment.

People will grizzle either way, thats just people !

A package got some very rough handling and a box got damaged but the contents were undamaged. Frankly I think that is on the carrier since the packaging Forza uses are pretty normal, fairly solid cardboard boxes.

If Forza used bigger sturdier boxes with plenty of thick foam padding that would withstand unduly rough handling the next guy would complain that the packaging was over the top, not environmentally friendly and cost him unnecessarily more money to ship because of the added size and weight.

No company is going to please everyone all the time and my guess is Forza pick the level of packaging that strikes an appropriate balance 99.99% of the time.

Matt has sent me four packages to NZ and they all arrived in pristine condition.

 

[iFi audio]

Just my opinion, but I observe iFi jumping into non-iFi threads fairly consistently ... using their branded (sponsored) account with embedded logos.

Yup, that's what we do indeed. Actually, the same person (my name is Rob) has been handling the official iFi account for about eight years by now.

I cant remember the last time I saw Zach (ZMF), or Jeff Wells (wells audio), Woo Audio, or Sennheiser, etc. etc. .... do this...outside their dedicated threads.

I understand that a manufacturer's rep jumping from one thread to another is a rather odd sight to some folks, but there's more to it. Being iFi's rep is my job, but I'm a hardcore enthusiast (I've been one long before joining iFi actually) just as many other people here on HF, so interacting with the community wherever I can is what I do and most folks actually find that cool. On top of that, I often ask questions not even remotely related to our own products and you won't find a single bad word from me about other manufacturers. Actually, there are quite a few we openly like, know from shows etc., and that's why you can see me in their threads.

And if they did, would they post on top of a members post when a very slight concern is expressed - and counter that point??

My previous post happened for a reason. We've been using Matt's products at countless shows and over the years we got dozens of packages from him. Not a single one got damaged, but even if it did, well, even if you ship something inside a proper robust flight case there's still a tiny chance that it won't survive its trip to the destination place. That's why I think that the problem isn't in Matt's packages, but in how they're handled on their way from point A to B, which is beyond his control

This is is a $400 cable and should be able to make it through DHL, UPS, FedEx unscathed.

As above, no money can guarantee that. We ship A LOT of boxes each month via various couriers, but every now and then one or two get damaged or lost no matter how secure and valuable they are. That's just how it is, but what happens afterwards is far more important; whether a manufacturer will help you out etc. That said, I understand why you've mentioned your packaging issue, but I'm sure that in the event of damaged internal goods Matt would've helped you without hesitation.

Great that they're enthusiasts, but I find it odd if not inappropriate (cynical) to see their sponsored account again pop up and chime in on a certain brands time and again.

I hear you and I truly understand that not everyone has to like what we do. Seeing our approach as tacky is also fine, so I take this one on the chin, but we can't please everyone

 

[BS5711]

Yup, that's what we do indeed. Actually, the same person (my name is Rob) has been handling the official iFi account for about eight years by now.

Hi Rob, good to put a name to the posts.

I have seen your posts all over the place here in places that you would not expect to find an ifI presence.

I will offer a counter to the detractors, I quite like it, and I have seen enough of it in my short time here to have inferred, correctly as it seems, that the person behind the online presence is keen on the whole head fi thing and not just here to try and peddle ifI gear.

 

[Ragnar-BY]

As for looks, Forza cables are my favourite. Simple design without shiny elements and and at the same time assembled with extremely high quality. Each turn of the cable is the same as all the others. Each piece of heat shrink is perfectly cut and sits in its place. Almost all cable manufacturers make good looking cables, but Matt has a highest level of attention to minor details.

 

[iFi audio]

he person behind the online presence is keen on the whole head fi thing and not just here to try and peddle ifI gear.

Thanks, that's very kind of you and I'm glad that once in a while this gets noticed.

And since this is the FAW thread, @Matez where are those new cables or whatever it is that you're doing? We're waiting

 

[BS5711]

As for looks, Forza cables are my favourite. Simple design without shiny elements and and at the same time assembled with extremely high quality. Each turn of the cable is the same as all the others. Each piece of heat shrink is perfectly cut and sits in its place. Almost all cable manufacturers make good looking cables, but Matt has a highest level of attention to minor details.

My anal retentive disposition loves they way Matt aligns all the parts so the text or images face outward on the headphone connectors and when the cable sits in its natural relaxed position the text on the plug is at the top end plugged into the amplifier and the image on the splitter is at the front.

Matt is either as bad as me or he understands there are people like me out there that appreciate that level of attention to detail !

 

[iFi audio]

Matt is either as bad as me or he understands there are people like me out there that appreciate that level of attention to detail !

I've met him in Poland at the local show once (way before the pandemic era) and let me tell you... he's "a bit" nutty about these tiny things