go-vibe questions

[11B2P]

Hello to all,

After reading many, many amplification posts I narrowed my amp choices down to two: Shellbrook Labs - Mini Moy and go-vibe 4.

I decided against the Shellbrook because it appears there may be a chance of not getting what you pay for. (Supposedly “tested” amps arriving inoperable, orders being delayed for unreasonable amounts of time, lack of truthful communication.)

I have heard nothing but glowing praise for go-vibe and Norm so go-vibe it is.

Unfortunately I just heard from Norm and he only has a few left and they will be gone very soon. (He was not clear if they have been spoken for or not.)

From the way his email is shortly worded (not rude) it seems he is not going to make any more go-vibe 4 amps and he is not interested in conversing.

Anyone here know what is going on with go-vibe? Is Norm closing up shop again never to return?

Maybe this is a sign to run away with my wallet still intact.

Thanks all

-a very sad non owner of the go-vibe 4

 

[fewtch]

Norm can be like that sometimes... kind of short and to-the-point, I don't think he means to sound rude but he's probably pressed for time or something like that. Not the world's best communicator, but he builds some crackin' amps

.

Anyway, maybe he's taking a break from making more Go-Vibes right now... I'd think if they were being discontinued it would be noted on the website. Maybe someone else could Email him and try to find out what's up.

 

[K2Grey]

I imagine he's just backordered or something. It wouldn't be the first time this kind of thing has happened, seeing as how Xin has been backordered for about 3 months now.

 

[Arnoldhasmail]

I'm having a similiar problem with Norm. I'm a repeat customer and after a week of emails I still can't get basic answers on opamps...or anything else. Short answers...not answering my questions...sending me to other companys to buy wall warts and opamps...why doesn't HE go buy more of them...If you offer it on your site...keep it in stock.

Seems like he doesn't care or want to be bothered...he should just wrap it up if he doesn't want to be in business.

It seems like there is more demand then these little companys can handle but not enough to get the big guys involved...yet...

He can keep his amp...

 

[Avi]

I've bought an MK III from Norm and ordered a Mk IV /sigh

I've had nothing but good experiences with him. Then again, in my order confirmation e-mail, last week, he said he was really busy and wouldn't even ship until at least last friday. He has been helpful with op-amp selection, so I'm sure his reticence is a matter of his being overloaded.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnoldhasmail It seems like there is more demand then these little companys can handle

Since that's most likely the problem, why don't you give Norm (and anyone else having these problems) a break? I assume you don't like it yourself being pressed for time and falling behind... running a small business is a b*tch and these folks who do it deserve our thanks rather than condemnation.

Either that, or go to Radioshack and pick up a Boostaroo... then you get the "great pleasure" of dealing with the personnel there, but there's no waiting...

 

[Arnoldhasmail]

I'd prefer Norm just bite his lip and help his customers...he's lucky to have us...as we're lucky to have him.

I just bought a Singlepower amp...and although they are SWAMPED in orders and back logged...they are always polite and helpful. I think Singlepower is on the way to becoming a major success...if they aren't already.

Ever run a business? Customers are what make it work...And I'm a repeat one for Norm...

You don't treat people poorly because you have more business then you can handle...just explain the situation and ask for patience...Lay out timelines honestly...as with any relationship...communication is KEY.


I'm sure this thread will be shut down soon too...we're not allowed to complain...only spend money and write sparkling reviews about people and products...not discuss when they do it poorly.

I think I'm about done with Norm...and this thread...

I'll give my money to someone else...who earns it.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnoldhasmail I'm sure this thread will be shut down soon too...we're not allowed to complain...only spend money and write sparkling reviews about people and products...not discuss when they do it poorly.

You're allowed to complain, but others are allowed to call you on it. You haven't even purchased an amp, and here you are complaining about the lack of free help, as if Headsave was your personal answering service or something...

 

[monkuboy]

I was considering purchasing a go-vibe and wrote a few e-mails to Norm. He always responded and while his replies were shorter than I would have liked, at least he responded to me. My decision to buy something else had nothing to do with the way he treated me and I have no complaints about him.

If you have an operation like his, I would think the priority would be in satisfying the existing orders asap since they're the ones who have paid the money already. Having to answer questions all the time (and as we all know, some people can get downright obnoxious with the amount of questiions they ask, me included) will really set you back some time-wise. He makes a good product and there's a demand for it. He can't very well farm production out to someone else because then quality might suffer. So as with many things in life where there is a limited supply, we just have to be patient. I don't think he is snubbing anyone.. we should be grateful that he doesn't raise the price to take advantage of the demand.

 

[fewtch]

I don't want to look like a Go-Vibe fanboy, but trust me... the end result is well worth the slight inconvenience of getting short answers from Norm (just the way he is guys, maybe he's a slow typist or something). The amp itself is fantastic and IMO you won't find better for the money period. That's the only marketing I'm gonna do for Norm, he can drop in and comment further if he wants to

.

P.S. there's always the option of picking up a used go-vibe in the FS forums... seen a few of 'em up there lately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkuboy Having to answer questions all the time (and as we all know, some people can get downright obnoxious with the amount of questiions they ask, me included) will really set you back some time-wise.

Heheh, me too

... I ask a mad amount of questions before picking up an amp, or at least I have in the past. There's always head-fi to answer opamp-related questions and such though, as well as plenty of Go-Vibe owners who can answer most questions related to the amp.

 

[mektarus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch Since that's most likely the problem, why don't you give Norm (and anyone else having these problems) a break? I assume you don't like it yourself being pressed for time and falling behind... running a small business is a b*tch and these folks who do it deserve our thanks rather than condemnation. Either that, or go to Radioshack and pick up a Boostaroo... then you get the "great pleasure" of dealing with the personnel there, but there's no waiting...

Well said...

 

[mektarus]

I got the following email from Norm earlier today...

Quote:

I have run out of parts for the V4 after sales skyrocketed in January. Running this hobby requires ordering enough parts for at least 50 amps at a time. Some critical parts have been backordered and some discontinued - a double whammy! As soon as I have anything concrete to announce I'll put it in an email auto responder.

I hope he keeps with it. I really had my heart set on a AD8397 V4 when my tax return comes.

Hang in there Norm. Just do what you can. We know your stuff is worth waiting for. Heck, look how long the wait is at some of the indy cable companies.

 

[tigger]

Well I think it's time to end the speculation once and for all.
First of all, it is true. The go-vibe V4 is almost sold out and about to be discontinued.
It's too bad that such hostility has developed in this thread. This is after all a hobby, not politics!
I guess that is the main point here. I have built headphone amps for 3 years as a hobby, not a business. I earn my living by other means.
I have tried hard to offer the best I can in every way, both in the amps I have built and in my communications with my fellow headphone hobbyists.
This last month has been quite difficult for me with an average 30 emails per day + 50 go-vibe V4s built and shipped!
I have enjoyed the amp hobby for the most part and I appreciate the many words of encouragement and support I have received from my clientele but the time has come to bow out and leave the hobby for good.
Some of you may remember me giving up Headsave 1 year ago and returning shortly after with the go-vibe only, to keep things simple. Well, it got unsimple again and this time it's for good!
Not to worry, there will be many others who will offer similar and perhaps better products than I did.
So long folks - happy listening - it's been a blast!

Norm

 

[NotJeffBuckley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigger Well I think it's time to end the speculation once and for all. First of all, it is true. The go-vibe V4 is almost sold out and about to be discontinued. It's too bad that such hostility has developed in this thread. This is after all a hobby, not politics! I guess that is the main point here. I have built headphone amps for 3 years as a hobby, not a business. I earn my living by other means. I have tried hard to offer the best I can in every way, both in the amps I have built and in my communications with my fellow headphone hobbyists. This last month has been quite difficult for me with an average 30 emails per day + 50 go-vibe V4s built and shipped! I have enjoyed the amp hobby for the most part and I appreciate the many words of encouragement and support I have received from my clientele but the time has come to bow out and leave the hobby for good. Some of you may remember me giving up Headsave 1 year ago and returning shortly after with the go-vibe only, to keep things simple. Well, it got unsimple again and this time it's for good! Not to worry, there will be many others who will offer similar and perhaps better products than I did. So long folks - happy listening - it's been a blast! Norm

A shame, but I understand your reasoning. Any interest in publishing the schematic now that you won't be using it? If you were to make it public domain and include your specific list of parts, we could all benefit from your design

 

[Raymate]

Sorry to hear this Norm, your amps have enriched many lives including mine. The V3 was my first amp and has started me off... looks like I may never get a V4 now, it's only been around for a month and now it's gone.

All the best Norm and if you every do come back for a v5 mail all your loyal customers and let them know.

The Vibe... simple, clean, powerful and pure. It's all about the music

Ray Allen (a very happy customer)