FreeBlues
100+ Head-Fier
Like many of us here, I read with interest of new amps and other gear, always hoping to get the "next great thing" that will take my music listening to a higher level. Also like others here, I sometimes fall for the flavor of the month hype and purchase new gear, expectations high, then discover my older gear is still "better."
For example, my Lisa III.
I purchased my Lisa over two years ago when they first came out. I use mine exclusively with IEM's (UE-11's) and almost always in portable mode. In the last two years I have tried many of the "hot" new amps, including the RSA P-51 and SR-71A, Pico, iQube and ALO Rx, plus a couple others. These newer amps are smaller, more convenient, hold much longer battery life, are sturdier and almost always easier to use with IEM's in portable mode. In spite of all the practical advantages the newer amps offer, it's my Lisa III that is still my number one, the one I amp I still own after 2 1/2years, the only piece of gear I consider irreplaceable. Many of us here say sound quality is the most important thing, and I agree. For the BEST sound quality available, I've found nothing - and I have tried! - nothing is close to the Lisa III.
This was all brought to mind again with an exceptional customer service experience. Since I use my Lisa in portable mode it is occasionally subjected to the odd bump or accident. I dropped mine on the input jacks and knocked them loose. I emailed Brad at Triad about getting the amp repaired. Brad replied almost instantly, said to send it in.
While the amp was off for repair I was "forced" to use my SR-71A. Of all the amps mentioned, this RSA amp is a solid 2nd place in my all time favorite list - I actually have owned two, one several years ago was sold while I tried all the newer offerings, and this one now after I discovered the SR-71A was still slightly preferred over the others. As good as the RSA amp is, I really, really missed the Lisa while it was gone.
Let me close by finishing the customer service story. Two days after Brad received my amp he emailed (and phoned) to say the amp was repaired, including a couple updates and a new backplate he thought would make the amp sturdier in my application. He sent it out via FedEx that day. Total cost to me for repairs, updates and shipping? Zero, nothing, no charge. Said he wanted to keep his Lisa customers happy. Did I mention this amp is over two years old and that the repair was caused by my negligence?
I know it seems newer will be better, and it often is with electronics. For me, this has not been the case with the Lisa III. I say it started as the best, still is.
For example, my Lisa III.
I purchased my Lisa over two years ago when they first came out. I use mine exclusively with IEM's (UE-11's) and almost always in portable mode. In the last two years I have tried many of the "hot" new amps, including the RSA P-51 and SR-71A, Pico, iQube and ALO Rx, plus a couple others. These newer amps are smaller, more convenient, hold much longer battery life, are sturdier and almost always easier to use with IEM's in portable mode. In spite of all the practical advantages the newer amps offer, it's my Lisa III that is still my number one, the one I amp I still own after 2 1/2years, the only piece of gear I consider irreplaceable. Many of us here say sound quality is the most important thing, and I agree. For the BEST sound quality available, I've found nothing - and I have tried! - nothing is close to the Lisa III.
This was all brought to mind again with an exceptional customer service experience. Since I use my Lisa in portable mode it is occasionally subjected to the odd bump or accident. I dropped mine on the input jacks and knocked them loose. I emailed Brad at Triad about getting the amp repaired. Brad replied almost instantly, said to send it in.
While the amp was off for repair I was "forced" to use my SR-71A. Of all the amps mentioned, this RSA amp is a solid 2nd place in my all time favorite list - I actually have owned two, one several years ago was sold while I tried all the newer offerings, and this one now after I discovered the SR-71A was still slightly preferred over the others. As good as the RSA amp is, I really, really missed the Lisa while it was gone.
Let me close by finishing the customer service story. Two days after Brad received my amp he emailed (and phoned) to say the amp was repaired, including a couple updates and a new backplate he thought would make the amp sturdier in my application. He sent it out via FedEx that day. Total cost to me for repairs, updates and shipping? Zero, nothing, no charge. Said he wanted to keep his Lisa customers happy. Did I mention this amp is over two years old and that the repair was caused by my negligence?
I know it seems newer will be better, and it often is with electronics. For me, this has not been the case with the Lisa III. I say it started as the best, still is.
