When JH recently seemed very close to shipping, I was soooooo tempted to put down the money and go for it. But now I'm glad I waited.
I DO believe it sounds amazing and almost certainly will be getting one at some point, but I've already got a CLAS --> RX --> iPod --> JH16 and unlike most here, I don't have an extensive CD lossless or hi-res collection, most of my music is iTunes+ 256k, so I feel like upgrading my music (****, I wish Apple offered lossless!) seems to be the higher priority. Not sure the 3A will totally be worth it until I do.
Also, I'm living abroad now and shipping back and forth in case there are problems would just be too much hassle. So I will wait until it's very stable/bug-free and order at that time. Even if it's $2,000 later on vs. $1750 now -- it's much more important to have a perfectly working product.
In terms of the many comments and email exchanges, I think we all (JH included) would agree that taking pre-orders was by far the biggest mistake they could have made. They should have just borrowed or used their own $100k or so and developed this to perfection and THEN released it. Taking people's money and then not delivering -- or delivering with problems -- has been 90% of the problem.
The other main issue -- proper communication -- could have alleviated much throughout this pre-order ordeal, but I get the feeling JH is not only a small, sometimes undermanned company -- but also that they have this kind of hipster/cocky vibe (which has been good for their marketing) but has kinda made it hard for them to be sufficiently apologetic and also humble and deferential to their customers throughout this year of delays. I think they really do mean well, but have been torn or confused about how to respond, how often to communicate, what to say. Seems like common sense to most of us, but it feels like they are in very unfamiliar territory and have not responded appropriately or professionally overall.
Here's a thought (which could still be implemented) ... there were 50-100 pre-orders if I'm right? The right thing to do would have been to PERSONALLY CALL each and every one of those customers at least 1-2 times during this process. Even if it was just to answer questions, give assurance, apologize and say "we'll let you know when we know more." It would have made a difference. I'm not saying Brittany or Jerry, but others in the company could have helped with this and it would have dramatically influenced customer feelings and perception. I know they have a business to run, but this has been going on for a year. Just making 8-10 calls per week (one call to each 3A customer) over the course of a couple of months is not too much to ask.
Besides, even if their bread and butter occurs elsewhere, you can't think just in terms of dollars and cents. Their reputation has taken a big hit, and partly because I think they forgot that the early-adopter types that invested in this (many of whom are posting here on this thread) -- while maybe a small "niche" -- are actually the most vocal about the products (by far!), positive or negative. Making these people happy produces a tidal wave of good press and free marketing, but pissing them off has led to a hurricane of hate and bad will.
What's even crazier is that THERE IS STILL A CHANCE! Most have not given up yet. Many people here just want communication and ultimately delivery of their product that does as promised. If they were proactively communicative (i.e. not waiting for people to call or bug them) and caring until the product QC/shipping issues are completely resolved, they could still save this thing.
Unfortunately, they are on thin ice right now and it's about to break. They need to do something fast to avoid a wave of refunds and more negative press.
As an aside to you, Inthecity, I must admit -- the initial way you posted Jerry's response made it seem worse. Because you had this long, thought out email and then he seemed to give this cold, rude, defensive response. Also, cutting out his line about calling and talking in person did make a difference in that response. Most would agree.
To sum up ...
Overall, they still have some great products and a fantastic vision -- and I would love nothing more than to see this thing corrected. I know they can. I hope they will. And in the meantime, I hope they humbly communicate, apologize and give a realistic roadmap to those who are still on board.
I would feel very sad if this project got abandoned. As good as my 16's sound, I can only imagine the sonic bliss that comes from lossless, well recorded music combined with this new tech and the unsurpassed quality of their IEM's.
I'm keeping hope alive, and hoping JH shows you guys - via ACTION - that this hope is justified.