tomscy2000
Headphoneus Supremus
Compact Monitors was owned and built up by two guys (I believe over 15 years ago). However, as I understand it, they have different aims. One (Rhines Customs) wants to conquer the hifi market whereas the other (Vision Ears) wants to rely on musicians only. That's why they broke up this year. The Stage series of Compact Monitors is exactly the same as with Rhines Customs and Vision Ears. I was told both will gladly handle any support issues from past purchases. I am not sure if either company is working on new products, but as of right now, they are still the same with the exception that Rhines Customs started targeting the international market and hifi enthusiasts.
This is what I read from an announcement from a major distributor of CIEMs in the Asia Pacific region, the HK-based Caesar Palace:
Official announcement: Why "Rhines Custom Monitors"
Dear valued customers,
We are here to justify our decision of choosing "Rhines custom monitors" instead of "Vision ears" after serious consideration.
Recently, our previous prestige CM brand "Compact Monitors" separated into "Rhines" and "Vision Ears". The original two founders parted ways because they held opposing visions and ideas regarding the company's future.
"Compact Monitors" was always a role model in the custom monitors industry and a company which matched Caesar Palace's aim and philosophy - to give the best portable Hi-Fi to our customers. From the guaranteed sound to the master quality handcrafted shell and artwork, Compact Monitors fulfilled our requirements in every aspects imaginable. This is precisely the reason we selected "Rhines custom monitors" as the products of "Rhines" exceeds our expectations when compared to our previous "Compact" standard.
Hope this serves as the answer of our decision. Please feel free to reach us anytime if you have any further enquiries.
Caesar Palace
So, they're saying that Rhine's build quality and QC are better?