Now compare
the exquisite packaging of the Revel Ultima Salon2 with this pathetic excuse for a shipping carton. I mean, seriously. Come on, now.
God damn. I said, god damn.
These broken bits of board and fluff were holding on to the Audio Valve Conductor preamplifier—desperately, tentatively, gingerly,
hopelessly grasping for life around a chassis made of clear glass and so much generously lacquered stainless steel. You'd think someone would care enough about the thing to protect it properly. The Audio Valve Conductor preamplifier costs $14,000. It comes from Germany. Lombardi Sales, in California's Simi Valley, is the US distributor. There are 12 US dealers for the Audio Valve Conductor. It costs $14,000. I said that already.
Now,
Boober, you see what I mean. If, as Tom Collins says, "The quality of the packaging reflects the pride of workmanship that went into the product," then what conclusions can be drawn regarding the pride of workmanship that went into building the $14,000 Audio Valve Conductor?
Well, perhaps this was a fluke. Perhaps this review sample is an early production prototype and the packaging only meant to make it from Bob Reina's house in upstate New York to John Atkinson's place in Brooklyn. Perhaps all other Audio Valve amplifiers are shipped in sturdy foam and sealed in damage-proof flight cases worthy of such luxurious products. Let us hope.
