Component Ranges - Top, Middle or Bottom?

[Charlie1]

What do members think about the need for more than two hi-fi ranges by a single manufacturer?

I guess the ongoing debate reference a midrange Linn arm is a good example, ignoring the Project 9cc for a momoent. If a manufacturer has the best (Ekos SE) and an entry level model (Akito), then do you really need to fill the whole? Is it just filling a gap for the sake of it? Perhaps a buyer would be better off saving up longer and wait for the best one. Or, get the entry-level model and invest in a better power supply or subchassis.

If you own the entry level, then you can think of that as good value for money. If you have the very best, then you know you have all that money can buy. If you get the one in the middle, then you don't have either - says the man with an Akurate amp :)

An exception might be the Klyde which is mid-level. I think you need that for anyone that is commited to MC with their phono stage, but can't afford an Akiva. Maybe there are other exceptions.

Thoughts anyone?

[SaltyDog]

I agree with your thoughts for a single system.

The mid stuff for a second system is much easier to suffer with.

[ThomasOK]

I think it depends on what type of product you are talking about and the range you are trying to cover. Anybody think Linn's speaker line would be adequate with just Majik 109s and Klimax 350s? That kind of problem currently afflicts Rega where you can buy a $895 integrated amp or you can buy a $9000 integrated amp. You can also buy a $9000 CD player or a $1095 CD player. Many customers would rather have a step or two in between.

I think the reason a lot of dealers felt there was a need for an arm between the Akito and the Ekos SE is the feeling that the Ittok and Ekos 1 still outperform the Akito, in some cases by a fair margin. It would be nice to have an arm that performs between the Ittok and Ekos 2 for those who just can't see $5000 for a tonearm. The ever increasing prices for used Linn arms indicate that there likely is a market for it.

I would also love to see an improved Majik Kontrol brought back in the line. Many customers with dying Kairns, LK1s, Wakondas, etc. find $6500 for a replacement preamp unacceptable and go looking at other companies.

[Charlie1]

I think it depends on what type of product you are talking about and the range you are trying to cover. Anybody think Linn's speaker line would be adequate with just Majik 109s and Klimax 350s?

I think they need bookshelf and standmount options, but yes, I agree its way too much of a gap.

That kind of problem currently afflicts Rega where you can buy a $895 integrated amp or you can buy a $9000 integrated amp. You can also buy a $9000 CD player or a $1095 CD player. Many customers would rather have a step or two in between.

That's some jump, so again, yes it makes sense to me.

I think the reason a lot of dealers felt there was a need for an arm between the Akito and the Ekos SE is the feeling that the Ittok and Ekos 1 still outperform the Akito, in some cases by a fair margin. It would be nice to have an arm that performs between the Ittok and Ekos 2 for those who just can't see $5000 for a tonearm. The ever increasing prices for used Linn arms indicate that there likely is a market for it.

The gap is quite big I agree, but the latest variant is supposed to be really good and not far off Ittock/Ekos. I think I'm with Linn on this one.

I would also love to see an improved Majik Kontrol brought back in the line. Many customers with dying Kairns, LK1s, Wakondas, etc. find $6500 for a replacement preamp unacceptable and go looking at other companies.

I guess there is the Majik-I, although not so neat or good performance as dedicated Majik Pre would now be (i.e. with Dynamik)

And I guess if Linn had dropped the AK and kept MK (circa £2k) then there would be a gaping whole to the £8k KK/1.

So yes, fair enough, 3 ranges generally makes sense for Linn - I agree.