Sadly most 'audio experts' and manufacturers here fall victims to audiophile snobbery. They resort more to pseudo-intellectual jingoism rather than converting more of us to this satisfying hobby.
I am relatively new to this hobby. When I was starting my journey a few years back, I visited a well regarded local spkr and amp maker in Bangalore. My novice questions probably irked him, he shooed me away telling me to come back when I was over 30 years and started listening to hindustani (in so many words
) He could well have educated me and I might have put my money down on his table.
On the other hand we have something like Viren, who has a small show running but treats all customers alike. No wonder, a lot of discussions take place here on Lyrita's wares. Another person like him was Mr. Nakra of Enbee.
Sidvee, maybe local makers probably cold shouldered you coz they are not confident of themselves. A negative objective review may shatter their reputation built on hype and hot air.
Retailing a product is as much about building brand image and awareness as it is about performance and reliability. If you are in the business of selling, you cannot choose one over the other. You don't need to have big bux for doing that. The web 2.0 platform provides ample opportunity to tap the potential of internet to spread your word around (comms like HFV, social media like facebook or twitter). All you need to do is to back it up with being available and approachable to the prospective customer.
A word to the retailers too...big brands may draw the attention and bring the layman to your store but promoting indian brands may also bring you some volume. Very few Indian brands are sold by those other than the makers themselves (Sonodyne, Cadence, and Rethm come to mind). I can't make a trip to Mumbai or Coimbattore when I want to listen to Lithos or Audire. They should be available where the customer is. The manufacturers by themselves would not be able to spend that much, local dealers, retailers should do their bit here...Why can't they tie up with local makers? No real money there?
At the end, it is more about economy of scale and simple supply chain fundas that keep these brands localized...and what is needed is a concerted effort to break this shackles. If the dealers/manufacturers can't do that, maybe fellow HFV members who possess these makes can open their doors to others who might want to check them out...
...thus ends my rant...
:cheers:
