SOUND ON SOUND

[Wonks]

Did you write that review Wonks? ;)

Alas, I did not.

[Wonks]

It could always be a cunning marketing ploy - well it's certainly got us talking about it.

Then in a couple of weeks they announce a big price reduction to $300, but then market it as a $10k preamp for $300 etc.

[stemwinder]

"Note: 500-Series modules require a power supply and enclosure (sold separately)."

you thought they'd have thrown that in for 10K!?

[ConcertinaChap]

I'm sure Russ Andrews could oblige with something appropriate.

CC

[Wonks]

He wouldn't stoop to sell something so cheap.

[CS70]

My wild guess it's that it's a mistake in the same data file that is sent to all these web shops. More and more these things are automated..

"Midas" finally seems like an appropriate name...

[The Korff]

On both US and UK retailer websites, with different different shops showing slightly different discounts? No, I think they've just lost the plot!

[CS70]

On both US and UK retailer websites, with different different shops showing slightly different discounts? No, I think they've just lost the plot!

Well it could well be that all the prices are calculated from the same base currency, using a currency conversion table which is updated every week or so. That's how many company work out for example, investment budgets requiring foreign assets or labour.

Automation is progressing enormously and especially B2B - it is conceivable that the big shops may have automated price updates by the manufacturers, especially because it saves money reducing the need of manual operations and hence staff. On average that would be a good thing but there would be far less people (if any) in the chain to check out if things make sense.

But of course there's as much as chance to be as you say! :D

[Wonks]

It's been too long. And the shops certainly would get back to Music Group very quickly when they saw the price. I can't believe it does cost that much, but it's gone on too long for it to be a simple error. I suspect a marketing ploy.

[CS70]

Good point - as you said, we’re certainly talking about it!!

[blinddrew]

After all, at that price you only need to sell one... ;)

[ConcertinaChap]

Be interesting to see if they'll donate one for an SOS competition :)

CC

[DGL.]

I believe that $10,000 is indeed the real price from what I've read (I believe from Uli himself).

From what I gather it's basically a no expense spared XL4 based preamp using the best quality parts inc. mil. spec switches, sort of a halo product.

Thomann now have it 'on request' for €9,949 https://www.thomann.de/gb/midas_microph ... er_501.htm

[Brian M Rose]

Assuming it isn't a typo, a few things come to mind...
1) Have they submitted a sample for review by a trusted reviewer (dare I suggest SOS?)
2) Perhaps it is indeed aimed at audiophile enthusiasts rather than professional recording studios, the latter couldn't afford it while there are enough uber-rich people out there who could.
3) And how much do you need to spend on mic cables and for that matter mains cables?

I too suspect an early typo; and then with all that free publicity, 'hey guys, let's just leave things as they are!' I look forward to reading the review though.

[Dr R]

I emailed one vendor to ask if this price was a mistake. Still waiting for the reply after four days.