As someone who has spent 15K on GE speakers, I am not happy at all. This merger might drag the speaker value down. I can't think of 1 good reason why GE would merge with a company that makes cables. Does GE have a cash flow problem, as I see they were trading way down on the stock exchange? Other audio companies that merged have disappeared, products were cheapened, or they are still ok. I hope GE is in the third category but I have my doubts. One of my reasons for investing in GE speakers was because I thought it was a large and stable company. Silly me. As a consumer I am quite upset. I am tired of companies thinking of only their bottom line and not the customer. Regardless of what Sandy wrote how great this is for all concerned, I don't believe it. To me it has something to do with money, it always is about money.

You can just call me one skeptical customer!

stereo5 wrote: As someone who has spent 15K on GE speakers, I am not happy at all. This merger might drag the speaker value down. I can't think of 1 good reason why GE would merge with a company that makes cables. Does GE have a cash flow problem, as I see they were trading way down on the stock exchange? Other audio companies that merged have disappeared, products were cheapened, or they are still ok. I hope GE is in the third category but I have my doubts. One of my reasons for investing in GE speakers was because I thought it was a large and stable company. Silly me. As a consumer I am quite upset. I am tired of companies thinking of only their bottom line and not the customer. Regardless of what Sandy wrote how great this is for all concerned, I don't believe it. To me it has something to do with money, it always is about money.

You can just call me one skeptical customer!

I talked to the owner of Audio Breakthroughs about the "merger". As I understand it, it's a positive for the end consumer (you and I, etc.). Sandy remains president for the next 5 years and there is significantly more money behind GET now, so our warranty is that much more stable/solid. I will not get into what I was told about the reason Sandy chose this direction, however, like you, I've invested good money in the product(s) and there is simply no other choice at the moment than to have some faith. I had a similar situation happen with my Musical Fidelity, when after recently purchasing my M6si, Antony Michaelson sold the company. It is what it is.

My take, for what it's worth:

Yes, it's a change, and a surprise, but Sandy has been on a mission for a LONG time, and career, to make the best speakers at the most affordable prices. He is an audiophile of the first rank, nothing can change that. He and his engineering team are still there, still dedicated to that mission. I'm betting that nothing changes in that regard, and maybe AudioQuest can bring some new resources to the party. I sure love the Dragonfly Cobalt DAC and amp they offer.

I really can't picture Sandy and team ever wavering from that mission they have been on for so long. That's not how Sandy would ever want his audiophile biography to end IMHO.

Rick

I am not happy about it but there is nothing I can do about it. It is not like I am going to buy any more speakers, I'm retired now. My Triton References and Triton Ones (which will be 5 years old in a couple of days) are as perfect as they were the first day I got them. I have had great luck with both pairs of speakers. I hope that GE can continue to give it's customers the quality product and service that it gives now. It is a wait and see situation at best.

Let's not live in a spirit of fear. Let's not ponder on what "might be." Let's enjoy the music and the speakers that provide it.

How long is Sandy staying?

One of the reasons I have stuck with Goldenear is the customer attention. I still remember when Sandy called me at home when I was having issues. I

I am Leary when a company is sold, as I highly doubt the new ceo will be as attentive or even care when Sandy leaves.

I hope for the next while that the engineering does not suffer and prices do not go up drastically.

Am disappointed, but understand business and if it establishes GE in other markets that is good for the brand.

Sandy I wish you the best. As you have given me years of listening enjoyment.