The Hifi Industry is being affected by the massive changes that we are all having to adapt to in our daily lives, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have seen many of our favourite Hifi Shows be cancelled or postponed and safety measures mean that many of us are now in lockdown.

Many of our Hifi Industry partners, from around the world, have been in touch to let us know how they are adapting, so please read their information below.

We wish all of you wonderful readers the very best at this difficult time…stay safe, stay home and listen to music, but please always be considerate to others.

Stuart & Linette

Audiovector

Audiovector continues the production and administration with all the security needed to avoid Covid19.

We will keep working as long as we can guarantee the safety for each of our team members.

At our company we take pride in keeping our quality high and to deliver products when promised.

Stay safe and take care. See you all on the other side!

Best Regards

Mads Klifoth, CEO

Ole Klifoth, Founder

Elite Audio

I wanted to take the opportunity, in these unprecedented times, to get in touch and keep you updated on the situation here at Elite Audio.

We are very lucky that our client base reaches far and wide across the UK and although the showroom itself is currently closed we are fully set up to run the business remotely and continue to do so through telephone and online sales.

Aside from one member of staff in the showroom handling logistics, the rest of us are all home working and we can continue to be reached through the normal channels, phone, email and online.

There is no doubt that this period of uncertainty will be challenging for all of us and we are very lucky to be part of an industry that can somewhat ease the stresses for many while they spend their days at home. We never forget just how powerful music is.

Keep safe and well and we look forward to catching up with you very soon.

Warmest regards,

Grant –  and the team at Elite Audio

Tellurium Q

We are strictly following government advice. We took proactive action with one employee who had an “at risk” partner and put them on paid leave before the government called for it. A few days later we put most of the rest of our staff on furlough, leaving just two people who share the same household in production. The production is separate from administration but that is now run from home completely. There are a number of protocols that have been put into place for increased protection of staff and customers. For example, anything arriving at the factory is quarantined for 72 hrs before going to storage or the production floor.

We are surprised at the current order level as it is much higher than I had expected in the situation.

Between the current stock we have managed to build up and the isolated unit we are able to continue to fulfil orders. The reports I have seen today seem to indicate that the government measures are taking effect and the slowing of the virus spread is happening now but we are prepared for a total lock down if that happens.

We notice that dealers, in many cases, are able to supply orders remotely and can still service clients, albeit in a slightly reduced capacity. If we are able to continue safely, and are confident that our staff are isolated we will continue to support our dealers and distributors while the operation falls within the advice of government. When or if that advice changes we are ready to act.

Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems

As we collectively navigate uncertain times, our thoughts are on the health and safety of our staff, customers and communities. We wanted to notify you of the proactive steps we are taking at D’Agostino Audio to ensure the well-being of our team members and safety of the products we manufacture at our factory in Arizona.

Health and safety are top priorities for us at D’Agostino Audio, and we’re committed, as always, to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Our team routinely follows vigilant cleaning procedures for our factory, tools and products. In light of the current situation, we have increased sanitization and safety measures at every touchpoint, following the guidance of the CDC, the WHO, and the local governments.

As has always been the practice, products are cleaned prior to shipment and packed by a technician wearing protective gloves.

With retail stores choosing or being required to temporarily close until the COVID-19 crisis abates, we wanted to let you know that we can work with your dealer to ship product directly to your home if you are unwilling or unable to visit your dealer’s stores. This can be more challenging internationally but we will work with the local distributor to find a solution. Please let us know how we can help.

Our factory will remain open at this time building products with healthy team members. We are working diligently to ensure that we can still ship orders and provide customer support as quickly as possible. Should you have any questions, our sales team will be available to assist you via email or phone.

We hope you and your families stay healthy, and like you, we will be doing our best to keep our communities and fellow global citizens safe.

Thank you,

The team at Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems

Avantgarde Acoustic

Current developments and ongoing concerns about the Corona Virus are forcing us to adapt the business processes at Avantgarde Acoustic.

With consistency and seriousness, we are piloting the company through these turbulent times. We want to take responsibility in regard to our employees, customers and fans of the brand.

With all employees and colleagues united as a team we will stick together, and master this situation with all our joined forces.

Our office is fully operational. You can get in contact with us through email or on the phone. You can reach our office on Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

To protect the health and families of our employees we will reduce the production capacities during the following weeks. This means that we are working with a reduced team and that production of orders might take a few days longer. But still – we are fully capable of acting and will handle every order as usual with love and care.

We have invested extensively in our inventory at an early stage and have placed our full confidence in “Made in Germany” with our suppliers. Fortunately, we are therefore not affected by cross-border related shortages. Everything is available and we can produce all models from our portfolio.

Our business model is based on a solid and stable foundation: i.e. a stable equity base and very careful budget management. Of course, the current situation also poses a major challenge for us. But be assured: we are well positioned and know what to do in this situation.[nbsp]

This pandemic is bringing suffering to humans all over the globe. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been particularly affected by the virus – whether this concerns their health or their livelihood. As Martin Luther, the famous German reformer, said: “If I knew that tomorrow the world would end, I would plant an apple tree today”.

Therefore we fully believe in the future. This means we are not standing still, but will continue. That is why we will expand our budget for research and development in this situation: for progressively better and more exciting products in the future.

We owe a lot to you, our customers and the numerous fans of the brand. Stay healthy and believe in the future.

In confident anticipation of new relaxed times

Wolfgang Rixen & Holger Fromme

Western Electric

Staffing at Western Electric’s main offices and at the Rossville Works has been reduced to increase safety and to help stop the spread of the coronavirus in our surrounding community. As a result, efforts to bring the 300B into full volume production have been significantly slowed. However, work will continue at our manufacturing facility in a limited capacity and we look forward to brighter news concerning product deliverability in the coming weeks.

Melco

Melco has unveiled a new offer designed to help locked-down music lovers get the most from their collections. Acknowledging that Melco dealers are currently not able to adequately support customers new and old due to government restrictions, Melco’s UK distributor, Audiophile Digital Music Masters (ADMM), will be working closely with retailers to offer its own demo stock to anyone who wishes to evaluate products in the comfort of their own homes, with their own systems.

Melco is advising anyone interested in auditioning a Melco digital music library to contact their nearest Melco retailer (using the online tool), who will work with distributor ADMM and arrange the delivery and collection of demonstration samples, including the newly launched Melco EX Series of advanced music libraries and S100 data switch.

With shows, exhibitions and events currently on hold due to nationwide restrictions, Melco distributor ADMM has a pool of demonstration units available for audition and with retailers’ physical stores closed for a period, its retail network has both the time and capacity to help arrange logistics, offering a service level Melco customers have come to expect, as best they can.

Melco has most models available on a first come, first served basis, but will endeavour to cater to all requests for home demonstration samples. Working with distributor ADMM and Melco, the company’s dealer network will also be able to advise on part-exchange opportunities and for existing Melco users, updating libraries to the new EX specification.

Should for any reason Melco retailers be unavailable, consumers are invited to contact Melco directly

Russ Andrews

Russ Andrews has put measures in place that allow it to remain open for business during the current coronavirus situation, and ensure it maintains its usual high levels of service to the audiophile community.

The business has as many staff as possible working from home. Telephone and online orders will continue to be processed, however, with limited staff numbers, the dispatch times may be slightly longer than usual. The company’s couriers have confirmed that collections and deliveries will continue on a daily basis. The on-site shop will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

The company is currently able to supply the vast majority of products in its range and is fortunate in that its manufacturing facility is based in-house in the UK, with components also sourced from UK suppliers. This will help avoid some of the issues facing manufacturers that rely on supplies from the Far East. The Russ Andrews exclusive UK distribution of Kimber Kable is also unaffected, as the products are supplied direct from the USA and there are currently no restrictions on freight shipping to the UK.

John Armer, managing director, comments “We are carefully monitoring the situation and continue to follow public health guidelines for the wellbeing of our staff and customers, which has to be our priority. Clearly it is a fast-moving situation and as a business we will continue to adapt as things change.” He continues “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and loyalty during these difficult times and hope that you and your families remain safe.

“During this period of enforced isolation, mental wellbeing can become a serious issue and music can offer a real sense of relief. Numerous studies have shown how listening to music can be really beneficial to mental health, so we hope this will help people get through the current self-isolation period.”

The Russ Andrews website has been updated to include a blog about the situation and how it affects the business. It will be updated as and when relevant changes occur.

Rega

As you are all well aware the UK government has enforced a total lockdown across the entire UK closing all non-essential business to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

To protect the health and wellbeing of all Rega employees and the NHS we will of course follow these guidelines and have closed as of the 24^th of March. During this period we will be unable to dispatch any goods or review samples.

The government have initially stated a 3 weeks lockdown however this may change depending on the progression of the virus. Currently we are targeting a return to work on April 15th. Unless this is changed by the government this will remain our goal.

Please stay safe and well during this incredibly challenging period.

Very best regards,

Simon Webster / on behalf of the entire Rega team.

Audeze

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure that we’re doing our part to flatten the curve. We’ve adopted social distancing practices and have enabled the majority of our staff to work remotely. In addition to our usual sanitary production practices, we are taking extra precautions to ensure safety in shipping.

Our shipping and production teams are working diligently to maximize fulfillment. Due to the recent statewide limitations enacted by California’s governor, we are operating at limited capacity. Shipments may be delayed up to a week or more.

We would like to thank all of you for your continued support, and wish you and yours good health and security during these trying times.

VPI Industries

Update on our fight against COVID-19. We have successfully been able to keep a steady production of sanatizer that we are prioritizing for first responders and medical care providers. We still plan to supply individuals and are working our way through the emails and distribution. For those close to our factory we have setup social distance safe station for scheduled pickups.

We are also excited to be in full swing in producing and providing medical shields for local hospitals.

Our partners in 3D printing have confirmed that all machines for our 3D arms/Fatboys have changed over to printing ventilator components.

Again we ask everyone for their patients and help in this fight against COVID-19. Whether you are providing assistance or doing your part by staying home, everything counts!

Nintronics

Firstly, I hope everyone is well and staying safe. Hopefully at least getting plenty of time to enjoy your systems during this period of lock down.

We value both our staff and customers safety so in line with current guidelines we will be closing our showroom facility until further notice. However, the warehouse facilities will continue to operate with a skeleton crew so phones and emails will get answered, plus parcels will ship as long as couriers remain open… But please be patient with us, as there might be some delays.

The offices will be open from 10am-3pm Monday to Friday only, offering telephone support and advice, but emails will be answered outside of these hours.

We can continue to offer our home loan services but it will just have to be shipped via courier only. So if there is anything you wished to try at home please let us know. The benefit of us having such a large showroom facility and demonstration stock means we will have a lot of capacity to accommodate requests.

Stock Levels:

Many of our suppliers have offered to ship stock direct to yourselves, so we can utilise the larger pooled stock of the manufacturers. Also, we generally carry a large amount of both demo and sealed stock so will hopefully be able to field most of your requests. Just drop us an email or give us a call to discuss.

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