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What have I done? (Excited and nervous)

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This post has 35 Replies | 3 Followers

Sal
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Sal Posted: Thu, Jan 29 2015 10:03 PM

I just placed an order for a Beovision 11-55 MkIV, despite all this talk of doom and gloom for B&O.

I'm hoping that it'll all get sorted out. 

I can honestly say that I am a bit worried about the warranty, and what happens with service, but right now, B&O is still around, their stores are still around, and historically when companies have gone under, warranties have been honored should something go wrong.

Unboxing pictures will be posted when it is delivered. In case anyone was wondering, black frame, black grill, on an easel stand.

I hope I haven't made a mistake! Surprise

markiedee
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markiedee replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 10:39 PM

Congrats and enjoy it!!! Look forward to hearing your opinion about it and seeing your pics when it arrives.

Beoplay A2

Paul W
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Paul W replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 10:42 PM

WOW Congrats Sal! I love the easel stand - nice choice! I hope that you have years of enjoyment from it. I'm sure that it'll make a good audio system too. ENJOY :)

Jeff
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Jeff replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 11:20 PM

Congratulations as well! Look forward to seeing your pictures. If I were in the market for a TV right now, the current B&O hoopla wouldn't stop me from buying one.

Jeff

I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus. Sad

mjmedlo
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mjmedlo replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 11:22 PM
I just ordered one too.

To hell with doom and gloom!
Steffen
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Steffen replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 11:26 PM

The worst thing people can do when a Company is in trouble, is to be afraid of buying their products. Then it will just get worse...

I don't think you should worry about the warranty. I'm sure there will be some kind of solution for B&O. Whether they're being sold to some other Electronics Company, or some Investment fund - I'm sure the Company will survive in some form.

It will never be a mistake to buy a wonderful TV like the BV 11. Buy it and enjoy it. I'm sure warranty issues will be solved, even in the worst case scenario.

Millemissen
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Congrats from me too - enjoy.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

mjmedlo
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mjmedlo replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 11:35 PM
B&O are too rich in heritage to close down.

They'll survive. We might see some downsizing or changes but there'll be a B&O for a long time to come. Just my opinion.
Jonathan
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Jonathan replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 11:40 PM

Look at it this way.. If B&O are sold off, it will be the last real Beovision Yes - thumbs up

x:________________________

vikinger
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vikinger replied on Thu, Jan 29 2015 11:53 PM

The BV5 was a wonderful TV on an easel stand, but suddenly became rather heavy looking when the BV10s and BV11s came along.

My BV11 is on a hinge because it suits my room layout and seating, but I would have been equally happy with an easel. I wouldn't worry about guarantees. I'm still driving a Saab, and Saab parts are available through a separate parts company despite the near total demise of the car maker.

Live dangerously!

Graham

beotex
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beotex replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 1:59 AM
Congrats! I know you had been considering it and the Avant - what made you pull the trigger?
Sal
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Sal replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 2:27 AM

beotex:
Congrats! I know you had been considering it and the Avant - what made you pull the trigger?

Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes. I'm much more excited than nervous (with a dose of healthy caution -- as is my general nature).

So I had written this long story below, but I decided that I can explain it in a few sentences:

I don't like the looks of the Avant, and it didn't help that the placement options also didn't speak to me. Admittedly in my auditions, the sound of the Avant was more full and respectable than that of the BV11 (not saying the BV11 is bad in the least). If the BV11's sound is awesome, the Avant is Awesome +5. Big Smile 

The Beovision 11 offered the looks and sound in a package that spoke volumes. Additionally we know we're going to be adding a pair of speakers in the very near future too (more on that later), so the decision was made.

Finally, I think the largest contributor to the decision was the B&O associate who helped me through the process. This individual is far and away the BEST B&O associate I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with, and I will definitely give him more of my future business. And it is from a store which is NOT in my area.

mjmedlo
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mjmedlo replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 2:39 AM
Sal

Apparently you w met the B&O associate that I always deal with. The best for sure.

Which is why I make a purchase from him about 15 times a year!!

I haven't heard the 11-55

Actually I've never really watched it much!!

I have an 11-46 and v1 and 7-55 and frankly I regularly see the same characteristics across the brand.

That's the reason I continue to purchase within the brand. I enjoy the continuity across the range!

Yay for us Sal!!!

Sal:

Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes. I'm much more excited than nervous (with a dose of healthy caution -- as is my general nature).

So I had written this long story below, but I decided that I can explain it in a few sentences:

I don't like the looks of the Avant, and it didn't help that the placement options also didn't speak to me. Admittedly in my auditions, the sound of the Avant was more full and respectable than that of the BV11 (not saying the BV11 is bad in the least). If the BV11's sound is awesome, the Avant is Awesome +5.

The Beovision 11 offered the looks and sound in a package that spoke volumes. Additionally we know we're going to be adding a pair of speakers in the very near future too (more on that later), so the decision was made.

Finally, I think the largest contributor to the decision was the B&O associate who helped me through the process. This individual is far and away the BEST B&O associate I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with, and I will definitely give him more of my future business. And it is from a store which is NOT in my area.

Beogram 6500 Turntable

Sal
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Sal replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 3:36 AM

mjmedlo:

Apparently you w met the B&O associate that I always deal with. The best for sure.

Which is why I make a purchase from him about 15 times a year!!

Yay for us Sal!!!

Yay is right. And wouldn't it be a hoot if it was the same person?

Well here's an example of an agent of B&O pulling through a sale from a skeptical individual who left the brand due to poor experiences. How? Through through knowledge, excellent customer service and respect.

He did the simple things right:

 

  • I felt as though I was treated like his most important customer, even though I am likely insignificant compared to others (I'm looking at you mjmedlo Stick out tongue)
  • Was patient with me in answering all my questions, via email, telephone, text message, yes... all three modes of communication. I began working with him back in early January. One would think that any other "ordinary" associate would lose interest.
  • He made me feel like he respected and understood my near-term needs and I felt like he went to bat for me and worked in my best interests to research options and negotiate the best price.

 

I could go on, but the above bullets characterize the positive experience I've had. Why this isn't the norm, I will never know. Believe me, I didn't start this journey convinced I would end up buying a television.

Why I bring this up is that while we all wonder what B&O could do differently (in the other threads about B&O's current struggles) -- We've mentioned product changes, refocusing, etc... My experience to date has opened my eyes to the fact that maybe B&O are already doing all the right things from a product perspective but have hired the wrong people in sales / consultant positions in their stores. Yes, I'm aware I'm making a gross generalization -- if every B&O associate was the person I dealt with, well, sales would be better than they are now.

BillC
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BillC replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 5:15 AM
I have to agree with you there. The consultation experience has a big influence on purchase.

We were wanting to buy the Avant 85 inch late last year - would have been one of the first buyer in Sydney.

Arranged a demo at their shop but:

1. They didn't prepare material to show off the capabilities of the TV instead showed highly compressed video clips that made my wife and me dislike the TV

2. Kept pushing up the sound volume too high frightening my daughter - she's the main reason we were buying it

3. Kept playing music when all we wanted was to see the video quality of the tv and how it handled ABC Kids

4. Had absolutely no clue about what the TV can handle eg HEVC, hdmi 2 etc

5. They didn't give full attention instead attended to someone buying a pair of headsets

I was ready to pay 35k and get delivery ASAP but that half hour with the sales person made us never want to buy a B&O TV

Went to another store, found a very helpful sales person and bought the Beolab 18 within 10 mins - wife and I agreed not to go Avant for now

BeoGreg
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BeoGreg replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 8:22 AM
When I pulled the trigger for a Bv11 last year, I thought it could be the last danish made tv and didn't hesitate.

Would do exactly the same today.

Enjoy it, you can't regret buying a Beovision.
Millemissen
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Sal:

Why I bring this up is that while we all wonder what B&O could do differently (in the other threads about B&O's current struggles) -- We've mentioned product changes, refocusing, etc... My experience to date has opened my eyes to the fact that maybe B&O are already doing all the right things from a product perspective but have hired the wrong people in sales / consultant positions in their stores. Yes, I'm aware I'm making a gross generalization -- if every B&O associate was the person I dealt with, well, sales would be better than they are now.

I absolutely agree with you on this.

It has been and still is one of the biggest challenges, that Tue has (had) since he took over - that is for sure.

You can't sell - even the best of - products, if you are not devoted to what you are doing.

The B&O products don't sell themselves.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

mjmedlo
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mjmedlo replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 12:21 PM
Well said.

While I wont go on a nasty rant.... I have had sub par experience with multiple salespeople.

Usually I find that he salespeople are less knowledgeable about the product than I am.

Quite frustrating when you're buying a Ferrari of A/V products.

If I bought a Ferrari id expect the salesman to know so much about the product that I am easily persuaded to make the purchase.

I've had B & O sales people just flat not know products in the portfolio. I'm certainly aware as a business owner that some people do not treat a sales job as a career. But, I think B & O should do better on the corporate level with product knowledge and product awareness amongst their sales staff. As MM said... B&O doesn't sell its self. It's a boutique product that needs explanation and certainly requires a differentiation from the mass manufacture products to justify the premium price tag.

There was a video posted here one time that showed off the abilities of the beovision with whole home distribution and surround modules explained. I've not experience a large percentage of sales people that are able to have a co cessation about the benefits and advantages of the brand. Nevertheless, Sal I'm glad you had a good experience. My relationship with my B &O man is such that when he callas and said a piece would complement my collection, I usually make the purchase!! That's the relationship I want and frankly expect when I'm purchasing high end product!!!

Sal:

How? Through through knowledge, excellent customer service and respect.

He did the simple things right:

I felt as though I was treated like his most important customer, even though I am likely insignificant compared to others (I'm looking at you mjmedlo ) Was patient with me in answering all my questions, via email, telephone, text message, yes... all three modes of communication. I began working with him back in early January. One would think that any other "ordinary" associate would lose interest. He made me feel like he respected and understood my near-term needs and I felt like he went to bat for me and worked in my best interests to research options and negotiate the best price.

I could go on, but the above bullets characterize the positive experience I've had. Why this isn't the norm, I will never know. Believe me, I didn't start this journey convinced I would end up buying a television.

Why I bring this up is that while we all wonder what B&O could do differently (in the other threads about B&O's current struggles) -- We've mentioned product changes, refocusing, etc... My experience to date has opened my eyes to the fact that maybe B&O are already doing all the right things from a product perspective but have hired the wrong people in sales / consultant positions in their stores. Yes, I'm aware I'm making a gross generalization -- if every B&O associate was the person I dealt with, well, sales would be better than they are now.

Beogram 6500 Turntable

Paul W
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Paul W replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 12:43 PM

The biggest problem is that the showrooms are not inviting. Friend of mine feel bad about going into them with me because they feel as though you have to buy. My very best experience is BANG&OLUFSEN in Harrods. The Sales Manager remembers me whenever I go in there which is usually once a year. He'll come up to me, shake my hand, offer me a coffee and ask what I think of his new additions. If I don't like a product, i'll tell him and he's very understanding. Same thing happened at Christmas, his colleague had all of the time in the world for me even though i've never purchased from Harrods.

Selfridges, London on the other hand is the opposite. I want to run a mile from the old, miserable an very pompous looking sales assistants there! That's a really bad image for B&O.

Nick from B&O Sheffield was wonderful last year at tracking down orange grilles for my A*. I'm after the bright sunflower yellow ones now so...

mjmedlo
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mjmedlo replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 2:44 PM
I've never felt pressure to buy .... And I don't get the uninviting feeling... I just get frustrated with the lack of knowledge.
Paul W
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Paul W replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 2:51 PM

Hi MjMedio!

That's annoying, I haven't come across that being honest. I once had a voice mail from a B&O shop in the North West of theUK. The salesman in his 40s thought that he'd finished leaving me a message and 'bad mouthed' a rich customer about his wealth and private jet to his colleague. I heard the entire conversation. Very Very unprofessional and I was very shocked. The guy in question moved to the B&O shop in the next city when the shop closed down!

rxcohen
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rxcohen replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 6:01 PM

B&O executives should drop by their stores to get a better understanding of the sales experience - generally, but not always, the US experience is lack of knowledge of the product, inability to demo and tell you the correct price. Yes when I was looking at the BV11 I went to four stores before someone actually gave the correct price.

But I am happy with the products

BV11-55, BS9000, BL1, BL19, Transmitter 1, Beo4, Beocom 6000, BeoTalk1 200, Sennheiser HD600, McIntosh MHA100

Sal
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Sal replied on Fri, Jan 30 2015 6:18 PM

Lack of knowledge. Here's an example: I was in a store while I was away on business. There was an Avant on a stand, and a Beovision 11 on a wall mount. I was speaking with the sales associate about the Beovision 11 on the wall mount, and asked the following: 

Q: "You know I've seen the Beovision 11 on a motorized floor stand, and in some photos it is tilted up, and in other photos it isn't, can the motorized stand tilt as well as turn the television automatically." 

A: "Oh yes, all of B&O's stands can tilt and turn."

I really want to believe he didn't mean "ALL." As the Avant stand was less than 20 feet away, but I nodded and left it alone. This is where I lose credibility in the sales associates. I'd rather be told "I don't know, but I can find out for you," than hear a made up answer.

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Congrats! 

 

Too long to list.... 

elephant
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elephant replied on Sat, Jan 31 2015 9:49 AM
bayerische:

Congrats!

Too long to list....

Yes - thumbs up

My story on excellent salesmen is having bought a BeoMaster 5000 from Tony in 1985 I walked into another B&O store in 2003 or maybe 2004 to see a demo of the new BeoLab 5s and he remembered me.

On 2nd thoughts maybe he remembered me as a slow decision maker Big Smile

BeoNut since '75

Secondlife
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Warranty is only for the unimportant things in life :-)
Secondlife
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Has one of you ever worked in such a shop? I think more than 90% of the visitors are just watching and orientating. It's not difficult to be enthusiast and give a full demo. But after 10 of those experiences it will be difficult to be highly motivated.

It would help if customers would realize this a bit more. F.e. by visiting the website and possibilities upfront so the visit is a bit more specific. Or by informing the shop upfront so they can prepare your visit.

Maybe sounds silly, but when I go for a car, I always inform them upfront and ask if they could offer me a test drive. Works better than asking in the showroom.
Sal
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Sal replied on Wed, Feb 18 2015 1:41 AM

 

Well, I'm still awaiting PL cables, but here they are. The TV, and speakers... I can't contain my excitement at having everything up and running later this week.


elephant
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elephant replied on Wed, Feb 18 2015 2:05 AM
Fantastic. Congrats on these babies Smile

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markiedee
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markiedee replied on Wed, Feb 18 2015 1:30 PM

Looks amazing, congrats!!

Beoplay A2

Ramasjang
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Ramasjang replied on Wed, Feb 18 2015 8:49 PM
Really nice setup... I like the look of the BV 11 in all black.
paolomariano
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Wow, it must sound gorgeous!!
mjmedlo
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mjmedlo replied on Thu, Feb 19 2015 3:52 AM
Sal:

Well, I'm still awaiting PL cables, but here they are. The TV, and speakers... I can't contain my excitement at having everything up and running later this week.

Sal

Great looking setup.

I have really enjoyed my set so far.

I don't get to watch it enough as its in an upstairs living area and I usually end up in the theater. But!!, I love the look and integration.

I have it well infused with the rest of my system and with the on screen menu for automation its untouchable in my opinion.

Just a fantastic work.

I hope you enjoy yours like I've enjoyed mine.
Sal
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Sal replied on Thu, Feb 19 2015 3:52 PM

mjmedlo:

I hope you enjoy yours like I've enjoyed mine.

I've enjoyed the television thus far, speakers will be connected tomorrow when the PL cables arrive. I really didn't recall how much I was missing in the picture and sound department all those years after I sold my old Avant and then Beovision 8-32. I don't have a "rest of the system" yet, right now the TV, speakers and an orphaned Beogram 6500 Turntable is all the B&O I have, but I'm confident that the BV11 will be the brains of more B&O as the years go on. 

And definitely interested in learning more about the possibilities of gateway.

Need to let the WAF charged up again to move to phase 2 of getting back into B&O. Stick out tongue

Secondlife
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Thought this combi BV and BL could work wireless?
Sal
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Sal replied on Thu, Feb 19 2015 6:55 PM

Secondlife:
Thought this combi BV and BL could work wireless?

Although the BV is WISA enabled, the BL9's by themselves aren't. I chose not to purchase wireless receivers, which only add yet another power cord, so in essence, I really wouldn't be "gaining" anything.

Although WISA is convenient, somehow, I'm not very attracted to B&O's WISA speaker offerings, even if they sound amazing (BL20). I'd rather have wired for now.

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