Talons may well be the most debated speakers on this site, regardless of what else they are said to be the "most" of. However, we need to step out of the extreme statements such as "waste of business!". As well, we need to be more careful about doing a little bit of research before making statements such as: "It seems a little dishonest to blame such gross flaws in soundstaging on what is a very capable preamp from EC, perhaps to increase the reputation of a product you do sell at the expense of one that you don't." (explained below).
But first, let's step back and consider this thread in terms of: what the participants are trying to accomplish, the tone of the "negative feedback", and how it is self defeating.
What is the goal of this thread?
Clearly, some people like the sound of these speakers and some don't, both with a passion. Interestingly, this can be said of a certain amplifier company as well, but that's another mess of threads. Some of the members posting "negative feedback" have additional concerns about practical and monetary considerations. Thus, some members are trying to provide feedback from "the field" as to what can be improved in the manufacturing/distribution/retailing of these speakers. The manufacturer/designer has posted a response here and elsewhere in the past, demonstrating that they are paying attention to the feedback, and stating changes they are making. (stated in whatever "politically correct" manner they felt was appropriate for a business)
Tone and methodology of discussion
Consider that most of the posters here essentially "live" at the Audiogon, or at least visit a LOT. That can be said for most of the posters in this thread, except the two business entities that have posted: a dealer and the manufacturer. Now, consider the fact that these business entities may spend limited time at Audiogon, and sometimes feel dragged in to "defend" themselves. No problem so far, until they are forced to defend themselves against silly statements, or even false ones. For example, one of the statements above is "It seems a little dishonest to blame such gross flaws in soundstaging on what is a very capable preamp from EC, perhaps to increase the reputation of a product you do sell at the expense of one that you don't." (apparently in reference to the post by Sos, a dealer). If the reference is indeed to Sos, then a couple of clicks show that Sos is indeed a dealer for the very preamp mentioned.
So what's the point?
The internet is a bizarre dimension for the high end audio community. Some people are addicted to it, some use it a lot, some would prefer to stay away from it, and for some it has been a negative experience overall. Audiogon and its experienced members should be striving to encourage MORE participation by industry members, not LESS. For example, when manufacturer/designer posts a response, only to be followed by several immediate attacks ("waste of business", etc), it makes one think twice about participating in the future, because they don't have the time to counter each and every point on every message board. While this is also true for any user being "attacked", business entities with limited internet time are the most vulnerable to this type of discouragement. They will simply go away, having learned that participating only tightens the constriction they are feeling.
Please understand that this post has nothing to do with Talon speakers (personally, I prefer a different concept). Perhaps it has something to do with commercialism, about which we make no qualms. But it MOST DEFINITELY has to do with Audiogon's goal to use the internet for the BENEFIT of the high end audio community. The discussion forums are one tool that would be far more useful with the participation of more industry "insiders". I propose that it is the DUTY of the experienced posters here, to be more careful with their statements, and keep in mind who they are aimed at. (a few snide comments to cfb might be acceptable :) but careless statements about business entities are not). A little time and patience before posting would go a long way in this thread's goal: to encourage a builder to discuss the good/bad points with the users of that product.
