I'm a Mapleshade dealer so you can ignore everything I say if you like.
I've known Pierre and Ron for many years to be fanatically concerned for quality sound, iconoclastic cutting edge technology that cuts to the chase, not compromising their ideals in the face of logistical or conceptual norms, generously making themselves available to discuss their methods, and last but not least, charging fairly for their extensive work. The fact that Pierre's recordings are some of the most highly respected in audiophilia, speaks for itself.
Do the math. If you honestly analyze their pricing, which I have done, their products are bargains, even for the DIYer who wants to get their own HVAC pads, cut them up with a band saw and glue them together, after listening to various configurations to determine which sounds the best. Or, god forbid, you could take their word for it and simply rip off their design, confident that you have employed top notch consultants. I am a machinist as well and I can't make their cones as cheaply as I can buy them. Brass has gotten VERY expensive. Ditto the racks, another matter of taste. The point of the power strip is typical of their philosophy. The no BS power strip design was chosen for maximizing quality and minimizing quantity of dielectric and conductors, and they add their own wire to it. Their message is less is more and cheaper can be better. No argument there.
There are many many folks, including myself, who have done the same kind of shoot out that Slaw3 did and came to the opposite conclusion, personal taste I guess.
There are also many many folks who seem to revel in pointing the finger at their latest excuse for their cynicism. It's particularly ironic to me, although predictable, that Pierre should be used for such a target.
