AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Channel Islands Audio Owners => Topic started by: CIAudio on 8 Dec 2021, 05:05 am

Title: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 8 Dec 2021, 05:05 am
After 25 years, CIAudio is calling it quits.

The last 2 years have been extremely difficult, and now we're in a situation where we can't get parts to build products, our chassis/custom part vendors have few employees, long lead times, and costs are through the roof.
Starting January 1st, we will end production of all products and retire the CIAudio brand.
We will continue to offer both warranty and non-warranty service, and we still have limited quantities of various products for sale.
Thank you to all who have supported us over the years, many of which have become close friends!
It's been a great run, but time to pursue some other interests.

Dustin Vawter-Channel Islands Audio
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Meicheng on 8 Dec 2021, 06:03 am
Hey Dusty, really sorry to hear this.  Wishing you the best in your future endeavors. 
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: FullRangeMan on 8 Dec 2021, 08:07 am
Very sorry to know this bad news, hope we all can continue to listen to music in this dark future.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: charmerci on 8 Dec 2021, 08:13 am
Sad news. Sorry to hear this.  :cry:
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Craig B on 8 Dec 2021, 12:13 pm
I'm so very sorry to hear this, Dusty. I've been a fan since my old VDA-1 and VPP-1 days, and I use my PEQ1MkII daily and love it.

I know someone with their heart so deeply rooted in quality sound reproduction, and with a product track record like yours will find a new and satisfying place in our world, where you can continue to contribute to listeners' benefit.

Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: jtwrace on 8 Dec 2021, 01:29 pm
Sorry to hear this Dusty.  What's next?
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Big Red Machine on 8 Dec 2021, 01:52 pm
Let's take a more positive view and celebrate the new opportunities on the horizon. You have met a crap-ton of us Audiophools over the years (can't imagine that many of us did not use one of your components at some time in our own journey), hopefully you have made a decent living out of it, and with the high level of satisfaction we have enjoyed through your products and abilities, you can move to the next phase proud and hopeful.

Three cheers to Dusty!   :beer: :beer: :beer:
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: mcgsxr on 8 Dec 2021, 03:05 pm
I have had the pleasure of one of Dusty's DAC's and outboard power supply in the past.  Excellent kit.

Thanks for the years of serving the fickle audiophile community Dusty!
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: gme109 on 8 Dec 2021, 03:27 pm
Sorry to hear this Dusty. Unfortunately this same fate a waits many other companies as well, due to the insanity that's taking place around the globe.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: JLM on 8 Dec 2021, 03:28 pm
Have always appreciated the quality, common sense, and understated approach to your products.  That's why I've brought more CI Audio pieces than any other brand (six).  Thanks again for all your help to get my DMC-1 running (even though I bought it used).  Disappointed that the CD transport (CDT-1) was a victim of your hardships. 

Hope your move to Maui will be enjoyable.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: MttBsh on 8 Dec 2021, 04:16 pm
I'm very sorry to hear this dusty! you're a man who stands behind his fine products, whose customer service is above and beyond. That you need to call it quits says a lot about the sad state of smaller businesses everywhere. One day this supply chain mess will clear up, I know you will be successful in whatever you decide to do. I have enjoyed our conversations; we will meet again! Take care, Matt.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: audiotart on 8 Dec 2021, 04:38 pm
As a long time fan and much more importantly, a friend, I just want to wish you nothing but the happiness and success with all of your future endeavors.  You’ve always put out high quality, superb sounding gear. 

You really are a great guy Dusty.  I’ve gotten to know you over the last 20 years and can’t say enough good things about what a decent human being you are. 

Enjoy this next chapter of your life. 

Love you brother.

Joe
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: gme109 on 8 Dec 2021, 04:44 pm
If you really known what's going on with "The Great Reset", then you have a better chance of navigating the minefield that lies ahead.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: mresseguie on 8 Dec 2021, 05:17 pm
Somehow, I thought this day would arrive. Many thanks for creating such great products and standing behind them with stellar service. I wish you a joyful futue as you settle into your new digs in HI. Enjoy life.

Michael
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 8 Dec 2021, 11:27 pm
Thanks you all for your kind words!
We'll be closing our shop here in California at the end of the year.
Phone and email will remain the same, and our new ship to address for repairs is listed below.

Dusty Vawter
415 Dairy Rd. Ste E-209
Kahului HI 96732-2348

phone: (805) 984-8282
email: dusty@ciaudio.com
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: AKLegal on 8 Dec 2021, 11:34 pm
I'm really sorry to hear this. I never got the chance to try your amps but I used the Transient MKII and matching power supply for years.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Nordkapp on 8 Dec 2021, 11:54 pm
This sucks but I certainly understand. I wish you and your family the very best going forward Dusty. You're products are some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of owning. Good luck and godspeed. Mike.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Woodsage on 9 Dec 2021, 02:53 am
All things come to an end and it doesn’t sound all bad. Moving to Maui ain’t half bad and you’ll be less than a half hour away from Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kihei. They make the best fish tacos I’ve had and on the cheap.

Mahalo for many great years!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=233483)

Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 9 Dec 2021, 04:05 am
All things come to an end and it doesn’t sound all bad. Moving to Maui ain’t half bad and you’ll be less than a half hour away from Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kihei. They make the best fish tacos I’ve had and on the cheap.

Mahalo for many great years!

Thanks! Just had an Ono sandwich there last week 😋
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: MikeInAustin on 9 Dec 2021, 04:36 am
Best wishes Dusty.  I love my DMC-1.  Thank you for your support.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: HAL on 9 Dec 2021, 02:01 pm
Dusty,
Thanks for all the great gear along the way!

Good luck with the move to HI and new endeavours!

Best,
Rich
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: cspersel on 9 Dec 2021, 07:46 pm
I've known Dusty since grade school and currently live within a few minutes of his office so often stop by to "shoot the breeze" or buy one of his great components. I've been an "audiophile" for most of my life and I can say without hesitation that Dusty's products are some of the best on the planet. I own four of them and they are the backbone of my 2-channel system. I can't imagine needing anything more or different without spending 4x as much .. and that would still not guarantee better performance. I knew this day was coming and was sad to hear of it some months back and REALLY sad now that the day is very near. On the other hand, Dusty deserves a great life in Hawaii and I'll wish him all the best. But .. I'll definitely miss our long talks about audio, music, sports, our old schools and classmates, etc. As George Harrison famously said ... "All things must pass." But .. when one thing stops ... there is space for another to open up. :-)
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: strateahed on 9 Dec 2021, 11:03 pm
Dusty, I’m both sad and grateful. Sad to learn that you’re shutting down CI Audio; but grateful for having your D200’s in my system for quite a while. Though we’ve never met in person, you were always an email or phone call away whenever I had any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your contributions to the audio community, and best wishes as you enter this next phase in life.   
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: FullRangeMan on 10 Dec 2021, 04:14 am
Hi Dusty, you deserve this break... enjoy.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=233524)
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CSI on 10 Dec 2021, 05:50 pm
After many years and many products I'm still using my C100S amp and my D200's (hand-me-downs from my late father-in-law). Since we now live in the same town (for the next few weeks at least) I will drop in to say goodbye in person. In the meantime, thanks for so many great products Dusty.

Mahalo and Aloha

Bill Organ
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: dminches on 13 Dec 2021, 06:25 pm
Dusty, I am sorry to hear that external issues have forced you to make this decision.

You have provided many people with tons of great products over the years.  I hope you enjoy whatever it next for you.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 18 Dec 2021, 12:34 pm
After many years and many products I'm still using my C100S amp and my D200's (hand-me-downs from my late father-in-law). Since we now live in the same town (for the next few weeks at least) I will drop in to say goodbye in person. In the meantime, thanks for so many great products Dusty.

Mahalo and Aloha

Bill Organ

Hey Bill,

Was really nice of you & the wife to stop by yesterday.
I hope you enjoy your C•100S for many years to come!

Mahalo!
-Dusty
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: vonnie123 on 24 Apr 2022, 03:01 am
I'm the proud owner of several CIA pieces.  Solid build; excellent quality.  End of an era for sure.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Cheytak.408 on 24 Apr 2022, 06:28 am
Damned shame to see the supply chain and "other" issues drive another great small enterprise out of business.

My best wishes and, yes... prayers for you!

Bon chance!
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Krod on 25 Jul 2022, 02:43 am
Hi Dusty,
I hope all is well with you and that you have finally settled in.  We emailed each other at the beginning of this year about my E200S that I was having a problem with.  You said to email you in a couple of months and you would let me know if you had your shop set up yet.  It's been 4 months now and you haven't responded to any of my emails since then.  Again, I hope all is well with you but let me know if you've gotten my emails and if you still plan to continue support.  Thanks.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 30 Jul 2022, 05:06 pm
I just got the shop set up here as we needed to make repairs/paint the shop before installing everything.
I believe I replied to your email a few days ago... if not, please send me another.

-Dusty
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Krod on 7 Aug 2022, 01:14 am
Hi Dusty, I sent you an email through this board day before yesterday. just checking with you to make sure you got it.  thx.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 7 Aug 2022, 06:17 pm
Not sure... did you get a reply from me?
If not, please re-send.

Dustin
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: Krod on 7 Aug 2022, 06:58 pm
Hi Dusty,
I resent an email I sent back in July to both of your email addresses in hopes that it gets through.  We used to communicate fine before but for some reason not anymore.  Please check the usual suspect folders to see if my emails are being misrouted now.  Please let me know if you got it.  Thx
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: snoogly on 4 Mar 2023, 04:19 am
Does anyone have reliable contact info for Dusty?

I contacting him via the email address on the ciaudio landing page, but got no reply. I need help with support for an item I bought.

Thank you.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: FullRangeMan on 4 Mar 2023, 04:37 am
Now is friday night, he may reply monday.
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: snoogly on 4 Mar 2023, 06:05 am
I wrote a few weeks ago :-( :-(
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 26 Mar 2023, 08:25 pm
Contact us at channelislandlab@gmail.com
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: snoogly on 26 Mar 2023, 08:54 pm
I previously tried the address on the ciaudio landing page, but got no reply. Is this a new address? If not, could you check your spam folder for a mail from Richard Hawking?  :wink:
Title: Re: End of an era
Post by: CIAudio on 28 Mar 2023, 08:42 pm
I emailed a download link to you. Let me know if you need further help.
Sorry for the delay!