Good question!
The last tour I did was a little bumpy.....but I did receive the preamp back after a few months. That soured the milk. The tour for the most part was a good experience.
NOW: As I have told at least one possible dealer, I am going to make a new version of the NS-40 for retail sale, as opposed to factory direct. That got me thinking a little more: I decided not to release anything of mine for professional review until retail versions are available. Communication has been spotty on this since an ETA didn't exist.
I am starting out with retail models of the NS-40 and Beacon Two. We're keeping it simple. These two products are my best sellers and I know they will do exceptionally well. The retail models will not perform differently than the present renditions. What's going to change are aesthetics and a few upgrades will become standard equipment. It's something I have been thinking about for a long time and the results will be agreeable to most tube audio enthusiasts. The prices will still be very competitive.
Back to the tour: After I get the first model built (someone already ordered one!) and have the time to build another for a tour, I most certainly will do that. The tour unit will be open for reviewers and retailers as well as AC members.
Since someone has already ordered a retail NS-40, they will be available much sooner than expected. I have orders in front of it and when they're done, you'll see the first model posted.
