[chadh]

I have no idea whether this is the appropriate circle for this post.  Perhaps there is no appropriate circle for this post.  Just in case, I'll offer my apologies and trust the hardworking moderators to dispose of it appropriately if I shouldn't be trying to sneak this one in.

Perusing Audiogon just now, I found a listing for some speakers from the Audio Pimp, who now has a brick and mortar establishment, and is operating under the more respectable moniker of MSS Hi Fi.  I never knew why he was known as the Audio Pimp.  But the blurb attached to the end of his ad now makes it clear...

Special monthly SUPER SALES:
We feature no-haggle pricing EXCEPT on event day - last Saturday of the month (for example, the next ones are 4/25, 5/30 and so forth). So save your "will you accept $xxx" phone calls and emails until MSS event day - on any other day the asking price is the best price. Everything new, demo, used at special unadvertised discounts. Retail sales only for new and demo gear. Fun atmosphere with hot babes in outrageous outfits, free drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Dinner dates included with purchase of select premium and special promotion items.

I added the italics, but I don't think I've added any unintended innuendo.  It seems the recession is either encouraging some brave marketing tactics, or some questionable humor.

Chad

[MaxCast]

I've seen the pimp ads before then I saw the MSS stuff saying they were taking over the pimp...no more smart ass, belligerent, dealings with the a$$hole pimp...or something to that effect.  I've seen their ads in the magazines too.

[maxwalrath]

They've got an amazing amount of gear for sale, usually for cheaper than other used ads on A-gon.

[Bemopti123]

If previous experiences with the former P are true, then regardless of their mortaring their operation, I would ask buyers to be beware. 

[kgturner]

i never purchased anything from "the pimp", but i did sell him a pair of cary monoblocks for $3000 when nobody on audiogon would give me the time of day. this was way before the recession too. i never had a single problem with the transaction. those who complain about buying from him just because of his name either need to grow up or get buried.

kevin t

[evan1]

I know that some NY Audio Ravers spent the day there a few weeks ago.

[Mightyburner]

I recently purchased a CDP, a power conditioner and a subwoofer from them and found their prices to be very good and the service excellent.  They also allowed me to demo several other pieces of equipment at my home.  Granted they needed my credit card and I do live close by but I was very happy with the entire experience.

I never dealt with them when they were the Audio-Pimp but judging from their end of the month party something tells me they still "wear their hats to the side and walk with a limp". 

[toobluvr]

They've got an amazing amount of gear for sale, usually for cheaper than other used ads on A-gon.

That's because he buys the gear so cheaply!
No gripes here really...free market, people are not forced to deal,  and profits are allowed.

His sell prices generally are good so I would buy from him if he had what I wanted, provided he treated me OK.  But I have not been inclined to sell to him.

The few times I asked him for a buy price it was so low that I could have listed it privately at several hundred more and sold it myself in a heartbeat.   Most recent example is he offered $800 less than what I eventually got by listing and selling privately.

[chadh]

I know that some NY Audio Ravers spent the day there a few weeks ago.

With the audio pimp?  Or with the "hot babes in outrageous outfits"?

Chad

[Bemopti123]

They've got an amazing amount of gear for sale, usually for cheaper than other used ads on A-gon.

That's because he buys the gear so cheaply!
No gripes here really...free market, people are not forced to deal,  and profits are allowed.

His sell prices generally are good so I would buy from him if he had what I wanted, provided he treated me OK.  But I have not been inclined to sell to him.

The few times I asked him for a buy price it was so low that I could have listed it privately at several hundred more and sold it myself in a heartbeat.   Most recent example is he offered $800 less than what I eventually got by listing and selling privately.

Ditto.  There are some shifty tactics that were used when I sold him a piece, he claimed that things were "broken" etc...  Once again, sellers more than buyers beware.

[Audiovista]

I know that some NY Audio Ravers spent the day there a few weeks ago.

Yup, here's the link with some post-visit impressions:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65865.60

[Ericus Rex]

I had a BAD experience a few years back with the Audio Pimp.  I bought a pair of speakers that turned out to have defective tweeters.  He suddenly fell off the face of the planet and didn't return any of my calls or emails.  After a couple months of this I threatened a lawsuit and finally Chris from his shop emailed me and gave me a full refund once I returned them.  Good customer service?  I don't think so.

[Audiovista]

Now may be a good time for a quick reminder of AC posting rules.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=37305.0

"No dirty laundry" rule may be interesting.

Thanks!

[chadh]

Does nobody else think it's just downright weird to be bundling audio gear with escort services?

Maybe this is standard practice, and I just visit the wrong audio stores.  Maybe this is the real reason audiophiles are constantly lamenting the steady attrition in brick and mortar outlets.

Chad

[Bemopti123]

Does nobody else think it's just downright weird to be bundling audio gear with escort services?

Maybe this is standard practice, and I just visit the wrong audio stores.  Maybe this is the real reason audiophiles are constantly lamenting the steady attrition in brick and mortar outlets.

Chad

I guess is one of their gimmicks to call attention.  While some dealers do it with glossy adds and imply hifi and hi prices through regular magazines such as Stereophiles, other people decide what is most effective to increase traffic through their stores.