Yes, that's correct!
In fact I'm really sorry what happened to the chap, just misfortune I guess. The thing is however, he clearly didn't plan for such sudden events, after all we're only human not machines, not yet...! So the private cover doesn't cover this sort of surgery, only "certain types." And that's why even if you have disposable income save it! You never know when life's events suddenly change.
The other point I was making is that Shawn M from Davinci seems to be a great chap! A very genuine person so what he's offering is truly special. If any of you can afford it then now is the time since there's a significant price increase on the horizon!
The thing is, any box- design speakers, regardless of what they've done on the cabinets, heavy bracing, rigid driver enclosures, diamond materials and carbon tech this and pearl that... whatever, you can always hear the box! So for what it's worth, panel types and especially stats simply don't have any of these colorations whatsoever!
Stats, whether hybrid or full range, given the proper room set up with adequate space to breathe and matched with the right gear, will always sound far more natural and much closer to the original recording. So why spend half a million when you can have these wonderful stats from ML for a fraction of the price. Yes, I know their cabinets aren't made from highly exotic materials and didn't come from the Red Wood Forest in Brazil... but what ML offers is true value and a step closer to the original source.
I'll never go back to any cabinet design at all, and I don't think any box type can match what stats do either, it's just plain physics!
To be able to access the discounts, such as what Shawn is providing, is another real vfm opportunity I would say. BTW, none of these sort of discounts are ever offered down unda... no chance Charlie! If at all, our Aus dealers would only jack up prices, discounts are very very rare, unless trade-in deals were discussed. Probably one of the reasons why I closed my dealership nearly two decades ago. So things are tough all round the globe.
Also, if you consider the competition:
1. Quad and other stats- nothing really comparable to ML.
2. Maggie's- nah... not even close, although very good vfm in quasi-ribbon design.
3. Apogee's- yes but not very affordable.
4. Alsyvox- superb! And with superb prices! Starting at 80 - 90 grand just for their entry level series.
5. Dyptique- French designed ribbon speakers, pretty good but not affordable. Very limited tech support overseas...
What else... did I miss any?
So, basically if I were considering real vfm in terms of absolute Fidelity at its finest level, ML is the only one I'd consider!
Woof! RJ