Why two Product Lines? - 07/16/06 06:33 PM
Yahama has an RX and an HTR line of A/V receivers. There seems to be a 99% overlap in functionality, what gives? Does anyone know the answer?
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/16/06 06:36 PM
So they can pretend they've got an exclusive line? Also see their digital pianos...
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/16/06 06:51 PM
A lot of companies (eg. Denon) do the same thing. ALl the midrange products are packaged up two different ways -- one line aimed at the "high end audio stores" and another line aimed at the big box stores. That way everyone thinks they have an exclusive line.
A nicer way of putting it would be that the really high end stuff only goes to the audio stores, the real low end stuff only goes to the big box stores, but for the midrange stuff which both stores want it's easier (and arguably a better use of money) to share the design between both lines. Typically the styling is different and there are a couple of other differences but the electronic guts are the same.
Same idea as GM's different brands which share 90% of the underlying platform...
For Denon, each of the models like "2803" has a corresponding "9xx" model sold in the big box stores.
A nicer way of putting it would be that the really high end stuff only goes to the audio stores, the real low end stuff only goes to the big box stores, but for the midrange stuff which both stores want it's easier (and arguably a better use of money) to share the design between both lines. Typically the styling is different and there are a couple of other differences but the electronic guts are the same.
Same idea as GM's different brands which share 90% of the underlying platform...
For Denon, each of the models like "2803" has a corresponding "9xx" model sold in the big box stores.
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/16/06 07:14 PM
I still think it's stupid and confusing. But maybe I just have low blood sugar right now.
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/16/06 09:47 PM
Onkyo makes some fine receivers and amps, but their Integra, high end line, uses better quality Digital Analog Converters, capacitors, power supplies, etc. Sony's ES line also uses better quality components than its lower end products. I had an Onkyo TXDS 797, a very nice receiver, which I replaced with an Integra DTC 9.4 processor and Yamaha M80 amps (3x2 channels) and an Integra M504 (2 channel). Integra is Onkyo's higher end line. Sound quality is noticeably improved in the Integra/separate amp system.
Similarly, I replaced a Sony STRDB 1070 receiver with a Sony TA E9000ES processor and Anthem PVA5 amplifier. I liked the Sony, even used it as a processor with outboard amps, but again, no comparison. The new separate system blows the 1070 away as to sound quality.
Similarly, I replaced a Sony STRDB 1070 receiver with a Sony TA E9000ES processor and Anthem PVA5 amplifier. I liked the Sony, even used it as a processor with outboard amps, but again, no comparison. The new separate system blows the 1070 away as to sound quality.
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/17/06 03:27 AM
Quote:
... maybe I just have low blood sugar right now.
Sounds like a job for <whoosh> <triumphant music> Unibroue!
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/17/06 12:09 PM
Gotta go with Ken on this one, irrelevant of his glucose levels.
Never understood GM making slight variances on the same vehicle and putting on a different badge. You idiot! That's not a Ford, that's a Lincoln! Ooooooh. Aaaaah.
I've always thought that Radio Shack was missing the boat on the "economies of scale" arguement when you went in there to buy, say, a battery tester and they had 21 models. "This one is $8.99. This next one adds a piece of glowtape to the meter so you can still read it six minutes after sunset; it's $9.50."
Just produce three or four models with the "Good, Better, Best and....ummm..."better than best" designations (Platinum, yeah, that's it!) and bring the prices down through economy of scale... not to mention what it means when they're trying to maintain stock in each one of their "You've got questions, we've got blank stares" stores.
Bren gets credit for that last sentence and I think I should go check my OWN glucose levels!
Never understood GM making slight variances on the same vehicle and putting on a different badge. You idiot! That's not a Ford, that's a Lincoln! Ooooooh. Aaaaah.
I've always thought that Radio Shack was missing the boat on the "economies of scale" arguement when you went in there to buy, say, a battery tester and they had 21 models. "This one is $8.99. This next one adds a piece of glowtape to the meter so you can still read it six minutes after sunset; it's $9.50."
Just produce three or four models with the "Good, Better, Best and....ummm..."better than best" designations (Platinum, yeah, that's it!) and bring the prices down through economy of scale... not to mention what it means when they're trying to maintain stock in each one of their "You've got questions, we've got blank stares" stores.
Bren gets credit for that last sentence and I think I should go check my OWN glucose levels!
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/17/06 12:31 PM
Quote:
... "You've got questions, we've got blank stares" ...
Bren gets credit for that last sentence ...
Then Bren has made me LOL! That's a good start to my Monday...
And I agree with you on the whole economies of scale thing. Most often the final products are so similar that one wonders why they have so many different ones! Guess that's why they shuttered Oldsmobile, and Chrysler offed Plymouth.
On the other hand, GM has made some cute roadsters lately with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. Both have the same guts, but the styling varies enough between the two to offer something of a real choice.
So, Mark, were those the same kind of blank stares that you got/get when you ask for SACD or DVD-A at the big box stores? I saw that an anonymous user was reading that thread the other day, so I checked it out as well. Too true, unfortunately! At least we can order online. Praise be to Al Gore for the internet!
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/17/06 01:25 PM
My big regret in life is that the Corvette is sold as a Chevy, not as a Cadillac. I realize there is tradition to follow, and I realize that the Vette was relatively small and inexpensive when it came out, but if the Corvette were a Cadillac product then (a) it would be sized for big old guys and I would be able to fit in it, and (b) there would probably be a cheap Chevrolet version and I would be able to *afford* it 
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 07/19/06 08:08 AM
Dick, welcome. For what it's worth here's Yamaha's answer. No significant difference between them but intended to be sold through different channels. Some other manufacturers have a more expensive line which uses components which may(or may not)lead to a longer service life, although of course the sound quality is no different.
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 09/06/06 02:26 AM
I believe this is intended to placate the stereo shops so that they don't have to price match with the big box stores. The box stores often price match, but if the model number is different, a stereo shop can avoid having to match the box store price.
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 09/06/06 02:42 AM
Gum, welcome. Yes, what you point out is a major factor in the two-level distribution system.
Re: Why two Product Lines? - 09/06/06 03:30 AM
Yes, and for those of us at a retail level, it sucks having to deal with it.
Wolff Steel makes one line of gas fireplace, but markets them under two names - Napoleon & Continental. Except for the logs and a few trim options, they are identical. Same firebox, same burner, same warranty.
Napoleon is sold through specialty fireplace shops, and Continental is sold through heating contractors. Because the heating guys don't bear the overhead of a showroom, the Continental sells for about 20% less than it's twin brother.
The issue is that the logs in the Napoleon aren't 20% better. The same goes for Heatilator & Heat'n Glo. [/rant]
Wolff Steel makes one line of gas fireplace, but markets them under two names - Napoleon & Continental. Except for the logs and a few trim options, they are identical. Same firebox, same burner, same warranty.
Napoleon is sold through specialty fireplace shops, and Continental is sold through heating contractors. Because the heating guys don't bear the overhead of a showroom, the Continental sells for about 20% less than it's twin brother.
The issue is that the logs in the Napoleon aren't 20% better. The same goes for Heatilator & Heat'n Glo. [/rant]