|
June 12, 2003
In early May, Peter and I realized that running Redpoint Audio Design from two locations 900 miles
apart placed severe logistical constraints on our day to day operations. Prototyping, producing,
and balancing inventory became a dreadful nightmare for us. We hoped that the advantages
conferred by the electronic age would help us to overcome these obstacles, but they merely delayed what
in retrospect was inevitable. We went our separate ways, with me forming Galibier and Peter operating
under the Redpoint name.
We continue our relationship in the spirit in which we have operated over the last two years,
and I feel an incredible lightness over the way this has unfolded. Peter and I had 2
extraordinarily productive years where we goaded ourselves to venture where we might not
have gone independently (and where common sense would preclude). I once wrote that giving
birth isn't pretty, and this was certainly true with us. This "birthing" was most
gratifying however and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together, but the time has
come for both of us to redefine our relationship ...
We both continue our shared vision of producing world-class products at real world prices.
Peter will produce Testa Rossa turntables, using the Redpoint name for the time being and
eventually establishing a name consistent with his identity.
I've established this new domain name - "Galibier Design". The Col du Galibier is a high
mountain pass (col is French for mountain pass) in the Haute Savoie region in the Northern
French Alps - a scene of many epic battles in the Tour de France. The high mountains
(whether riding my bicycle, climbing, or skiing) have always been an inspiration to me,
and the name and its history will be a constant reminder of my striving for new heights.
My short term focus will be to consolidate the lineup, offering only two platters -
(a) a solid PVC and (b) a Teflon/Aluminum composite one. Certainly, as I continue to
explore new materials, they will be integrated into the composite platter design - of
course allowing for backward compatibility with the installed base.
For the time being, I will focus on Quattros in order to finally be able fill orders
efficiently. With the latest armboard architecture revision (fully retrofittable to
the installed base), I have attained full parity with the free-standing arm pod Testa
Rossa architecture. I've recently fit a hardwood armboard to a Quattro SE and these too
are quite promising.
The choice between Quattros and Testas is now one of taste and not sonics. My
approach will continue to be one of refining the breed - much the way Porsche
continues to wring more performance out of the venerable 911 series. Of course,
custom work will continue to the extent that I have the time and energy to devote
to it.
I'm considering setting up a Yahoo group to discuss issues relating to
Galibier, as well as general analog topics, but I fear that there is already too
much proliferation of news groups and list servers already. I am currently
subscribed to a
Micro Seiki list , and may ask the list owner about his
philosophy toward having Galibier folks hanging out there to discuss issues
pertinent to both Galibier and high-mass turntables in general. Certainly, we
are of the same philosophical mind and to this extent it makes a lot of sense.
Sincerely,
Thom
top of page
|
Galibier Home
© 2003-2008 Galibier Design, LLC. All rights reserved.
|
|
