The PS Audio Sprout is a unique do-it-all machine with two great amp stages. But Head-fi discussion about it is minor. Some, like Headphoneus Supremus, Shaffer, suggest that in targeting the Mass Drop audience, PS Audio are going about it wrong:
“Right, which is why you (as a high-performance manufacturer) don’t sell through Massdrop at dealer cost, discounting the brand and alienating the dealers. If the product was truly good, it would be flying out the door.
This is how it usually works in this sector of the market: A manufacturer releases a new product. The sales guy starts calling dealers and offering a demo, either for a free trial or at a demo discount (typically 50%). The dealer takes the product home, listens to it, perhaps also gives it to a trusted employee for an evaluation, and then displays it in the store to gauge the consumer’s reaction. The latter happens if the product sounds good. If not, the demo is sold at a steep discount and no more units are ordered. If the Sprout was selling, there would be no need for Massdrop.”
But it appears that Sprout is selling. And at nearly 40% off MSRP, it should be. It has fantastic amps for both headphones and speakers, and a DAC that supports Bluetooth, USB, and coaxial inputs. Read my review of it on Headfonia. Despite a few reservations (some serious), I really like Sprout.
The overall tone of the Head-fi Sprout thread is positive, but the subject of Mass Drop has taken over the discussion. When that happens, I question its advertisement value, especially as it sets expectation for sudden down pricing rather than stability. Mass Drop also attracts short-term ownership and flipping.
I understand the reason to Mass Drop an item. I understand the excitement that bubbles behind deals. But in the long run, I don't think casting a product in the debut mould of sales pricing is a great idea. Others disagree. sealykojac makes a cogent argument both for and against Mass Dropping:
“Given that the sprout is a product born online through crowd funding it makes sense to sell them through modern avenues like Massdrop. I don’t see this as the product people rush to dealers to purchase. At $499 its a good value backed by good company with a 3 year warranty. It’s a tougher sell at $799 when you know that hundreds of people got theirs for $399. Scott from PS even joked about brand recognition in his April blog where the original $499 promotion came from. There are a lot of big brand names selling through Massdrop now at below dealer costs.”
It's not only distribution channels that whither under the influence of Mass Drop. Equally, MSRP does, too. It seems silly to pay 599$ for Cypher Labs's C6IEM when it can be had for 399$ on Mass Drop if you can wait for enough interest. (Check out Cypher Labs's Mass Drop page - you're bound to get a deal.) It's Lisa VS. Mac all over again, creating rifts -- in brand image, in fan support -- where none need exist.
I want to see Sprout succeed. While Bluetooth isn't the darling of the audiophile community, it is a brilliant option to have and one that needs to be exploited. I just hope that PS Audio's brand value survives threads, or forums, that are have become more about sale prices, or buyer wanted threads, than about sound.