On eBay, they've been relisting (under the username singerbull) the same overpriced Runco IDP-980 every week, for over a year. Since the value of this projector is (at most) about 20% of their asking price of $5,000, what are they trying to accomplish?

I know they've been in the high-end business for years before the internet, and I believe their reputation is one of some arrogance, but still...

Probably the same reason that I list 'overpriced' sets on eBay compared to what they are going for. It's a cheap form of advertising. SBS has been around for a long time as far as I know.

^ I never would have thought about it like that! What a great idea!

Of course, the potential backfire is just what Shoujiki's first impression was: That of being clueless, arrogant twits. If people know you, it's fine (well... unless you really ARE a clueless, arrogant twit) but if they know you, you don't need to advertise anyway. I'm not sure why you wouldn't just put it up at its real value, anyway - it's not exactly a tragedy if you start selling bunches of them, right?

And I would think artificially high prices would tend to drive customers away. "He wants HOW much!? Forget it, I'll go buy a DLP..."

It's kind of funny... I was looking at ebay when I was first considering CRT PJs, and when I saw one of Curt's ads with, "I've written a 20 page document about blah blah" every scam meter in my brain lit up red. It sounded incredibly fishy - like he was trying really hard. Makes sense looking back, but you have to be really careful what you write...

off topic but couldn't resist!

"Those in the "know" and refusing to get caught up in marketing "truth bending" would defiantly want a CRT PJ
...unless they are in such denial that they can't bring themselves to get one: because it is "old" technology!!!"

As we all know by now, old tech does not necessarily means inferior!

I also have been seeing that one for quite sometimes...I agree with Curt..maybe it is an exposure type of a deal...

As far as Curt and his sets, I would gladly shell out the cash for a nicely tuned/triple gone over CRT...just because of the peace of mind and that Curt knows his stuff, not to mention has a great reputation!

Anyhow

Martin

It's kind of funny... I was looking at ebay when I was first considering CRT PJs, and when I saw one of Curt's ads with, "I've written a 20 page document about blah blah" every scam meter in my brain lit up red. It sounded incredibly fishy - like he was trying really hard. Makes sense looking back, but you have to be really careful what you write...


I have to comment on this since the thread got bumped agan. I've read this about 8 X since the thread was posted, and seriously (IMHO), you have to be the only one...:)

Obviously I wrote that line to reel people in. Email me, and hopefully you'll read what I wrote, and that will get you curious enough to email me back, blah blah.

I think that if I was looking for something a bit obscure on eBay or elsewhere and found someone that was willing to share info, I'd be all over it. I wouldn't think it's a scam, although I'm sure my BS meter would be turned on, and I'd do additional research to prove/disprove stuff that I read that I know nothing about.

I'm not offended, at all by your comment, don't take me the wrong way, I've just never heard anyone think that providing free info = scam..:)

I have to comment on this since the thread got bumped agan. I've read this about 8 X since the thread was posted, and seriously (IMHO), you have to be the only one...:)

Obviously I wrote that line to reel people in. Email me, and hopefully you'll read what I wrote, and that will get you curious enough to email me back, blah blah.

I think that if I was looking for something a bit obscure on eBay or elsewhere and found someone that was willing to share info, I'd be all over it. I wouldn't think it's a scam, although I'm sure my BS meter would be turned on, and I'd do additional research to prove/disprove stuff that I read that I know nothing about.

I'm not offended, at all by your comment, don't take me the wrong way, I've just never heard anyone think that providing free info = scam..:)

Certainly no offense was meant. It's obvious you're not trying to scam people, but from the perspective as a guy who knew d*ck-all about CRT projectors, it looked a bit odd. In the end, I didn't actually think it was a scam, after I read it more carefully, but the initial response was, "WTF?"

Of course, I ended up getting a forum membership, etc. If I had the cash I probably would have bought my PJ from you, but no such luck... :)

Just a couple of my experiences with Curt:

Curt has been a champ from my perspective!

I have bought a few odds and ends from him (for my marquee and barco!) and have also had friends order complete PJ's from him by my "introductions and hours of convincing them to get a CRT instead of a bulb/disposable box!"

...he has gone as far as sending me my parts in advance just because the package was late through customs or something....

oh and the two complete crts that i got for my friends arrived on time and exactly in the shape described! (basically perfect!)

He has gone out of his way to help me and i am sure he has done the same for others here also!


Martin

Having bought a few items from SBS over the years, pre internet, their prices are fair, not cheap, but nothing in high end audio ever is, if you want to demo, spend time listening, the ability to audition in your system, etc, there's a cost involved. Some would rather trust a review and order blind instead of making a long term investment in their audio system. (and I'm really glad I'm out of that hobby (and business))

erie

Having bought a few items from SBS over the years, pre internet, their prices are fair, not cheap, but nothing in high end audio ever is, if you want to demo, spend time listening, the ability to audition in your system, etc, there's a cost involved.
That is entirely true, as someone who has bought and supported from numerous high-end shops I agree.

The problem here is that they're listing a projector for about 5-10 times what it's worth on the open market today. Sort of like a high end computer shop trying to sell a 486 for $1000. It may have been worth twice that 10 years ago but that doesn't mean it's worth that today even if it's brand new/still in the box.

Kal

It's kind of funny... I was looking at ebay when I was first considering CRT PJs, and when I saw one of Curt's ads with, "I've written a 20 page document about blah blah" every scam meter in my brain lit up red. It sounded incredibly fishy - like he was trying really hard. Makes sense looking back, but you have to be really careful what you write...

+1 I thought the same thing too. But I also ended up buying from Curt...