OK guys, we are considering taking on Elan and would like some input for those of you out their that CURRENTLY sell, install and program Elan gear. What is the good, the bad and the ugly. We currently use Xantech and I happen to like how their products install and program. I am just trying to get a feel for the difference between the two.

We were going to look into Elan, but since Xantech has released their SPLCD's, we have no reason to switch. I am also very happy with Xantech products.

Mike

I have sold the elan stuff for some time now. I sell xantech as well and it is possible for both lines to coexist. Elan has had a pretty low failure rate in my experience. I like their products because you can sell them with or without thier systems. Via panels are an easy add when you sell a multi zone rcvr with z2 video switching. The VSE is a life saver when doing subzone stuff with a single amp, plus many customers want IR control for their wall volume controls and they love the look. I upgrade 40% of the VC's I sell to the VSE, and that means I now have other upselling options since they like the idea of sending IR through the VSe to the system. That means more prontos, and sudennly Via Panels are an option.

I don't use elan speakers or IR blocks etc. Just their z series contolers, s series systems, KP's and TP's.

One criteria that I'd use as a litmus test is: How many current Elan delaers are there within a 75 mile radius of you? In my market, the Elan rep has put on any body that can fog a mirror - so it had no appeal whatsoever to me. So if you are going to be going up against 10 other dealers, I'd punt. Who needs the grief? But if it is kept clean, you should probably give it a serious look. Rep quality is important to me!

If you are just interested in Whole House Music give the B&K CT series line a good look - again - if that is not over marketed!

I agree with FP. Anyone can buy Elan stuff through distribution. That's the bad.

On the good side, I've had pretty decent luck with their stuff working out of the box and tech support has been helpful and friendly when I've needed them.

I guess that it just bugs me to sell a high end product that's available to anyone who has a tax ID and a credit card.

The Good.
The equipment works pretty well. I love the fact that it will work stand alone or within its own system. For the most part their tech support guys are pretty good when I've called with questions. VIA Tools program is very easy to learn. You can program a system pretty quick.

The Bad.
That damn Elan Dial Tone. The comm controller would be an awesome peice if it weren't for that. RS-232 control is a fairly expensive add on. They think alot of their door speaker. Yes the finished piece is nice but the internals... Come on, there's nothing special there.

The Ugly.
VIA Screens. The fact that I have no control over the GUI just pisses me off. All you get are their pre-defined graphics.


Robbie S

Bona Fides: I have not sold Elan. The rep has dropped off the manuals many a time.

Elan is Audio Access on steroids and done correctly. Simple control, easy to program and reliable. Jerks like to compare it to Crestron which is stupid but on its own terms it does a fair amount especially if you stay with IR control. Given the price points kind of hard to complain about the VIA Screens. Essentially it's a LCD TV but let's face it you can still control an ARQ with it. Amps are solid, mostly single rack space - I also like the fan cooler module. I also like their multiple tuner.

It is a solid, flexible and reliable product that can provide you, as has been mentioned, up sell options and the ability to upsell source equipment and aux equipment ( like the door bell. which was one of the things I and clients loved about Audio Access.

[ I should have added earlier that a major failing is your inability to send indirect text to the Via TP. You need a device with video to get data on screet or you are stock with the stock graphics - which truth be told are not all that badly designed.]


Audio Access is said to be making a come back ( Ha,ha,ha ) and if they do get it together you might wish to look at it if Elan is over exposed in your area.

Alan

This message was edited by Audible Solutionns on 10/14/04 00:25 ET.

Thanks for the feedback it helps, and anyone with any addtional input, I am still interested in hearing what you have to say. vwpower44, I have to agree, I do love the new SPLCD's they rock pretty hard, and the fact that they can be stand alone is a nice bonus.

we have been an elan dealer for about three years now and would have a very hard time justifing any change.we are the only dealer in our area and the only custom install shop in our town of about 120,000. they have been very good about sending someone to help on any job that we ask for help on.
Also the gear is very reliable and easy to set up and program once you understand their concept on how things should be. and as others said tech support is good.
From what i have heard they are going to be making things easier to customize if you want, but still have the option to use the templetes already there.
Also their rs232 peice now has dropped in price by more than half. So it isn't near as expensive as before.

Elan is a great product thats easy to use and easy to program using Via tools. but theyll sell it to anyone.

I install a lot of Elan systems. They're getting to be our bread and butter. This is b/c I don't have problems with their equipment, takes only minutes to program, and if something has gone wrong they overnight me the piece. Their tech support is very good, once you get to know them it seems to get even better.
Dual tuners are very cool, z system is great, S6 fills quite a niche, i've got 6 S12s ordered im waiting to get - cant wait to play with them - oh yeah did i mention they've been very reliable?
My only requests/changes would be for bigger touchpanels with better graphics and a new keypad with hardbuttons and at least a small screen.
Good Luck!

Mike

we are the only dealer in our area

I'm ready to move there!

yea, if you do that then my gravy train might dry up! the only other problem is now we are having to start some traveling to keep up with the new building. nothing worse than having to drive an extra 45 min everyday. but dont get me wrong i really dont want to start sharing.

We sell Elan as well, although...we have a mobile S6 system that we take to clients to show(3 rack boxes setup as a 2 zone system) we have taken it to several meetings now to have the system sold and installed by another dealer in the area at a giveaway price, thinking other dealer is using our system to his benefit) so we have discontinued to sell elean electronics in our area and moved on tp the B&K CT systems to find that they are not much more $$. It programs up nice, has lots of control and has more feautures(including 232 control) Our rep never comes to see us on elan so its gone, B&K rep calls every 2 weeks just to check on us and stops by every 6-8 weeks

Glack