Question Is this too good to be true?

[Mark Dunlop]

You know what they say - if it seems too good to be true, then it probably isn't true. I've found a company online offering some fairly ludicrous discounts on hifi gear - discounts too good to be true, some might think. The company is www dot connecteddirect dot co dot uk
Has anyone any experience of using this company? Good or bad, I'd like to know cos if they're legit then they're going to get some of my hard-earned...

Cheers, guys
m.d.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_664715932]

Website looks genuine, not heard of any of the brands they are selling though.

 

[BigH]

Never heard of that company.. If you buy anything only pay by credit card.

Never do bank transfer or PayPal friends.

Having looked into the site, it maybe genuine but they have a very limited range.

I have heard of some of the brands.

Based in Cheltenham.

What are you thinking of buying?

 

[Mark Dunlop]

Never heard of that company.. If you buy anything only pay by credit card.

Never do bank transfer or PayPal friends.

Having looked into the site, it maybe genuine but they have a very limited range.

I have heard of some of the brands.

Based in Cheltenham.

What are you thinking of buying?

Sound advice, Big H - scuse the pun Yes, deffo credit card only. I'm interested in the Parasound Zpre3 pre-amp. I'm currently using a Rotel A11 Tribute just as a pre-amp and it looks very interesting at that price, given I could try one out and/or buy the same item locally in Audio Emotion in Fife for £849. Quite presentable online reviews for Parasound, albeit mostly US-based.
m.d.

 

[Al ears]

Sound advice, Big H - scuse the pun Yes, deffo credit card only. I'm interested in the Parasound Zpre3 pre-amp. I'm currently using a Rotel A11 Tribute just as a pre-amp and it looks very interesting at that price, given I could try one out and/or buy the same item locally in Audio Emotion in Fife for £849. Quite presentable online reviews for Parasound, albeit mostly US-based.
m.d.

Probably because Parasound are American and not that well known in the UK.
Certainly not a bad saving on the RRP.

 

[Al ears]

What is too good to be true, I have just noticed, is the price they quote for the Halo Hint 6.
This was £3300 when it first came out and was never a 6 grand amp..

 

[nopiano]

If it’s genuine they look like clearance specialists, but I rather doubt they actually stock all those Parasound items listed. Brands like Yamaha that they show a badge for reveals nothing.

The parent limited company is listed at companies house and the last accounts with about £100k of stock but it’s hardly more than two men and dog.

Section 75 and your credit card will be a useful ally!

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit/how-youre-protected-when-you-pay-by-card

 

[Mark Dunlop]

What is too good to be true, I have just noticed, is the price they quote for the Halo Hint 6.
This was £3300 when it first came out and was never a 6 grand amp..

Interesting... it's a pity we have to be so damn careful, isn't it? Thanks for pointing that out. The Zpre3 is definitely £849 in Audio Emotion in Glenrothes. Tempted to go in for a listen!

 

[BigH]

Sound advice, Big H - scuse the pun Yes, deffo credit card only. I'm interested in the Parasound Zpre3 pre-amp. I'm currently using a Rotel A11 Tribute just as a pre-amp and it looks very interesting at that price, given I could try one out and/or buy the same item locally in Audio Emotion in Fife for £849. Quite presentable online reviews for Parasound, albeit mostly US-based.
m.d.

It is a good price, wonder what it costs in the USA. Parasound have a good rep but are not common in the UK.

 

[Al ears]

If it’s genuine they look like clearance specialists, but I rather doubt they actually stock all those Parasound items listed. Brands like Yamaha that they show a badge for reveals nothing.

The parent limited company is listed at companies house and the last accounts with about £100k of stock but it’s hardly more than two men and dog.

Section 75 and your credit card will be a useful ally!

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit/how-youre-protected-when-you-pay-by-card

I note is says item will be shipped from our European warehouse.....
Could still be worth a punt if paying with a credit card
Yamaha section says "coming soon"
Still think a lot of their RRPs are wrong so not quite a bargain as their website shows, unfortunately.

 

[Al ears]

It is a good price, wonder what it costs in the USA. Parasound have a good rep but are not common in the UK.

The usual US costs are whatever the UK rrp price is but in dollars.
For example, on release the Halo Hint 6 was $2995

 

[Noddy]

The first thing to check is the domain registration:

Whois connecteddirect.co.uk

Whois Lookup for connecteddirect.co.uk

www.whois.com

A recent registration is a warning sign. This one dates from 2018, so that’s okay.

I’ve found fake shops and the prices are always way below normal. Some prices are credible. For example:

Parasound Halo JC3 JR Phono Preamp (Open Box)

Features Circuitry designed by legendary John Curl Circuit board layout by Carl Thompson Cartridge options for 47k Ω MM and MC/MI Variable MC impedance adjustment of 50-550 ohms Gain select for 40 dB/50 dB/60 dB unbalanced (46 dB/56 dB/66 dB balanced) Balanced and unbalanced outputs Mono switch...

www.kronosav.com

No reviews here, or elsewhere, which is a red flag with me:

Be the first to write a review about Connecteddirect.

Your insights can help this company and all of your fellow shoppers.

uk.trustpilot.com

They claim to have three bricks and mortar shops. Personally I would not buy from them, unless I could buy in person in a real shop.

 

[BigH]

The usual US costs are whatever the UK rrp price is but in dollars.
For example, on release the Halo Hint 6 was $2995

Not always. US prices don't inc. tax.

I looked on Parasound site, this seems to be $379. Considerably less than £845 in UK. Unless l have a different model.

 

[Al ears]

Not always. US prices don't inc. tax.

I looked on Parasound site, this seems to be $379. Considerably less than £845 in UK. Unless l have a different model.

I was referring to the Hint 6 not his preamp.
US prices don't include tax because that varies from State to State.

 

[jjbomber]

Connected Direct merged with OneAV at the end of November, so these bargains are excess stock from the merger.

 

[BigH]

I was referring to the Hint 6 not his preamp.
US prices don't include tax because that varies from State to State.

It is 6 years old. Only other price l can see in uk is £5299.

Actually there is one at £6,499

 

[Al ears]

It is 6 years old. Only other price l can see in uk is £5299.

Actually there is one at £6,499

Glad I got mine before prices doubled then.....
Excellent though it may be it isn't worth £6499

 

[BigH]

I looked up the site, not good. There is no address, no phone number, no VAT number and, the domain name appears to be up for sale.

Do not buy from that site.

There is an address and phone number, see under contact.

 

[BigH]

The first thing to check is the domain registration:

Whois connecteddirect.co.uk

Whois Lookup for connecteddirect.co.uk

www.whois.com

A recent registration is a warning sign. This one dates from 2018, so that’s okay.

I’ve found fake shops and the prices are always way below normal. Some prices are credible. For example:

Parasound Halo JC3 JR Phono Preamp (Open Box)

Features Circuitry designed by legendary John Curl Circuit board layout by Carl Thompson Cartridge options for 47k Ω MM and MC/MI Variable MC impedance adjustment of 50-550 ohms Gain select for 40 dB/50 dB/60 dB unbalanced (46 dB/56 dB/66 dB balanced) Balanced and unbalanced outputs Mono switch...

www.kronosav.com

No reviews here, or elsewhere, which is a red flag with me:

Be the first to write a review about Connecteddirect.

Your insights can help this company and all of your fellow shoppers.

uk.trustpilot.com

They claim to have three bricks and mortar shops. Personally I would not buy from them, unless I could buy in person in a real shop.

If you pay by credit card you have some protection. You also can return goods bought online if not happy within 30 days. If you buy from their shop then you don't have 30 days to return it.