Yup, we’re closed. Quite likely forever, but maybe just for a couple years or so, we’ll see if I miss it :D

In short- Due to the global chip shortage which has affected some of the chips I need, I’m taking a break from building. The break, to do some other things, was coming at some point anyway after this year but this has accelerated it. I might return to building but also I might not, I would not recommend waiting. There might be some more Bass Things later on in the year, if they get built I’ll post about it on here.

The last remaining stock has now been sold. As a minimum I’ll be around to honour any warranty commitments and we’ll be on hand to help with operating questions, that aren’t already covered in the manuals ;) Further than that, I don’t know yet. The free update offer on older builds has now ended.

I know this will come as a disappointment to many people, some of which have been waiting a long time. I am well aware and genuinely sorry, it was never the intention to stop now and I fully intended to continue building to fulfil those potential orders, but without the chips there’s not much I can do. I have considered other courses of action and have decided this is best.

So then, massive thank yous to all who have purchased or supported the brand, it’s been much appreciated.

If anyone cares...I genuinely believe the Sage Sound preamps are the most innovate, forward-thinking, versatile...best...preamps available, and will likely stay that way for quite a while. It’s 2021 and still they’re the only preamps where you can set your crossover, mad. (I think people underestimate just how much this affects the sound and quality, and there’s more to it than just telling your builder what frequencies). I hope all customers are happy with theirs and I’m sorry I couldn’t share the builds with more people. I’m proud that they’ve always sold well despite not advertising, talking them up or talking other builders down, choosing to let the preamps and reviews speak for themselves.

Some have said that they don’t like how neutral they sound. The fact is you can always add character yourself but it’s hard to take it away, and many people do want a neutral preamp. I believe all the tools are provided in the preamp to make it sound the way you want, you just need to use your fingers, ears and your skill as the operator. It’s funny, I’m pretty sure I’m the only builder that uses distortion intentionally in all my builds, yet some say it’s too clean... My sense is that they are just biased and in a blind A-B test with a matched crossover, they would be very surprised When I have more time I might do a series of posts clearing up some of the myths and misconceptions in audio/preamps, if people are interested.

But anyway,

Cheers all!

Alex.

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What happens with Brexit?

The UK has now left the EU, this means that all customers in the EU will now have to pay import VAT (and admin fees most likely) when they take delivery of products from the UK. The import VAT rate depends on your specific country but is mostly around 20%. (You will only be charged this once, you will not need to pay this import VAT again should you need to send anything back for modifications/repair/warranty).

In order to reduce this burden, Sage Sound is becoming VAT registered. This means we can claim VAT on our expenses and pass this saving on. You can read what this means for you below.

• If you are in the EU: You will now pay the reduced product cost with no UK VAT added, you will however need to pay your countries import VAT. Overall our products are around 10% more expensive than before Brexit, but that’s better than the 20%+ if we do not register for VAT.

• If you are in the UK: Unfortunately, you’ve now got to pay VAT, sorry. The savings on expenses means the total price rise is around 10%, so you have the same increase as EU customers. (A 10% rise is still better than the import VAT AND customs duty you’ll now have to pay to import from the EU).

• If you are outside UK and the EU: You’ve always had to pay import VAT and customs duties but now you will get the VAT saving, so you’re about 10% better off than before.

Overall, everyone will now pay more or the less same. It’s unfortunate that Brexit has caused a ~10% rise for customers in the EU and UK but considering the EU our biggest market, this is the most fair way of dealing with it.

(This is all subject to change and the trade conditions may improve, we’ll be monitoring the situation to try and do the best for everyone).

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