BREAKING NEWS
Strata-gee has learned that the popular Integra AVR model DRX 3.4 is now available at NY retail & online dealer Adorama. While Adorama was previously selling Onkyo- and Pioneer-branded models, the addition of this Integra unit appears to be an entirely new development. Not only that, but the consumer deal website Slickdeals has a special deal on the DRX 3.4, with a 50% discount, via a link to purchase at Adorama.
See what I’ve learned about Integra at Adorama
Adorama, a New York-based dealer that started out as a popular local camera store and now sells a wide range of consumer and professional gear both in its local store and on the internet, has added one of the most popular Integra models, the DRX 3.4 to its lineup. Currently, this is the only Integra model showing on the Adorama website.
This latest move appears to be an expansion of distribution for the brand, which for years was only available through custom integrators, AV specialty dealers, and select online players, such as Crutchfield and World Wide Stereo.
Website Shows at Regular Price…Unless You Enter Via Slickdeals
When you navigate to the Adorama website, the DRX 3.4 is listed for $1,500, the same price showing for this model as at other authorized Integra dealers. However, the DRX 3.4 is also found on the consumer deal website Slickdeals at a special $749 price – a 50% discount – with a link that directs you to purchase it at the Adorama website.
NOTE: I did not include a link to the Slickdeals website in this story because if you go there they will – without your knowledge – capture your information and begin sending you marketing emails…even when you didn’t opt-in. This is the source of several complaint filings with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB, by the way, gives LA-based Slickdeals an A+ rating. Consumers give it a 1.62 out of 5-star rating. Slickdeals is owned by Hearst Corp. and Goldman Sach’s private equity subsidiary known as West Street Capital, according to Wikipedia.
When you click through to the Adorama website via this Slickdeals link, the page looks the same but the price magically changes to the $749 discount price. By the way, Adorama also throws in overnight shipping for free.
Only One Integra Model on the Website…For Now
I have reached out to Premium Audio Company – the Voxx International division that markets and sells the Integra brand, as well as Onkyo, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, Klipsch, Jamo, Magnat, and more – for a comment on this development, but key executives were traveling and unavailable. I should note that the DRX 3.4 is not listed as a closeout or some other form of liquidation. I will update this report if eventually I hear from anyone associated with PAC.
For now, the DRX 3.4 is the only Integra model showing on the Adorama website – or on the Slickdeals site. So it is unknown if Adorama will be bringing in more of the line in the future. However, on the model webpage under the item images is a link that says “See all Integra items.” When you click on this link, nothing happens. Could that be an inkling of more Integra to come?
A Liquidation?
Or, on the other hand, possibly this is some form of company-authorized liquidation program for the model. However, the sources I’ve reached out to are unaware of any type of deal like that. And I reached out to sources that would be in a position to know information like that.
Is Adorama Trying to ‘Fly Under the Radar’?
Finally, let me say I get the distinct feeling that Adorama is trying to fly under the radar. On its home page is a special section called “New Arrivals” where it features new items just added to its assortment. Certainly, Integra is a prestigious brand of which it would be proud to have been selected to represent and sell to its customers.
Yet, this Integra AVR is nowhere to be found in its “New Arrivals” section. That seems a little strange to me.
Learn more about Premium Audio Company by visiting klipsch.com/news.
See more on Integra at integrahometheater.com.
Hey Ted,
Adorama is not listed on the Integra reseller locator for online or instore, at least in a reasonable search. Sometimes dealers or distributors make deals and things like this happen. Why they seem to happen more often with NY, NY players may just be a perception.
PS the Integra dealer locator is not very useful. They list the rep company as the dealer for many of the locations. This may obscure it
if Adorama is truly a dealer or not.
Integra had a special for its dealers this summer which seemed to be trying to move DRX3.4.
I guess I am hoping it is an effort to reduce some inventory, but it is never a good sign for a protected brand.
I checked with Integra just to be sure Adorama is an authorized dealer. They are an authorized dealer. I did order and receive the DRX 3.2 a couple of days ago. Great deal! Tonight, the stickdeals takes you to the site where the 3.2 is now $699.