It's been an interesting 2015 here at Hilton Audio Products. A lot has changed, and much more change is to come. There is quite a bit of news to share with you all in this Winter 2015/16 Newsletter. So, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Good Health to You and Yours!
We are sad to share the news of the passing of former Hilton Audio Products owner, Dick Henschel.
On October, 3, 2015, Dick Henschel, longtime owner of Hilton Audio Products, passed away. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Vicky, and his family. Details of Dicks passing were shared by a friend via email and on the Hilton Audio Products website. You can find details and contact information here: http://www.hiltonaudio.com/dick-henschel.html
On Thanksgiving 2015, Hilton Audio Products purchased DOSADO.com
Hilton Audio Products Purchases DOSADO.com
You may have noticed a slight delay in shipping over the Thanksgiving Holiday week. During that week, Mary Ellen and I traveled to Shepherdsville, Kentucky to visit Pam Dillander and purchased all of the "square dance related assets" of Palomino Records and DOSADO.com.
This purchase included all of the vinyl inventory as well as CD's and the DOSADO.com music distribution system. The purchase also included multiple publications, DVD's, the website and equipment. Yak Stack speakers and accessories are also now part of the Hilton family.
We are immediately renovating the website to include up to date information as well as instant downloads of mp3 music. The site will be up and running with limited features beginning December 1, 2015. The full re-launch and "Grand Re-Opening" will be January 1, 2016.
We wish to thank Pam and (the late) Tom Dillander for their service to the activity over the past many years. The Dillanders, as well as Bill and Peggy Heyman and Don Hanhurst before them, have been cornerstones of the square dance activity and we hope to carry on their tradition of service into the next generation.
What isn't included as part of our purchase? The Palomino name, and anything related to the record pressing plant. Pam and Tom's son, Travis, will be taking over the record pressing business as vinyl is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in the Indy music scene.
Limited Sales To Europe Begin Again In January 2016
While we still have no solution to getting a Hilton amplifier approved for sale in Europe, we are prepared to re-introduce Hilton microphone cables, Yak Stack speakers, and accessories beginning in January. These items do not require the same cost-prohibitive CE testing that amplifiers are subject to.
(It is important that you understand that the MA-220 almost certainly passes all of the same CE Certification standards it qualified for in 2009. The design hasn't changed in ways that would typically affect the standard. The only reason we are not pursuing certification again is that it is completely cost prohibitive. Yes, we've heard of a dozen different places that promise to get you certified for just a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately, every time we follow through with one of those places promising certification the cost quickly escalates to tens of thousands of dollars...and well beyond our means.)
Also, let me remind you however, that while we are prepared to start selling other equipment to Europe again...shipping outside of the United States is NOT covered under our warranty. We will stand behind our product and repair and/or replace anything as needed based on our warranty...but we can NOT absorb the cost of shipping. Also, the online store is still not capable of calculating the cost of shipping outside the United States, so all sales will have to be done manually by telephone or email.
Small Inventory of Hilton Microphone Cables in Germany
Walt Burr is currently in possession of a small inventory of Hilton Microphone cables in Germany. He has these available for sale at this time, and he may very well be able to get you a cable quicker than I can from the states. He will have to charge the necessary import and duty charges as well as the cost of shipping. He's also got to make a (small) profit for his services. That said, he might be the best option for you at a very reasonable markup. He will also be doing limited repairs on microphone cables and accessories. Reach out to Walt at [email protected]
New Feet For MA-220's - Shipping In January
If you have purchased a MA-220 since we purchased the company, we will be shipping you a new set of feet for your amplifier. We have had a few complaints (3 so far) regarding the rubber feet coming off the bottom of these amplifiers, and we want to resolve the issue before more folks have problems as well. The new rubber feet have a metal washer mounted inside them, and this prevents the foot from being pulled off as easily. When you do receive your feet, please be sure to replace them one at a time because the screws that hold the feet in place, also hold the top and bottom of the MA-220 case together.
Yak Stack Speakers, Hearing Assist Systems, And More...
Also beginning in January, we will have Yak Stack Speakers available for sale. Cases, stands, adapters, etc. as well as speaker replacement kits will all be available as well.
We are also going to start testing Hearing Assist Systems, and welcome your feedback regarding the system you like best. There have also been requests for wireless microphones so we will look in to those as time permits.
Christmas Special - For Those Who Read The Entire Newsletter!
Anyone who purchases a MA-220 amplifier during the month of December 2015 will receive a blue nylon padded case (retail value $90.00) for FREE. Just include a note saying you read about the free case in the newsletter. If you don't ask for it...you don't get it! Merry Christmas from Hilton! (Use Coupon Code: HiltonNewsDec15 )
Happy Holidays To All,
Paul and Mary Ellen Cote