Manufacturer threatens lawsuit over negative review

[@GoldenSound]

dCS' update and apology: dcs.community/t/goldensound-headphones-com-dcs-an-update/6740 I am pleased that this whole situation has come to an end. I'm looking forward to visiting dCS next week, and for now the most important thing I ask is that people refrain from giving anyone at dCS a hard time. Particularly at CanJam this weekend. The individual involved is no longer with the company, and I do not want anyone to be directing further messages their way nor giving any sort of hardship to employees who had nothing to do with this situation in the first place. However, I would also like to sincerely thank everyone in the community for their support the past few days

[@ickebins6948]

It's great that things seem to be getting better. BUT you would never have got the invite without all the bad press dCS is getting now. This is simply damage limitation to save the company. The cat is out of the bag, people know about it and won't forget it any time soon. This has nothing to do with you being a great guy, it's just a business decision to somehow turn things around.

[@AnjektusStudio]

​@@ickebins6948Well! Do you know the head of the other company? Have you been talking to hum face-to-face?. So you know that this is what the compay are doing? So you really know that he was awere of the emails whit all the bas words. Or are you only a stupid person / troll. How are sittning behind your computer and acusing a company

[@liamhenderson3958]

Personally, I wouldn't work with them again. The higher-ups still at the company gave the green light for the litigation against you. It was an executive order from multiple people. I would distance yourself and more issues that arise from there still existent mangment for both you and your company.

[@TuanMinh-sv2gq]

Happy to hear this got resolved rather fast. Also, I insist you keep the Lina system for yourself Cameron. You deserve it and I will lose sleep if you give it to charity :p

[@ickebins6948]

Thanks for deleting my reply...

[@LinusTechTips]

I've always appreciated your approach and mission. If you need any help, we are here for you. Step one is getting the word out on our news shows this week. Step two is whatever it takes to help ensure the ongoing success of independent tech media. I believe your team is in contact with mine. Let me know the second you need anything - LS

[@Bouwplan]

Oh snap, Linus having their backs. Uphill battle for dCS now.

[@ВикторШишков]

Boss move!!! And dCS's VP of sales & marketing (John) just got himself fired from just about anywhere PR is related. This guy clearly has no idea how social media works.

[@feloniousmonk5261]

Classy move, LS 👍

[@gimmickmusic8827]

Thanks for the support Linus. You speaking up on this behavior really helps this community given its size.

[@hurpdurp916]

Glad you guys are going to cover this, getting the word out when this kind of behavior is taking place is hugely important and it's great to see someone with a lot of eyes jumping on it.

[@ZReviews]

I cannot thank Andrew and Cameron enough for bringing this to light. It is always a concern when an independent opinion, be it my own or my fellow reviewers, is met with consequences and threats such as these. This hobby is relatively small and there is no room for vindictive behavior from manufacturers and it should not be supported. DCS is Challenging a man with incredible insights, fact checked, Community support, and well-spoken commentary in the space. We all saw how well that worked out for MQA.

[@kai2937]

the whole audio community is rallying against dcs now, first linus, now z reviews 👏👏

[@tanachip]

You need to use your platform to spread the word, Z!

[@sumtingyum]

Yup, John didn’t watch the MQA saga

[@iamwoteveriwanttobe]

28:31 Someone's ears are burning.

[@dentboxhero1717]

@@iamwoteveriwanttobe dayum wasted no time on that 🤣🤣🤣

[@mnstrz0]

I just learned two things today: 1. dCS is a company. 2. I will never buy a product from dCS.

[@BB-mt5sb]

100%

[@operator8014]

Never heard of them, but now I'll be sure to tell any audiophiles how much they suck.

[@Flapjackbatter]

This video has 172 000 views now in about 4 days. I had not heard of dCS before now. I don't know if a company like that can get a lawyer involved and the top person in the company not knowing . it's possible I guess. What an over reaction. Good they cooled off and apologized. They have hurt their company though.

[@Crushercorp]

I understand your feeling, but companies also do mistakes and can learn from it. Look at the pinned comment about dCS's responses on this video. Not saying we should just ignore what happened, but at least give it a read.

[@Mordecrox]

​@@Crushercorpa read is all they are getting from me for this travesty. We like companies to invest in their products and good customer PR. They did the opposite. The brand is damaged.

[@Iznoful]

As a CFO of a company using dCS products for about a decade, and replacing them every 2 years, within our supply to the audio recording branch, after this we'll be choosing to spend our $300K annually elsewhere. Thank you for this snippet of information of a toxic manufacturer. And well done! :D

[@thegoodgeneral]

Holy Hell. Imagine being the guy from dCS that sent that email reading this comment and realizing that email cost the company he works for 3x his annual salary… every year!….

[@GabrieleBonetti]

that is awesome, well done.

[@motoman1249]

Cameron, I have 35 years of high profile litigation experience in the defamation area and I’ll defend you for free if they sued. Tell DCS to pound sand.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Good Man ! .... the Planet thanks you, for your decency.

[@fredfred4086]

DCS (maybe a different company) is currently suing Stefan Fischer in the Queensland (Australia) District Court - proceeding number 1169 of 24 - for a KZbin review of a product.

[@Golithir]

@@fredfred4086 Fairly confident that is a different manufacturer.

[@ClearGalaxies]

Ah, yes. Just look for the lawyer "motoman". Since you provided no contact information, much less your name. Super helpful. But at least your intentions are noble.

[@ClearGalaxies]

​​@@fredfred4086 That's a different DCS. Different situation.

[@UneLigneChaque]

This silliness is going to be a lot more damaging to their business than any bad review.

[@mat.b.]

Streisand effect remains in effect

[@gustavocipriano9076]

Exactly. Dumb mf's...

[@OscarFowler]

Imagine if they took the money they're paying their lawyers and put that into improving their products instead.

[@dan-sc7fm]

An honest review is one's own opinion and freedom of speech. I would assume that DCS would have to prove bad or malicious intent. Pretty sad that they took this route. .

[@TC-dg5pm]

Make them pay. This is no way to act. "David, showing remarkable magnanimity"? Are you kidding me? Get the fuck otu of here.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I replied to Cameron's video on his channel but will reply here as well... Having gone through this recently with a speaker manufacturer I have to provide my deepest empathy here. This is an extremely stressful situation. Even when you know you're 100% in the right it is still tough to go through. In my case the entire community stood up and had my back. It looks like you are getting the same results here. Two things: 1) Manufacturers must learn that all reviewers aren't for sale. The audio review space isn't what it was 2 years ago when *so many* were shilling and getting paid under the table. Reviews can't be bought and paid for. Transparency has always been an issue in this space but with more objective means this is really putting a light on the dark side of the industry. The consumer is also getting wise to this and these kinds of actions only sour us on specific brands that respond with this disgusting, childlike behavior. 2) Manufacturers also need to learn that when you have concerns or disagreements with a review this is not the way to address those concerns. Threatening, belittling... and then expecting reviewers to cower down when they've shown nothing wrong (never mind malicious in intent). 2b) IMHHO, the gentleman you've spoken with at DCS should be fired. And the CEO should step in and offer a public apology for that doofus' actions. That one man has done far, *far* more damage to the company's brand than any single review could have ever done. As a "VP of Marketing," he's a liability to the brand at this point. If you have to start a gofundme to cover legal costs then I'm in to help as much as I can. - Erin

[@OscarFowler]

Completely agree with everything you've said, but especially your last point. That "VP of Sales" exemplifies classic narcissist behavior - apparently not reading or responding to Cameron's sincere email replies and very blatantly projecting his own issues ("you must have an agenda", "you need a therapist").

[@TimHense-m5k]

Thank you both for trying to deliver reviews that are as honest as its possible. Sure companies can have different opinions on their products, but the way this was handled is just wrong. I agree on the part that the employee did more damage to dcs than any review could have done. Also to everything you said from point 2b. Sure reviewers could/can threaten the existence of companies, but only if they are malicious to them (which Cameron is definitely not) Also most of us will not only watch 1 review before buying so we will have different opinions about it. It's unfortunate that such actions were taken, but I agree with Andrew.. don't be unfriendly to any employee from them, since most of them will have nothing to do with this (most likely). Still I wouldn't buy a product from this company without an apology.

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

Your case is similar but not the same. Your review was based on data, which you use to confirm your listening test. The maker ask for holes to be closed up and the same results came, they insisted, then they were in the wrong. you were backed up with ample data set. Here the reviewer has the data, but does not reference it in the review. Claiming the same words every other YT reviewer uses, and I quote: "Dull, not fatiguing, Soft, leading ages, blunted". He claims to have a data set that he does not refer to in the review, data that shows the product to have OK performance compared to others, maybe not state of the art and certainly too expensive for perforce $ as many other high end gear is. Because he based it on opinion and not facts thats where the manufacturer claims, rightfully so, a biased review. As with that data set, another human could come up with a different set of words out of their golden ears. That is the problem with humans they are biased. That is the problem with all YT reviewers they are Paid Media, claim independence but are paid media. That is why most are not reliable.

[@jaybrodnax]

​@@IsmaelMartinezPRevery review is subjective

[@trackingangle929]

You think “everyone was shilling and being paid under the table” two years ago? “everyone”? On what do you base that?

[@littlesukka6727]

"dCS welcomes reviews of its products that are honest and accurate" - proceeds to sue a reviewer who was being honest and accurate

[@RESURRECT2]

Because you can only talk about positives and not negatives ;]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] "reviews"

[@mat.b.]

"what did I say that was inaccurate?" "we're not your mommy, fuck off"

[@jeeves_uk]

i'm no lawyer but to me that sounds like false marketing potentially misleading to customers and could land them in trouble, if anyone is actually knowledgeable on the subject feel free to correct me.

[@AustinGreaseMonkey]

Bose built a massive corporation using litigation in the 70's.

[@Leon-lg7zm]

I can't believe a lawyer wrote that whilst suing them because of their honest review lol

[@PassiveSmoking]

I never really knew much about dCS before clicking on this video. Now I know that I'll never buy a dCS product, ever. Good job, dCS. Your lawsuit damaged your reputation far more badly than a bad review ever would have.

[@JoshComley]

That bit about not being your mommy or your therapist absolutely reveals how unprofessional, hotheaded, and juvenile this person at DCS is. That's just despicable. Props to you for posting this. Can't say I'm going to buy anything DCS after this. Bullies.

[@mockier]

Happily it's likely that person no longer has a job at DCS

[@johnflatt1288]

@@mockierhow on earth did they find a lawyer (barrister) that was willing to file this lawsuit with their name and reputation on the line as well. In many US states this would get you a sanction on your license to practice for violating the SLAPP law. If you accumulate several you could be disbarred entirely. Does the UK not have similar laws?

[@HipyoTech]

Good to know that I should never look at anything from dCS....

[@sickassbeats]

Cool to see you here

[@QoraxAudio]

Lol I didn't expect you here! However, I noticed that you wear a Focal headphones in some of your videos, so I already wondered if you're into headfi!

[@MattBorchert]

The Streisand effect is very real and this is going to bring exponentially more negative feedback towards dCS than a review on something as obscure as a high-end DAC ever would. A mind boggling decision from them. Hopefully you can easily win this and recover any damages suffered.

[@anorax001]

@@MattBorchert the question is do people who spend this amount of money on audio devices actually read social media. It seems like a super niche rarified market.

[@Hardys-Mods]

imagine doing this kind of mistake in 2024 as a company absolutely hilarious

[@fatphoca5009]

I just cancelled my DCS Lina headphone amp order. No way am I giving my dollars to such a bunch of arseholes.

[@jemaglr5316]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@tanachip]

Good! I hope everyone cancels!

[@NekoOkto]

Good decision.

[@jakeRemains]

Based

[@lacsativ1]

Respect

[@guestgoogle4979]

Well, RIP dCS. I'm honestly surprised how some companies still seem clueless to the fact that this type of infantile, bullying behavior does WAY WAY WAY more damage to their reputation, and undoubtedly, their bottom line than any negative review could possibly do. Even if the review in question was littered with inaccuracies and misinformation (which it clearly was not), this type of blind hostility by the company still causes a huge self-inflicted wound. Glad you all parted ways with them. Now let's please never utter their name again. Cheers.

[@stickinthemud23]

It is good to see the apology by dCS and that this matter is either now resolved or will be shortly. That said, as an attorney with over 35 years experience, I am distressed to see unacceptable legal jackassery in the apology text. No business, whether it be a lemonade stand or a multibillion corporation, should ever issue a statement along the lines of regretting, or in this case apologizing, for “any” distress or inconvenience. That’s nothing but ass-covering, passive aggressive bullshit. These statements, if they are to mean anything at all, should clearly apologize for THE distress or inconvenience. They should be issued as an acknowledgment and confirmation that inconvenience or distress HAS occurred. Now, this statement has been issued and there’s no point in going back to have it revised. But if you own a company, don’t step in your own shit but issuing statements that apologize for “any” inconvenience. The inconvenience or distress has occurred, and your apology is both worthless and insulting if it is written to press a presumption that it has not.

[@pkal244]

MQA did the same shit when addressing their matter in a public statement, referring to Cameron as "the blogger in question" 😂 It made them look like bigger dunces.

[@kumakell]

The statement included outright lies too. "I was aware of this letter and my intention at this point was to reach a solution by mediation or another process - not to instigate a seven-figure lawsuit." is complete bullshit, the letter sent included pretty explicit threats of legal action, even if it didn't use the phrase "seven figure lawsuit".

[@Bob-rd9vd]

An apology is worthless and insulting because it didn't put any money in your pocket. Right lawyer?

[@sturod2016]

Spot on. The “any” reference is everywhere. The unapology.

[@nitehawk86]

The apology is "we are sorry YOU are offended, we claim to have found a scapegoat to fire". Don't trust anything they say.

[@badinkstudios]

Hi dCS, I'm a comic creator who spends hours and hours a day sitting at my desk doing art and listening to headphones. What discretionary income I have, I save to buy audio equipment for my desk. I always dreamed of being able to save up and buy your products one day. However, thanks to this fiasco, you lost a customer for life. I think you vastly underestimated how much content creators influence the purchase decisions and culture of various hobbies.

[@ghostoflazlo]

That's sad you let influencer have that type of hold over you. Just buy the damn headphones you will have forgotten this by the time you have the money

[@JoseWaquie]

@@ghostoflazlobro, why would someone want to support a company that has bad practices? that’s just encouraging them to not change.

[@Macop]

@@ghostoflazlo Read his comment again. It's not influencer itself that has a hold over him, but rather the influencer brings issue to light that might've otherwise gone unnoticed, such as company doing bad business practice.

[@fatphoca5009]

@@ghostoflazlo DCS doesn't make headphones.

[@badinkstudios]

​@@ezze7540 projection

[@jeffjacobs1503]

Be sure to report dCS to the FTC for violating the Consumer Review Fairness Act.

[@DANKKrish]

this comment should get more traction

[@MichaelLaFrance1]

All of this controversy is taking place in the United Kingdom, so the FTC would have little or no influence over the matter. That said, they may have similar protections in the UK.

[@Chalisque]

I'm guessing that since the reviewer and dCS are UK based, it is UK law that applies, not US.

[@DANKKrish]

@@MichaelLaFrance1 there is the Trading Standards and The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

sorry, what? there's countries other than the US? sounds sus to me

[@fusionfan6883]

Lawyer here. Based on the facts here, DCS has little chance of success if they proceed to litigation. Absent actual malice and intentional misrepresentation, an honest review is not actionable. The delay is also problematic for them. In addition, there is now no way I would consider a DCS product. Whomever is in charge of DCS’s communications has really messed up here.

[@stickinthemud23]

Same here. Take a look at my comment made just a few minutes ago.

[@kurt120032002]

We all know DCS f...ed up an they can't actually win, and that means the actual DCS plan is to leverage their finance to literally enforce their position, by ether submission or financially bankrupting a man for daring to have an opinion. DCS are nothing more then vile criminal with fat pockets.

[@xabhax]

While your right that they would lose, it still would cost a significant amount of money to higher a lawyer and fight it. That’s the reason they do it, I bet they have done this before to others and it worked

[@fusion-music]

Very much agree with your points, especially regarding time. Let's hope it doesn't end up in court, but sense doesn't always rule. Interesting channel playlist. I have a Robin Ford music book. What a gem he is. I think you would like Roy Buchanan. Never wanted fame, but what a sound. Thanks for putting a bit of weight into this topic.

[@Daniel-t3u9m]

I did just read that DCS suied like Linustechtips as well. It is like largest tech KZbinr. Isn't this somewhat shady methods that might be purposely to milk as much money and crash the company? If it's something like that behind it, I think investations getting done to take legal action back. Might, be ties with organized crimes. Just my 2 cents.

[@NotJustBikes]

Thanks for making this video. I just wanted to let you know that KZbin actually has a "corrections" feature for exactly this purpose, though it's very poorly documented. I only just learned about it myself a few days ago. In the description, put "Correction:" or "Corrections:". Then, on the next line, mention a timestamp and the correction. Put each correction on its own line. For example: Corrections: 0:00 This part is actually this 2:56 I said x but meant y These must appear AFTER any chapters (so it's best to put them at the END of the description). You can find the documentation by googling for "KZbin corrections" but honestly the actual docs are less clear than what I just wrote above. Thanks again for your in-depth and honest reviews.

[@DMS3TV]

WOH! Dope seeing you here on our channel. I've been watching not just bikes for years! 😄 Thanks for the support.

[@NotJustBikes]

@@DMS3TV amazing! I hope this info is helpful for you. Keep up the great work!

[@rippspeck]

You must be the only person to ever read the KZbin manual, hahahaha!

[@cho4d]

@@NotJustBikes why are you not in the middle of the street filming traffic? this is unacceptable!

[@bettersteps]

I once used/recommended Yelp often. Then, I wrote a, negative but honest review regarding a business. Yelp kept removing the post. I don't use Yelp anymore because of this and tell my story as often as possible. Being a bartender, I've told my story many times. Consumers have the control and every manufacturer/company needs to remember this. Good job not taking pressure from dCS.

[@lacsativ1]

"I am neither your mommy nor your therapist" - in what world is this type of wording acceptable? Nevermind the fact that they are literally the VP of "Sales and Marketing", that stuff would be nasty coming from any company representative. Speaks volumes of the type of company that dCS is.

[@juanblanco7898]

Couldn't believe my ears/eyes at that part. Ridiculous.

[@catto-from-heaven]

Timestamp, please?

[@wreagfe]

In the corporate world where sociopaths run wild and get promoted, this is very common.

[@Krmpfpks]

@@catto-from-heaven10:56

[@peterphan227]

Yeah I couldn't believe that language either. dCS are the ones acting like children in need of parental supervision.

[@bigblueocean]

Life long audiophile here. Currently in an upgrade cycle at considerable expense. DCS were short listed. They aren't any more.

[@martijnbos9873]

No way to enjoy a product while knowing it was made by a horrible company. I think you made the right choice

[@docjoesweeney]

Thanks for this detailed video explaining the situation.

[@jonathanlake6053]

A true audiophile would buy the sound they like rather than manufacturer politics.

[@bigblueocean]

@@jonathanlake6053 nah, bollox. You are talking out of your hat. Every audiophile is allowed principles too. If the best kit was made in Russia, would you encourage me to buy it? Think a bit harder before you type.

@@jonathanlake6053 "a true amoral audiophile" FTFY

[@radiofreealbemuth]

I'm betting DCS has bullied many reviewers into taking down negative reviews, and so they expected Cameron to do the same

[@wineattorneys]

I think that is a good bet. Their ham fisted attempt at lawfare in this case substantially diminishes the credibility of all published reviews of their products in my opinion.

[@kesamek8537]

I'm assuming every positive review of dCS products only exists because they bullied the reviewer into submission.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

Let’s hope those reviewers now speak out if that’s the case.

[@kineahora8736]

This sounds like a valid assumption to me

[@Rave-agent]

#metoo

[@TheIntellectualRedneck]

I call absolute bullshit, there is no way this clown didn't know what was being communicated, they're just back-tracking in ass-covering fashion in an attempt to mitigate the community backlash. A bad review will make me avoid a product, but I don't tolerate any kind of corporate bullying. I'd never heard of DCS before today, but the details of this story have convinced me to place them on my "not ever" list of companies.

[@gimmickmusic8827]

Cameron handled this professionally, dCs did not. Congrats John, you will never see my business. Ever. You really did a great job at taking care of the company that you love by acting like a child.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

whos john

[@invenio1978]

@@prinzexisalowqualityytber VP of Marketing and Sales at dCS.

[@regulartom5736]

Good for you guys setting firm boundaries against shitty business practices and supporting your creators over potential profits. Kudos.

[@supercurioTube]

dCS VP Sales and Marketing is demonstrating a serious lapse of judgment here, misunderstanding then misjudging the situation entirely. This person is an incredible liability to the dCS company and should be let go immediately, following an apology. Kudos to the Headphones Show CEO for prioritizing integrity over sales, this admirable choice lead to a really epic defense articulated in this video. It's obvious that dCS has absolutely no case whatsoever and wrongly assumed they could bully without consequences.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

This kind of company is way too small to be able to escape this nightmare like that. They wouldn’t go the legal route with only the VP involved.

[@StripesLauk]

It is really refreshing to see not just a boss but a CEO of a company stick up for an employee and member of their workforce. In this day and age too many times do you see profit and reputation stand before values and morales. Respect.

[@ScotHarkins]

Interesting that an audio product company, dCS, and another "DCS", Deep Cycle Systems, are seeking SLAPP lawsuits against real-world reviews. At least this dCS is not falsifying warranty data on their website. Fascinating.

[@peteb2]

I thought that the second i stumbled onto this YT. Surely they are unrelated but none the less both Large businesses going after the little guy is just such a weird circumstance. Louis Rossmann has been sparked to action over the DCS situation & is more than rabbid over it... worth a watch on this sort of bullying.

[@dnomyarnostaw]

Fooled me too. I got recommended this video, after watching the DCS battery debacle. It must be KZbin with its "artificial intelligence" using acronyms to recommend videos.

[@giggygiggy1393]

Yep thought it was the same too !!

[@amundruu]

man what a trip hey!

[@Khazar321]

Yeah that's crazy, 2 times DCS at right around the same time and it's about reviews... What an odd coincidence.

[@lacsativ1]

Wow, the level of pettiness a company needs to be at in order to sue over a review. I never tried a dCS product, but I will forever assume they are sub-par. The only reason you'd sue over a review is because you are not confident in your product to begin with.

[@Barkosaur]

Great point! 👍

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@lacsativ1 What they asked for was a correction of factual errors.

[@fatphoca5009]

@@Mark-rw3kw but why the legal bullying then? Many manufacturers ask reviewers to correct factual errors politely. Happens all the time.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@fatphoca5009 Cleary dCS did not handle their concerns well, I was just commenting on the fact that this video is not exactly handling it well either, by misstating the facts and claiming (incorrectly) that dCS was going to sue over "opinions." Given the the letter that was shown in the video, they clearly were asking for a correction of facts, not opinions. Personally, I would never spend more than $400 for a DAC and I think a lot of KZbinrs are making a lot of money pushing all this stuff on the public. So I am not sure I really believe everything this video is saying about the history of this and what really happened.

[@ragtop63]

@@Mark-rw3kw Then you obviously didn't watch the video. There is a part of the video where dCS clearly points out an issue they have with a subjective opinion of the product. So, yes, dCS is absolutely threatening litigation over what they deem factual misinformation AS WELL AS a subjective opinion. Go watch the video again its entirety before commenting any further.

[@SuperReview]

Awful. Really appreciate y’all taking a stand on this, helps us all. I have below zero respect for a company that behaves like that.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

agreed

[@jonathancraig9005]

DCS. Not my mommy. Not my therapist. Not my stack.

[@tenveri]

Not my money, going there, no sir.

[@Jim-x6b]

It was such a childish reply from dCS.

[@Sr.Mentos]

Love it lol

[@jonathancraig9005]

@@Jim-x6b I know. That one line almost says it all. I feel like they have never really felt challenged or criticised before and can’t deal with it. Similarly, they didn’t anticipate these highly predictable consequences. Fully scary that a company producing such costly products can be so inexperienced in PR.

[@ModernOddity728]

💯😂😭

[@l-l]

I will never purchase a DCS product. Thank you for letting us know about this malicious behavior. It instills absolutely no trust in their ability to provide customer support for me, who would be a regular buyer

[@hyperspacey]

I think it's important to appreciate how kind dCS have been through this, their competitors couldn't have asked for a more vicious attack on the dCS brand than the one dCS themselves have spent two years conducting.

[@anorax001]

10:50 "I'm neither your mommy nor your therapist." Oh dear. Looks like there is a personal grudge going on here. I am guessing John Giolas (VP of Sales and Marketing) is having a very bad day. Not a very professional way for an executive to conduct themselves.

[@nilspipenbrinck8040]

Outright unprofessional I'd say..

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

sounds like he needs to go to therapy for his mommy issues. Bullies *always* project. They lack empathy, but they need to justify their actions, thus...

[@Corle0ne]

This is more than simply having a bad day. This guy is a loose cannon and must be let go of asap

[@TheCloudhopper]

The problem for a company is not that someone reviews a product poorly. The problem for the company is, when they design and manufacture a poor product. When will companies learn this? Dear dCS let me introduce you to the Streisand effect. I solely left this comment here to feed the algorithm. May this video be seen by millions.

[@Goalline92]

Funny enough, this threat has just shined a great beam of light at the review. I used to be a big fan of DCS. They are now officially boycotted. Ridiculous!

[@tuathadedanann195]

There is noway this was a rogue VP of sales and marketing. The DCS hierachy set the lawyers on you not one man. These things have to be approved and paid for by the company's internal legal department and signed off by upper management.

[@tsdobbi]

Agreed. I am an executive and I would never, ever send an email to someone outside the company on behalf of the company in a situation like this without a discussion with senior leadership. That initial exchange was terribly unprofessional as well, riddled with insults. The funny thing is this is something I would never even have to deal with and I know better. Certainly, my company sells products, I'm just not in a public facing position like someone in marketing and it just baffles me in that position wouldn't know better.

[@Si6ssigma]

I am now wary of a company I did not even know existed an hour ago, good job Barbara.

[@breathofawareness7903]

This is a very bad look for dCS.... Very bad... Not a brand I want to support if this is how they conduct themselves... With this action they will cause a LOOOOOT more damage to their brand than that review ever did... I am not buying their DACs anymore. Good job dCS.

[@bongatumtum]

Precisely. I've never even heard of this company till today and now, I only have a NEGATIVE association with them. Good job, clowns.

[@KioAMVs]

@@bongatumtum Same.

[@LiquidAudio]

Agreed, that VP of sales is particularly damaging to the brand. That guy needs to go, he sounds like a serious d**khead.

[@mpayson]

@@bongatumtum I mean, I agree, I have also never heard of them. But something tells me that you and me aren't the target market for a $10,000 headphone amplifier. That said, that sort of market tends to be notoriously fickle, so while pulling this sort of BS might work fine for a fortune 500 company, it is actually probably far more damaging in a tiny market like the audiophile market. That's not that big of a market, and they all talk to each other. Absolutely the worst sort of market to behave like this in.

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

At the very least it pretty much guarantees an end to reviews and other non-paid PR for dCS, as now that the community knows a negative review will get the reviewer threatened or sued, anyone publishing a positive review will damage their own credibility and become a suspected shill.

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

Baffled that they thought this could possibly end well for them in this day and age. Absolutely ridiculous and unprofessional emotionally driven behaviour and phrasing on their part.If their 'reputation' is what they claim to be concerned about, this was probably the worst self-goal they could have committed. Do not release a product if you're not prepared to stand behind that product and handle criticism. Hope this works out in your favour, and the industry at large learns this is not how you do busyness if you want to retain your reputation.

[@DonkeyKong496]

They're selling 20k dacs and don't even know what theyre selling. Trash tier...

[@CammyFi]

Dogwater

[@neogeoisie]

@@CammyFi Bro what's "Dogwater" ?

[@moskolasoq4742]

that shit real go crazy fuck dat shit mane

[@Mark-rw3kw]

I think that reviewer is also to blame, since why would anyone review a DAC that costs that much?

[@KenMoreira]

@@Mark-rw3kw that's literally his job.

[@fwabble]

Standing up for the consumer and giving honest REAL opinions and measurements, is incredibly highly respected nowadays - corporations are used to being able to literally RIP consumers off without contestation. Once you can quantify audio 'performance' and seperate it from 'personal taste' is the end of folk like AudioQuimples - thank you so much to Amir.

[@FLASHAHOLIC_TV]

Frick me, I've had a couple of brands ask me if I could take down reviews but never had one threaten me with legal action.

[@Doofindork]

dCS woke up one day and thought "Wow it's a beautiful day for some rake-stepping" and absolutely made a clown of themselves.

[@TechnoDad]

Well...I've never seen your videos, Cameron, but after what happened to my buddy Erin, I know how much stress this kind of situation can cause. I'm glad you created this video as it is the right thing to do. As an equipment reviewer, it is important that we are able to operate without the threat of litigation. If a company makes a bad product, and it gets a bad review, it's on them not the reviewer. Since audio is filled with subjectivity, I'm sure many companies have gotten away with sub par products due to the fact that objective data could not be gathered about the product. But we are in a different paradigm now. We can objectively test the piece of audio gear and the data can speak for itself. I just watched a video of yours about the WA23 tube amp. Wow! Super detailed review with great production quality. Nice work, and good luck with this situation.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Good Man !

[@JeroenNietDoen]

dCS just cancelled itself...

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Yes!

[@sgt_major8419]

Don't worry, plenty clowns still out there with too much money, that never watch these shows, that will still buy their overhyped/overpriced junk.

[@isaachy777]

As nature intended

[@mpayson]

@@sgt_major8419 The audiophile community is *really* tightly connected, though. There are no doubt outliers who don't pay attention, but most of them do pay close attention to at least the big stories like this. DCS's only real saving grace here is that there's also a big market for rich dudes who *aren't* audiophiles, but who just pay consultants to tell them what to buy, and many of those people will be unethical enough to sell them an inferior product from a shitty company. But one way or another, this will have a big effect on their bottom line. All because one VP wouldn't know professionalism if it bit him in the ass. The best thing that DSC could do now is immediately and very publicly fire that VP and their legal team, and in no uncertain terms offer a clear and public apology for their behaviour. If they do that they *might* not be out of business before the end of next year

[@MakubexGB]

And they thought the review was damaging

[@jxpat]

Thanks for posting this. dCS customer support interactions are quite challenging as well. Apology or not, after watching this video, I'll never buy a dCS product again. Thanks for sharing 🔆

[@adamchurvis1]

I have almost nothing to do with the audio world, but from the first word spoken I could tell these were top-flight minds, not just in their field but as VERY clear communicators. And so for the first time in 63 years I listened intently to every word of a subject I cared little about. By the time they were done, I was fully interested in these words and machines I had no knowledge of, and was looking them up intently on my second monitor. Then I subbed and liked. You've got me, fellas. I first went into a recording studio at age 9 to record my voice for a soundtrack to a Rice Krispies commercial my father wrote at Leo Burnett. It was 1970 and everything was analog. I was shocked at the width of 64-track tape! The sound boards spanned about twenty feet and there were -- literally, not figuratively - hundreds of sliders, knobs, switches, and a fairly large handle-type control toward the middle of it all. They had four isolated sound booths, one of which I used. There was tiered seating in the main booth for orchestral setups, an antique harpsichord ("Do NOT touch this at all, son!"), and cables and cords everywhere. My father was a funny guy. On a different outing there they recorded the six violins performing, then my father requested something from the little chain-smoking guy operating the boards and it sounded like twelve violins. Then he asked it to be (for lack of memory and a proper term) "doubled" again, and it was so deep and rich and beautiful that it was magic to little old me. It sounded like I was in the front row of a 24-violin performance. So my father gets up and feigns ecstasy with both hands over his bladder area saying "Oh! Oh! It's so beautiful I just peed!" You sound folks are awesome, and I'm going to start paying attention from now on because of you. It's never too late to learn and be amazed.

[@Haulien]

dCS could make the best hardware in the world, but if this is how the company is going to act, they've lost my sale. Thanks for making this threat tactic public. dCS have dug their own grave here.

[@simonphipps1758]

they dont make the best hardware. see msb or playback designs to name but a few.

[@Some_D0nkus]

@@simonphipps1758 MSB is also poo bro.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

@@simonphipps1758 yeah thats why he said COULD

[@Haulien]

@@simonphipps1758 keyword being could. Even if they had the best dac and amps in the world, if this is how they act, I wouldn't give them my business.

[@QoraxAudio]

Well, if they've had confidence in the quality of their products they wouldn't be worried about one negative review!

[@ResolveReviews]

Just a note, despite this company's behavior towards Cameron and their approach to critical content, we absolutely DO NOT endorse the harassment of DCS employees of any kind. Remember that employees are not to blame for the behaviour of those calling the shots, and even then, there are ways to handle this that don't involve vitriolic words/actions. So please treat everyone with respect, whether it's in person at shows or online and on social media.

[@kesamek8537]

Respect is earned, not given.

[@woopygoman]

@@kesamek8537 I think most people would agree that it's a given until it becomes undeserved.

[@scottwheeler2679]

I will never harass them. But I will never buy any of their products

[@blayses3116]

@@kesamek8537 and those employees did nothing to earn your disrespect

[@TC-dg5pm]

@@blayses3116 Wrong.

[@AchoReviews]

@GoldenSound and @TheHEADPHONEShow, thank you both for the transparency. Unfortunately, dramas over negative reviews are far more regular than they should be but this is taking it to the next level.

[@Viewer13128]

Interesting how dCS (Data Conversion Systems Ltd in UK) and DCS (Deep Cycle Systems in Australia) both threatened litigation against KZbin reviewers and both got exposed at around the same time.

[@feelfreetodeviate]

I wish I could like this more than one time. You are on fire! I love how you approach this shitty situation the same way that you approach your reviews. Know that you have lots of support. Be strong, man. Let everybody know.

[@peregrinodisastrado]

I know now which high end DAC I WON'T be aiming for in the future. You seem like a good kid Cam. Hang in there

[@lw8882]

Incoming several years of "did DCS threaten you to make a positive review" on every audio reviewer's channel and website even if they back down from this threat.

[@nitehawk86]

Honestly, that's a good policy to assume on any youtube review; unless the channel has a proven track record for fair reviews.

[@GregoryfromTrier]

My full support to The Headphones Show and Cameron.

[@ParadiseBizz]

Being a small creator myself I feel that you guys went above and beyond to evaluate the product before writing a script and before filming. I am very sorry you have to go through this. Keep up the great work that you're doing

[@CareyHolzman]

It's a shame to see DCS fail and go out of business this way. No dignity. I wonder if they will demand I take my review down of their DAC?

[@onepieceatatime]

If Grado has never threatened to sue someone over a negative review, no company should ever even think about it.

[@Audiorevue]

Precisely, I can't think of one company that has gotten so many bad reviews but equally so many good reviews but they're still chugging along anyway.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

underrated comment

[@bryede]

Grado is quirky. Some will get it and some won't and they understand this.

[@realitykicksin8755]

Grado is trash quality. My Sr325 … The hard cables protruded into the earphone cup and broke the internals.

[@Synflood-dot-txt]

Lol brutal ​@@realitykicksin8755

[@Noneya5555]

Suing a reviewer over a 2.5 year old review? Seriously? So they're not concerned with losing customer goodwill and sales, along with the emnity of other reviewers. Wow, just - wow. Smh...

[@spudpud-T67]

Causing the Streisand effect.

[@gotham61]

I expect in future most reviewers won't go near any DCS products.

[@jin12345678]

it's not even that negative or vitriolic of a review. It's a mildly negative/mixed video take amidst a sea of positive reviews for their products. It's unbelievable just how unreasonably petty this is.

[@Hardys-Mods]

i have never heard about it but now im here xD well done from them, shining the light on it so everyone can see it again

[@paulm944]

DCS owes a public apology to this reviewer, his company, and the audiophile community. Certainly off my purchase list in the future.

[@arminmoesslacher7725]

I really like this example and thank you that you (as many others, especially magazines are fully dependent on commercials etc) are not releasing dependent reviews! Thumbs up and thank you!!!

[@duddirode]

Hello "The Headphone Show" coming from "AllOffroad 4x4 Adventures" with a lawsuit from DCS ( LiFePo4 battery ) company from Australia lead me here, doing the exact same thing to the reviewer..... Seem to be a ongoing trend from companies to scare off reviewers doing a "negative" review of product. I would say in my own belief that you all are doing a review of product, with a sincere genuine commentary of the product with pros and cons of the product. Which I believe and always should be a viewer(s) ( person(s) ) own subjective opinion about the product, regarding any reviewers sincere comments about the product.

[@huddersfieldtextile8469]

Good for you guys for standing up against bullies

[@alaingingras7224]

You articulate your point very well !That is pure bullying ... This company will only get less sales !The more people know ,the less customers will show up to purchase !

[@roxcyn]

Regardless of the apology, I can’t believe someone from the manufacturer said I’m not your mommy. How is that professional? I would love for Louis Rossmann and Fake Review Watch to provide their opinion on this issue.

[@bammontenegro5639]

He has done so

[@roxcyn]

@@bammontenegro5639 - it was another company called DCS. But I see people calling this company dCS out in the comments 😂.

[@daviddarmanin2188]

Cameron, you are an excellent reviewer, keep up your honest reviews. Everybody appreciate an honest detailed review of products they may be considering to buy! DCS has done themselves a major disservice, good luck for the future DCS, you are going to need it.

[@kip388]

This trend of companies and corporations bullying and harassing small creators and media outlets has to end. I hadn’t heard of DCS before and this is my first exposure to them but any interest in their products has evaporated before it could exist. If DCS reads this, know that your nonsense has lost many more potential customers than a bad review. You could have taken the feedback and made a better product - but this behavior is unforgivable.

[@brockercheddlie]

Golden looks visibly stressed in this video. Wish him luck with this. 💛

[@BobCoalWater]

So was Erin, who also stood his ground, so it seams, we dont know what happens behind the scenes. Talking about behind the scene, it's to wonder how many reviewers simply give in.

[@mgrmln]

Wow wow wow. The pettiness and belligerent tone of dCS is shocking. F-that brand. This is a brand that simply doesn’t understand how marketing or sales works. Additionally, it feels like dCS doesn’t even know what they are selling! Golden sound, keep doing what you do! Well done Andrew for standing up for honest reviews.

[@91maxpower]

Never seen the show but the respect I have for this level of commitment to the public says TONS. Every seller is going to say good things about their products. Without HONEST reviews everyone would either waste money or not know what they are missing. Any company that threatens a lawsuits based on “loss of income” for a negative review should be exposed which in turn should cause a significant loss in income. I know I’ll never buy from this company.

[@karmicknight]

After researching dcs's apology I'm thankful they woke up to the situation, but allowing something like this to occur in the first place is exceedingly negligent. Would they be singing the same tune had they gotten away with this criminal behavior or would they have continued to bully honest reviewers? I'm inclined to believe they turned around after realizing how damaging this publicity was and not because they wanted to. Still on my blacklist.

[@masterxyr]

I can only begin to imagine how this sort of despicable tactic worked back in the day without the event of social media. Mega-dollar white-collar narcissistic cancer-bullies lying and threatening individuals attempting to make an honest living by bringing truth into the world. heck, even today it's a nightmare. I thank you guys and fully support and admire your valiant backbone and work! Let the community know if there's anything else we can do

[@masterxyr]

absolutely if possible, make it public. we WANT to know, we need to know. this is also journalism, and independent at that!

[@liamhenderson3958]

Well said. Bose used to partake in litigation every week in the 1970s. Never went to court but the threats where enough for an form a journalism that had no protection.

[@ColinActon-yl6nw]

Well done for standing up for what is right!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Unify with our HiFi Tribe ! We stand AGAINST corporate manipulation of public opinion in our beloved hobby.

[@alannunhuck3974]

Well! 😁 I’ve just seen the latest post from Cameron with the link to the dCS retraction, explanation & apology! From the CEO no less. I am very pleased to see & hear this. Clearly dCS’s senior mgmt need to keep a much better control on their company & employees, this sort of situation should have never been allowed to occur or escalate as it did! But ultimately - great news that dCS have seen & admitted to their error & apologised personally to Cameron. On a side note, Cameron - I thank you for your truly excellent, technically detailed, insightful & informative reviews… they are really fantastic! In fact, I purchased a Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC on the strength of your review and it is absolutely fantastic! Stunning piece of kit! It Performs so well & seems to pair superbly with my Moon MiND2 steamer, Accuphase E370 amplifier & Sonus Faber Sonetto III speakers - I am in Audiophile heaven!! So keep up the great work! Best wishes, Alan (Norfolk, UK)

[@erichb4530]

LOVE this video and follow-up. I REALLY appreciate the very thorough and non-emotional, factual, professional response, AND especially that there was a positive outcome. There is a LOT of negative manufacturer feedback lately in the world with issues with right to repair, private information being sold with/without customer knowledge, etc. If we end up losing any environments for honest reviews, it's all over we have nothing but advertising that can be complete fabrication with no consequences. I was not even aware of the headphone show before this video, and am interested to learn more.

[@jblesser]

DCS is now off my list of possible purchase options

[@esperla123]

From a company like dCS this is really unprofessional. There is no legal case to claim with their potential lawsuit, to begin with... On the other hand, the bad reputation they are creating for themself is almost irreparable. Thank you guys from the Headphone show for let the community know about this situation.

[@DoctorPPants]

I've had plenty of great experiences with dCS equipment and interacting with their staff at various events. That being said, threatening any subjective reviewer (especially one of the most educated, factually-accurate, and well-spoken KZbin reviewers out there) with a lawsuit is the quickest route to being blacklisted by the very small audiophile community. If dCS will be "forced to exercise its remedies" I will be forced to never buy any more of their products. This really leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. For a "premium top of the line" manufacturer, they communicate as if they have no professionalism or understanding as to the caliber of their target audience.

[@xmurrcattx3498]

I've never heard of a DCS in my life. And now I never will. Thanks for the info.

[@tigertiger1699]

Cameron you have an incredibly well studied knowledge of the subject… bravo🙏🙏🙏

[@chrisp.5272]

DCS is about to file bankruptcy with that mistake. The company needs to issue a public apology and withdraw all threats.

[@anonymoususerinterface]

icl an appology aint gonna do sh*t, everyone is gonna know that they are just trying to save their ass and arent being genuine. dCS done F*kked up

[@allydea]

Wouldn't make a difference for me. With something this bad, you only get 1 strike.

[@Daniel-t3u9m]

Purposely? Smells organized crime.

[@xXxBo5sANaCxXx]

Well, time to avoid dCS in the future, thanks dCS for warning us!

[@buckaroobonsi555]

Looks like DCS will never get a dime of my money due to poor behavior and vindictive heavy handed lawfare!

[@StreetComp]

This video is essentially perfect in explaining what happened and your stance on the issue. Its also VERY clear you know what you are talking about when it comes to reviewing audio products so you earned a sub 😎 excellent work all around

[@Cybertruck1000]

First time seeing your videos. I know little about headphone systems but I do know a content provider that is immersed in his subject. This was very watchable and demonstrated how straight you set out to be when reviewing. dCS and any company whose product you review should take the review as golden. Any negatives in the review are particularly valuable as it points to areas that need addressing. It seems dCS top management need to review the whole company. If you allow members of your team to fire off threatening emails in such fashion then ultimately it's the man at the top that should take responsibility. It is to dCS credit though that they now hold their hands up and show some humility and wish to redress the wrongs. Great video.

[@Chuek-WaiTai]

If only positive review is allowed, there is no point in reviewing any product.

[@wineattorneys]

You are absolutely correct.

[@warheadsnation]

In Soviet Union, Speaker reviews YOU

[@DarkFire515]

Streisand effect coming soon to a certain manufacturer. Good on the company supporting Cameron.

[@thomashorne6032]

“I am neither your mommy nor your therapist”. Absolutely outrageous behaviour from a company in a supposedly professional conversation. Ironically it sounds to me like the person who wrote this is the one with the vendetta. Keep posting your honest thoughts on products guys. I love this hobby and it is impossible to try every product out there, so I for one depend on your honest product reviews. DCS have brought this on themselves.

[@SomeRandomPersonOnTheNet]

crazy how there are two completely different dcs companies suing over negative reviews... one battery and one headphone

[@randsons]

Honest reviews are what thrive our business, to my business a good review is a bad review, a bad review is an opportunity to make sure that you improve on our service and customer satisfaction. Absolutely agree with you keep up the good work and reviews.

[@sagi_tech_n_stuff]

Tekton Design destroyed themselves a few months ago, so here we go again... bye bye DCS.

[@robwasnj]

Did that really hit their bottom line? I remember that, curious if it affected them.

[@sagi_tech_n_stuff]

@@robwasnj No one can know that, it's privet company with no access to their financial reports. But we can hope...

[@ghostrecon3214]

Well Eric, Tektons found/owner emailed Erins Audio Corner saying he had thousands of dollors of cancelled orders and was blaming Erin for it... Not sure how long lasting that effect was though.

[@peterphan227]

​@@robwasnjCompanies like Tekton survive almost entirely on good word of mouth and grass-roots support. What they did was definitely not good for word of mouth and they poisoned the grass roots on which they survive.

[@cravenmoore7778]

Probably the same law firm

[@Lordwarez]

That email in 10:44 is one of the most pettiest and whiniest emails I have read in a while. I'm amazed that a VP of Sales and Marketing would be so blindsided. Hope they will backtrack soon with the backlash and great to know to never buy anything from dCS.

[@Krmpfpks]

That VP was blindes by rage, not even able to understand what golden wrote in the first place. An emotional outburst like that can happen in any company - we are humans after all. However it’s not that letter alone, that this company followed this up and even involved a lawyer after this long of a time period is ridiculously petty and there is no excuse.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

@@Krmpfpks yeah, if i were him, id have to think twice about throwing a tantrum

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

Thank you Cameron, we can all see in this video how detailed and precise you are during your testing, very bad for dCS❗️It is arrogant behaviour dealing with emotions and not facts. The personal attack about not being your mum or what is such a perfect example of absolutly unprofessional conduct. dCS just really demaged their reputation. Good luck with that Cameron🙋‍♂️

[@DoRC]

As a admittedly much smaller reviewer in a different niche I have to say I definitely respect your courage on this. I have posted some less than glowing videos and have so far been fortunate enough to avoid any sort of situation like this. I'm not sure what I would do as a small individual person if I was faced with something like this and even though it's in a different niche larger channels standing up to companies that do this sort of thing help all of us regardless of what we review. Thanks!

[@arloc_official]

respect for making this video, and thank you for being honest

[@MichaelWeilmeier]

I just emailed dCS with the following, and I encourage others to do the same, because it's only when people show their opinions en masse do companies pay attention and ideally make positive corrections: "I just watched the video of your lawsuit threat against Cameron (GoldenSound) of The Headphone Show. Your actions are despicable and the audio community ought to rise up in protest against dCS by boycotting your products so that your dictatorial attitudes are not tolerated in a market that needs to remain free and fair!"

[@milesmccollough5507]

sent my own thing to the 'contact us' page as well. how do these companies not remember CFA and the solaris drama? or the woo fireflies? or the exploding topping amps? ONE fuckup is enough to ruin goodwill forever in hobby scenes like hifi.

[@theTahnoktrapper]

Nah fam let's not do that, that's just brigading

[@catto-from-heaven]

Just sent mine

[@milesmccollough5507]

@@theTahnoktrapper this is called "the free market" buddy. this is what all the libertarians and billionaires delude us into thinking exists and works. the best we can do as consumers is tell them that we're going to direct our money elsewhere.

[@johnwood9232]

I have also sent a message to dCS. Their behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable.