Andy Turner

I bought one too from Italy for £200, it arrived yesterday. When I opened it I was convinced it was a fake. The MDF front was warped so much I could slide a £1 coin through the gap. The white paint finish is horrible and rough. This images on the internet did not match mine. The graphics on the VU meter were different. The input board is different as is the vinyl covering. I looked on the Ashdown website and their images actually did match my amp. There appears to be two versions of this amp, one with curved handles, 20svu printed on meter and jack socket at the top middle of plate and one with flatter handles without 20svu on meter and jack sockets at left side of plate. This is a poorly made Chinese product. It is possible to make fantastic high quality products in China like Nikon lenses or Apple products. This is old school China with poor quality control. I have never owned Ashdown product before and I didn't know whether they were quality products. I own a Sonos 5 which is a similar sized speaker box and amp for £400. It is amazing in every way. I realise it is not the same type of product as the B social but comparisons are valid when Ashdown are asking £600 rrp. I would value the Ashdown B-Social at about £100 and that is assuming the front panel is not warped. Oh and the sound? Not impressed.