If I Had A Hammer

There is an old saying ""To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail." This is true in many industries. People tend to use the tool they know and trust for as many situations as possible. It's true in the low voltage industry. We like to use proven solutions from manufacturers with whom we have a good relationship. They provide technical support, product exchanges, and training that are valuable to our business. We have learned the ins and outs of their products and feel confident we can deliver a satisfying experience for our clients using them.

The problem arises when a company views every client as a candidate for their favorite brand, especially if they have a limited selection. Every consultation must begin with a focus on the client's needs and budget. Only then can the appropriate selection of products be made.

There are products at nearly every price level that do similar things, but their performance varies considerably. For example, Sonance in-ceiling speakers can range from $150 each to over $1,000 each. There is an audible difference between them, and some are less visible than others. In fact, some cannot be seen at all once they are installed. Their capabilites, both sound and aesthetics, must be weighed against the priorities and budget of the client.

We have other brands that offer their own unique characteristics, such as Speakercraft, who makes flushmount speakers that tilt to aim the sound more directly at the listening location. They are part of their AIM series. We won't decide which is best till we know your situation.

At ESC, we carry Control4, Crestron, and Savant control systems. All are good brands, among the top companies in the control systems market. Why do we carry three when each one generally does the same thing? Because they offer different price points, varying levels of customization, and unique user interface styles. These factors will determine which is the best fit for each client.

Having a complete tool box and employees with deep experience in the industry allows us the flexibility to make the best custom choice for our clients. We will live with the results of our installations along with our clients, which is why we have concierge in our name.