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A simple request---Please pack audio gear well.

I just received a Rowland amplifer today via Fedex Ground. It came from within the state so it was a shorter transit time.

the amp came with a bent rear heat sink. I have not yet checked to see if it works operationally.

the amp was packed in a single, fairly thin walled cardboard box. the amp was not wrapped in plastic, so I spent 10 mins, poking out shipping peanuts out of the heat sinks.

There really needs to be guide here on Audiogon on how to properly pack audio equipment for those to follow.

Some of my suggestions

1. Never use peanuts, they are worthless, especially when shipping anything over 1 pound in weight. a 50 lb amp will render a .0001 oz piece of foam useless when it rolls on top of it.

2. double box things or use a thick walled box. Computer boxes are great if you can't double box.

3. wrap the item in something. never just pack it naked. use a garbage bag if need be. a pillowcase. USE something!

4. if you don't have something at home, use a packing professional, I have done this and the $20-$45 cost was worth the risk.

I am very worried about powering up this amp and will be using a pair of speakers I found at the flea market as the Guinea Pig while testing if it works.
128x128justlisten
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

DIY boxing & packing with substantial improvements via ply & foam, are IMO, the way to go. Especially if one has an item they wish to continue modding, or upgrading with the maker. Additionally, for those selling expensive one off, or no longer made products.... and for overall peace of mind.

Personally, I could care less what sort of packing (orig. or DIY) an item arrives safely within... Just so long as it DOES ARRIVE WITHOUT EXCEPTION (S).

Peace of mind is a priority for me. sometimes it has a price tag. it's price however pales in comparison to the cost of trying to regain it if some misfortune occurs, and outlay was not previously expended appropriately.

has anyone any experience with those who sell flight cases custom made for gear? Like Pelican, etc...???
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Blindjim- I just received an APL 3910 in a flight case and it arrived just fine. IIRC, they are doing a joint purchase of flight cases for 3910s (I expect that they fit most of the recent Denons) over on the apl forum.
texron
39 posts
 
I just bougt a Mac mc2105 it was TRIPLE boxed with a layer between each box, not flimsey boxes either these were nice heavy boxes. This thing could've been dropped from 100' and been fine.
metro04
222 posts
 

Texro: From a 100'...? Lets try it! :-)
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
I just received a pair of 50 pound speakers (2 boxes) from about 100 miles away that were both smashed. Packager used quite a bit of the smaller bubble wrap, along with pieces of large styrofoam around the outer edges. The box (one box per unit) was not of high quality. Looks like I lose, because UPS will say the packager was at fault. I'm guessing the seller won't agree to a refund. Was only a few hundred dollars, but I guess I can use the damaged goods in the basement, where I happen to be nearly never. He had the right idea, and it may have worked, if he had used a sturdy box, where it wouldn't have had a chance to stretch, leaving the contents to be jarred about loose. I think the folks at UPS dropped them off the trucks, right on the top, front, edges. Smashed.
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