Esoteric VRDS-NEO not reading discs

russ751

Thank You for the update.

Happy Listening!

russ751

The first time they sent the player back the door still had problems ... TAP had me send the player back ... When I got it back after the second repair, the opening and closing of the door is improved but still reads "tray error" at times ...

Everyone makes mistakes and repair of audio gear can be a tricky business, so I can accept that the first repair attempt was not successful. But with the possible exception of shipping damage, there is no damn excuse for the second failure. That’s just sloppy.

I can imagine that you are frustrated and resigned to this unit never functioning properly again. But if I were in your shoes (and I have been, although not with Esoteric), I’d send it back once more. My reasoning is that these companies don’t know they’ve failed unless the customer tells them. And in this case, Esoteric/TAP has failed miserably.

Thanks for the update Russ.  Very disappointing and kind of what I expected from TAP.  That place will not get my business unless I am forced to use it.

I agree that a player of that build and price should be much more reliable.  In a cosmic universal joke my K01 has started to give me the tray error so I get to live the dream. I sold the X03SE a couple of months ago and sorry I did not retain it for a backup.  I did bring up this thread to the purchaser as I brought up the reliability issue as a potential issue down the road.

I am a dinosaur so my plan is to purchase a Denon or Yamaha SACD player as the price will probably be cheaper or consistent with a shipping and repair bill. I also listen to vinyl most of the time so not overly concerned about the sonics.

Esoteric are sonically fantastic but man oh man their reliability and repair facility are a joke.  Very shoddy from a high end Japanese audio company.  The Japanese used to be first rate in support but I guess those days are over.

Sorry to hear it and thanks for letting us know how it turned out. 

Peace

My Esoteric UX-3 is going on 12 years old and although it has been trouble free, I am very worried about the problems getting them repaired. If and when I need to replace my SACD player, I do know it will not be from Esoteric due to their inability to repair them properly and the huge price increases. I sold Teac for many years and they seemed to be bulletproof, you would think their higher end top tier equipment would be even better.  I truly believe Esoteric is going to lose out on North American sales because of their poor repair services.  TAP Electronics sounds just like Sony in Laredo, Texas where they can’t seem to fix anything right.  We consumers deserve much better.  Too bad the reviewers never touch upon just how horrible the service is. 

stereo5

I enjoy reading your impressions and thoughts on Esoteric. 12 years is a nice run. May many years be left in your UX-3 Player.

Happy Listening!