HOW can components be so expensive, and yet customer service is so bad.


I recently moved and had to set up the system again.  In moving things around, I have had some questions and issues, so I've had to contact the dealers and manufacturers a few times over the last few weeks.  I'm still waiting for a response from most of them.  

I had a static issue with my McIntosh amp.  I contacted them a couple of weeks ago and I still have not received a response.

I need a part for my Revel speakers.  I've contacted Revel (now Harman) twice over the last week - both phone and email.  No response.

I had an issue with my Weiss DAC cutting out. Turned out it had shipped with a missing part.  I hoped for a new unit or at least a replacement part, but Weiss told me to fix it myself with miscellaneous parts from around the house - basically chicken wire and bubblegum?  The dealer finally sent me a replacement after a couple of weeks of trying different solutions.

I tried calling the audio dealer in Charlotte where I bought the speakers but they never return calls.

I spent a long time researching and building my system and really enjoy my system.  But I might have made different choices if I had known about poor / non-existent customer support.

Premium stereo components are so expensive that I would expect premium service, or at least return my calls for service or for parts.  Do I just have bad luck or are others experiencing similar lack of support?

mojo771

One of the reasons I generally don't purchase audio components from large faceless corporations. I've been purchasing components from smaller scale operations for years, direct communication with owner/designer, these guys can be very generous with their time, solve your issues. Minus this, dealers are the key, having in house technical department important to me.

@jfrmusic - totally agree about MSB. Every time I've contacted them about something, I've heard back from either their long-time sales manager Vince or the CEO within a day, generally, and they are very helpful. The CEO got back to me when I asked about a fuse blowing on my MSB S200 amp and he sent me out a new fuse right away. 

The VTL factory is the worse. The best so far:  Decware, Brinkmann and Tube Audio Labs.  Wish there was a So Cal retailer who rose to the occasion.

OP you are not alone, My Marantz sa10  failed. After warranty. No technical service available even if you pay with your own money..Good members here help me find the parts and the right technicians.

In this hobby you should be resourceful as much as you can, my Andra woofer just showed holes on both. I am very fortunate to find VAn L speakers to recone them.And a good friend Markr help me in soldering them back to my Andra.