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

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.

....I read y'alls' horror stories....buy used so I don't spend energy on dogging phone calls and/or emailing with bleeding fingertips.....

Look gear over to see if the screws are still pristine...
"User Serviceable Parts" decals are pretty rare... 

There used to be 5 good repairman here, now no one.

I would think they would cater to us since most audiophiles will spend lots of money and there are less of us.  I agree, the post sale service is lacking in most cases.  Chinese DAC have manuals you can't understand, are incomplete or outdated.  Better keep a spare if you send one in.  I am glad when I purchased my pieces, post.sale service was a factor.  

 

Even after Denafrips stopped being represented by Vinshine Audio, they have been responsive to me via email regarding some minor technical difficulties with a DAC.  There is a time-zone gap, but if I contact them late at night, I may get a return email within a few hours or less.

I've had exceptional service from Wyred 4 Sound, Raven Audio, Bel Canto, McCormack and Nola