How Long Is Too Long?


I know this forum has tons of experience with all things audio. 

My question to the members is when you send a piece of gear to the manufacturer for repair; what is a reasonable turnaround time? 

I will leave the "company" out for now because I don't want to potentially hurt their business if it's not warranted.

I sent my phono pre and step up device in for repairs four months ago.  It's a small one man operation in California.  Around the time I sent them in, one of his products got a small positive review in Stereophile magazine and he said that since then he's been swamped with orders.  Understandable I guess and good for him.  Not so good for me though.

As I said, I haven't seen my equipment in four months.  Is this considered reasonable?  I called him about a month ago and talked to him directly and he assured me that he would get to my equipment soon.  So far, nothing.  I guess I should have asked what his definition of "soon" is.

I'm happy that he's selling units and business has picked up for him but with his new found success it appears like us early supporters are being left out in the cold. 

I know my hands are tied at this point and I do have a back up phono pre of lower cost and quality so I haven't been without the ability to play records.  

I appreciate any thoughts or advice.  

Thanks, 

Nick

nicktheknife

Showing 2 responses by mike_in_nc

Whenever one deals with a small outfit, especially a one-man shop, there are potential issues different from those encountered when dealing with a larger firm such as NAD or Bryston.

One often gets cordial and personal service (which Bryston also nails) but what if the owner gets sick? gets busy? dies? loses the main technician? In those cases, long delays occur and in the extreme, there is no support at all and a product can become unrepairable.

Balancing the risks can be substantial rewards. One might get a fine product at lower price, a product that can’t be had any other way, and one that brings joy over a long period.

It’s always difficult to get a small operator to do a job that is free (even if he’s the one who set the price) when paying jobs are lined up. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is. I remember (30+ yrs ago) paying a remodeling contractor when half a day’s work remained. The only way to get him to finish was a lawyer’s letter.

I’m not suggesting you do that in your case.

I wish you best of luck, and I hope it gets done soon.