How reliable is PS audio equipment?

@yesiam_a_pirate

If you want less distortion and a more realistic sound experience replace them cheap Edcor XS4400 audio transformers with custom nickel transformers and replace the cheap IEC AC inlet.  Major improvement in sound quality.

I'm not sure about longevity but I assume they last as long as other gear. They have an outstanding service department.

I have bought several components from PSA but I will never do business with them again due an extremely dissappointing experience with their CD transport.

I bought a Perfect Wave Transport (the original CD only version) around 2019. I found out after I bought it that the unit I purchased was "B Stock" and came with a diminished warranty. Note - buyer beware. I was not told by the dealer that this was anything other than a brand new unit.

I used the transport regularly but not excessively. It spun about 10 discs per week. Within less than a year (about 10 months I think) the CD drive began acting up. It wouldn't open or eject sometimes. I contacted PSA and they offered to replace the drive. The new drive lasted about a year and by then the unit was out of warranty. I paid about $500 to have the second drive installed. Then, this drive failed within less than a year.

When the third drive failed I began researching the issue and found out that PSA put in a cheapo computer grade CD drive that costs about $15. This is in a transport that retails for $4000! I found out that I could replace the drive myself but I needed some special all-thread screws that PSA could provide. I called them and they refused to sell me the screws and they would not even tell me the specs so I could find them myself. I now owned a $4000 boat anchor.     

A reputedly high end audio company that puts a $15 computer drive into a $4000 transport cannot be trusted IMO. It showed me that PSA will not only put in the cheapest parts they can find, they will even scrimp on the most critical components in their gear. 

Goodbye, PS Audio. Hope you have a nice life.   

@8th-note if I were you, I would have went on the PS audio forum, Paul's post, and Ask Paul to complain in a nice way about the problem, sometimes Paul will take care of you with little to no charge. I do agree with you that some of PS audio equipment could be much better with what they charge.

My one and only PS Audio purchase was a power bar/surge suppressor about 20 years ago.  Two of the 5 outlets failed.  I sent it to PSA and they repaired it.  Within a few months, the same two outlets failed.  I just left it, I use it as is.  I won’t buy any more PSA gear.  I don’t have time to deal with unreliable equipment.