Melos Audio Restoration going strong...


This post is a retraction to a previous one I made out of frustration towards the fine folks at Melos Audio Restoration. I jumped to an unwarranted conclusion that was false and would like to set the record straight. I have been contacted by Will And Jerry and we have discussed our positions on this matter and they have graciously accepted my apology and I hope that all of you in the Audio community will too. Although they are a small operation and are understaffed, these 2 fine gentlemen are extremely devoted to their work and customers and take pride in seeing that every unit that enters their shop is restored back to its previously glorious working condition...perfection doesn't happen overnight and I failed to recognize this fact. Thanx to all for allowing me this opportunity to clear the air, the reputation of these devoted men and hopefully my name as well...Sincerely, Jeff
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xmooncrikit
Greetings from Canada!
First of all,I would like to thank
Willard Guering and Jerry for the top quality repairs on
my Melos 180 amp.There are negative comments that are not
true. The comments, if I would of, doesn't count in real life.
Melos Audio Restoraion IS a world class business. Secondly,
no communication is false. They returned E-Mails and phone
calls for me. Thirdly,Willard repaired and upgraded my amp.
This is called meticulous workmanship with a lot of care.
Also,it takes time for the new parts to brake in after
repairs and upgrades.The process may not be 2 weeks on
every piece of equip.On some upgrades, it may be less, it
varys.If,a part fails as it brakes in, it is not the fault
of the company.So,the quick service that most want in this
high paced world,turns into meticulous service.
Melos Audio Restoration is world class.
melos audio restoration restored & upgraded a PS 1 Gold for me about a year ago. the repairs & upgrade took about 2 to 3 weeks and the unit functions flawlessly. the quality of the soldering & neatness of the wiring is comparable to my old marantz model 7c and the packing & shipping were superb. i've no regrets about dealing with mar except that i didn't post this entirely positive report earlier.
At the recent (January 2004) CES in Las Vegas, I PERSONALLY visited Melos Audio Restorations & can PERSONALLY attest to their annoyingly busy, but obviously functional phone lines ringing endlessly at the company itself.

I own MAT-1000s', an MA-333 & an SHA-1 ALL of which I've had modified by Melos to my greatest satisfaction.

The modifications are, across the board more "tube-like" & the gear is robust. I've not even suffered a tube failure in a year (since the last CES).

I am repeatedly appalled by the ignorance of the emotional 'audiphoole' to make assertions of a potentially damaging nature WITHOUT research prior to making the assertions.

One ignorant soul asserts 'the company is closed based upon his not being coddled to by telephone' as I read it.

Another, even more ignorant reader/writer actually 'applauds the ill-researched post' & suggests that 'Melos hire more personel to coddle by phone the average neurotic' & "just raise their prices"!

Obviously this individual has NEVER been in his own business.

I for one, prefer the quality/price advantages over the increased expense of having an "on-call" therapist to satisfy my blatent boredom & neurosis.

As I read it, BOTH these individuals need a full time job and/or, an SSRI.

A 3rd, insightful individual points out the IMPERATIVE nature of NOT posting conclusions WITHOUT research as it can be very damaging. He goes on to assert that "If I were Melos, I would sue you for LIBEL!" & I concur.

I assume it is the good will of Melos/Mr.Guering that finds you NOT in court (as per Melos' response)?

I suggest that a good forum is NOT the venue to vent one's emotions but rather, to post FACTS, not start RUMOURS.

Ignorant posts do us all no good. Not Melos, nor the audiophile community who could enjoy this extraordinary gear at exceptional discounts.

I ask you, WHERE can I get 400WATTS of BALANCED TRIODE power at these prices? WHERE can I get MC TUBED BALANCED PHONO at these prices? The SHA is STILL the best headphone amplifier in the world in my opinion & it's a 'gift' at these prices.

I am not willing to pay twice the amount Melos had charged me to have Mr. Guering act as my psycho-therapist. I assume as the head technician that his time can be better directed & the subsequently lowered costs forwarded to me? 8^)!!!

I suggest you up your dosage of Prozac & cease rants that may compromise the advantages a TRUE High End Audio company can offer the SERIOUS audiophile (Did you buy those $600 KNOBS at the CES with the 'Miracle Varnish' ? You'll need a fresh supply of Snake Oil to get them on the shafts!)

The above is my experience WITH Melos & AT Melos & I applaud & thank Melos for the opportunity to own some of the finest audiophile gear ever made, at a cost I could never have hoped for & the EXCELLENT support of the GEAR as opposed to my emotions.

themilehighguys
Bravo Mooncrikit. True character of an individual becomes obvious over time.

I also have had the pleasure of dealing with MELOS AUDIO RESTORATION. They did an upgrade to my MA-333. I was very happy with their little company.

Hope you enjoy your Melos.

Happy listening,
Paul
Melosaudiorestore
(Willard)

UNRESOLVED MELOS AUDIO DISPUTE:

My Melos Music Director preamp (last revision of the 333) was sent to MAR for repair of a faulty volume control in October 2000. Rather that repairing my Music Director, MAR switched my my preamp for an older design, the 333 Gold, which did not have the photo potentimeter volume control. The shocking part is that MAR pealed the serial number off the back of my Music Director and affixed it to the 333 Gold Reference that they sent in its place. They also charged me for a Solan capacitor upgrade along with other modifications which I did not ask for (I have all the original invoices if MAR is interested in copies). The unit that they sent also had several scratches on the faceplate and top panel. When I briefly listened to the 333 Gold that MAR substituted for my Music Director, the sound was dramatically inferior and unacceptible in comparison.

I called MAR to complain and Brant, the employee that always dealt with me, admitted to the switch but stated that it was an accidental mixup and that MAR still had my Music Director and would send it back to me. When I did get the original preamp back, the main circuit board had been switched for one that had very bad soldering work and the tube sockets in the main circuit board were dirty and had been damaged by a soldering iron. The volume control still did not work so the preamp was not repaired. Of interest was that I found that my serial number was mysteriously switched back to my unit. I called Brant and told him that I wanted my original Music Director circuit board back but he told me that MAR did not have another circuit board but would replace the damaged tube sockets in the main board for me. I had this done and MAR did refund my money for the upgrades that I did not ask for. It was only after that MAR switched my unit for the older design without the photo potentimeter that I was was told that the photo potentimeter could not be repaired since the photo cell which is necessary in the circuit had malfunctioned and could not be replaced aince it was no longer in manufactured.

I attempted to settle this issue with MAR back in 2000 but I was never able to get it resolved and was never allowed to talk with Will directly. At this time my preamp is still not repaired. I have taken it to several other repair shops but was told that it cannot be repaired since the photo cell is no longer made.

I believe that I was treated very poorly in 2000 that that MAR was not fully honest or ethical at that time. From replies on this Audiogon thread, it appears that MAR now practices better business ethics. If Will is indeed honest and sincere about providing his customers with quality service perhaps this can now be resolved and my preamp repaired to the original Music Director preamp specifications. It is really ashame since I did purchase this preamp new for $4300 but it is still sitting in my garage unrepaired at this time.