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MORE Esoteric problems

Hi all, I posted an issue with Esoteric CD players a couple of years ago. I bought a UX-3SE from an eBay seller. It skipped all CD's. I called Esoteric. ALL SACD players with the "U" model numbers need to go to Japan because that's where the alignment jig is. $2500.00 at that time JUST for the shipping back and forth. I returned the player to the seller naturally. An Asian gentleman working at TAP electronics told me at that time that the models with the "X" can all be repaired in California. Great I said. I bought an Esoteric X-01. A great player! Now it doesn't read SACD's. I sent it to TAP last week. A follow up call from TAP gave me the dreaded news that NOW the X-01 needs to go to Japan for the jig alignment procedure. WHAT! They did reduce the transportation cost to $1600.00. And this is for shipping only. I think that the audio community needs to send Esoteric a message and boycott ALL Esoteric products. BTW, it's not just their CD players that are required to make the trip to Japan if repairs are needed. I understand that certain models of preamp and integrated amps fall under this requirement as well. How can a company such as Esoteric not do better for the consumer?
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Showing 6 responses by daveyf

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
Perhaps look at it this way. Your older Esoteric player can still be worked on, there are still parts available for it...and there is a US group that does most of this work. That is a whole LOT more than a lot of other folks can say about their experiences with digital gear that offers none of the above...and is now essentially a ‘boat anchor’. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
@riaa_awards_collectors_on_facebook

You mention the reason that the K-01x sounds worse to your ears...and yet that reason is exactly why many people would want an Esoteric! The ability to delineate a marginal recording from a superior one! Unfortunately, the vast majority of Classic rock is recorded poorly, but I don’t believe that the resulting poor SQ from the recording can be placed at the feet of the Esoteric!
Personally, I want a player that reveals the quality of the recordings and all their warts and issues....while at the same time being able to present a superior sound...if the recording warrants that. With the Esoteric, I can hear that exact ability. YMMV.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
One of the reasons I acquired my Esoteric player is that the transport and laser sled can still be repaired and at a cost that isn't too exorbitant. 
Before I bought my Esoteric ( you can see it in my member Virtual System) I had listened to a number of other excellent players. That included the Marantz player and a Dcs. The Marantz, while superbly built, like the Esoteric, cannot have the transport or the laser shed replaced anymore...as it is no longer available! This is true for a number of highly regarded other SACD players...even of more recent vintage! 
Esoteric, OTOH, are not in that position. Personally, there is a LOT of value to that fact! BTW, ask some of the Audio Research CD player owners what they think of their units, now that their players aren't able to be serviced...and that company is a US company!
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
I recently bought a DV60, I was told by TAP that the sled and the transport are still available. I may look into buying a spare of these parts. 

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
@missioncoonery  You state that you called the service center..where was that?
When I contacted my local Esoteric dealer ( why did you not call them first?) I was told to call TAP. I called TAP in Los Angeles and they were more than cordial and informative. More so than what i can say about a well known local Los Angeles dealer who carries mega $$ gear when asked about a warranty question on tube gear that they rep. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
@tvad    Thanks for the update. That does indeed make one more comfortable with dealing with TAP. I think your experience with the price 'adjustment' is also interesting...unfortunately I suspect that a lot of times it is going to depend on the particular person that you converse with at the company...and while that is no excuse, it is seemingly more prevalent these days. Too bad that a bad apple at the company can sour the whole experience.
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