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?
128x128jnovak
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tvad -
I had the same work done on mine that is being proposed to you, a new laser pick up and two belts. The cost of repair ended up being reasonable, as they did not charge very much for the parts, the time it took to repair was less than the estimate, and I did not have to ship. My problem was that my UX3-pi was not playing hybrid sacds. I am not clear why a bad drawer requires a new laser pick up for you. You might want to clarify with them. PM me if you want.
I wonder if this is having spill over effect?  I noticed a spike in Emm Labs XDS1's being offered for sale. Emm used to source Esoteric drives for these units and TSDX, which now has stopped. Not certain what back up they have but possibly not being able to source a replacement drive or absorbing increased shipping costs would be a pain to a possible $12k door stopper. Lol! 
Well, EMM Labs managed to fix my SACD reading problem; I'd say that they do have some spares.  I had been concerned but they have been more than helpful and accommodating in this process.

My Esoteric UX-1 Limited is a great all round machine for SACD and DVD-Audio.The draw has just started sticking. Whether dried grease or perished belts can a regular tec do the job.? As I intend keeping it another 20 years sending back to Japan for a as new overhaul could be an option..