Samhar and Elizabeth --
Thank you for your responses. They are very comforting.
I guess I have another question, then: Given the situation, how do I go about convincing them to replace the channel or the entire unit? What leverage do I have?
I should add that I bought this amp second-hand from what I thought was a reputable source. Yet, Spectron sold me on the upgrade, which was pretty much a complete replacement of most internal parts. They even bragged something like, "It's like getting 2/3rds of the amp replaced."
Thanks again for your responses. It was just what I was hoping for.
Rob |
A bit of a bump on this, as I'm calling Spectron today.
Can anyone recommend a good, independent tech who might want a go at this problem? Thanks. |
** Update **
I'm pleased to report that this issue has been resolved by Spectron.
After the amp was returned by UPS due to an obsolete Spectron address, I sent it back in on Oct. 22nd. It was returned on Nov. 19th.
The lead engineer told me: "I suspected and replaced a new Modulator on the amp module (Left) and also replaced the new Regulator boards (I do not think it is a problem) to be safe."
Seems to me that he wanted to be extra-special careful about the repair, and then he tested it for quite a while -- likely also helping to burn in the new parts.
The amp is back home now, and is sounding great. After so much time chasing down this problem, I still seem to be in the chronic habit of checking the Left channel, but I'm sure that'll pass.
I'd like to congratulate Spectron for following up on this issue and making me a happy customer.
Rob |
I like the way you think, Unsound! Last time, it was $100 to ship one-way, and it wasn't fixed.
Thanks for your reply, Chayro. Unfortunately, I can't just walk away. There is simply no room in my budget to replace this, so if I can't get a fix, I'll either go without music, or have to sell the rest of my system. |
Jazzcourier - I understand what you're saying, but given the circumstances I've encountered, my experiences are different from yours. Specifically, I sent this amp to them with the same problem in 2011, and they sent it back un-fixed.
As an update: Yes, my experience with them has been decent in terms of responsiveness, but considering that my negative encounters with the amp since 2008 have been ongoing, it's time to fix it once and for all.
I have now arranged to return the amp to Spectron, and they will honor the original upgrade warranty (2008), as I reported the problem to them prior to warranty expiration. At issue now is whether they'll pay outbound shipping, and I suspect they will. Both Spectron and I hope that we'll never have to deal with this issue again.
I'll be offline for several weeks, but will update this thread when the issue is resolved, so that people get the proper impression of Spectron service and engineering. Fair's fair, after all. I have issues with their amp -- and have had for some time -- but my hope is that the company will fully stand behind their product. |
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Update:
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Spectron was *highly* responsive to this situation, and I've had a good email exhange with the folks there, and a couple of really nice phone conversations with Toni. I can safely say that they understand how frustrating this situation is, and that they will work through it to see a good conclusion.
For the record: I've never had a problem with most of the people at Spectron; I've had continuing but varied problems with this particular *amplifier.* And this is only the second time it has been returned since becoming a "Hybrid". Prior to that, the amp had other problems unrelated to the current issue, which were satisfactorily resolved by Spectron.
In this situation, the issue of money never even came up. Spectron will provide a solution under the Hybrid warranty, and has graciously agreed to pay shipping BOTH ways, which is a huge help for this cash-strapped guy.
When I first wrote my post, I was asking the general audience a) for a possible theory on what might be wrong, and b) for an idea of how I might address the issue with the manufacturer. Some may have interpreted that I was casting apersions on Spectron (and I actually would redact one statement I made in the original post, if I only could), but I was more at "wit's end," complete with tones of frustration. That was before I talked to them. I feel better now. :)
I believe that Spectron, and Manh in particular, have stepped up to the plate in fine fashion, and I'm confident that I'll have a good solution when all is said and done. As promised, I'll provide a further update in about a month.
Thanks also to everyone who chimed in with their thoughts. It really helped to inform my dealings with Spectron, and for that, I'm grateful.
Expensive things sometimes need support and TLC, and all things stereo are close to our hearts. At a time like this, it's good to know that a quality manufacturer will step up, "do the right thing", and maintain a solid reputation in the industry. I love to do business with companies like that.
Thanks again, all,
Rob |
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Mcintech -
Thanks for putting this into perspective for me.
You see, I never had any of the jobs you mentioned, nor do I have 32 years electronics repairs experience. Heck, I probably couldn't recite Ohms Law Theory on a bet. Clearly, then, I can't repair an amp of any type by myself. While your record is something you can be proud of -- and I'm sure you are -- it must also be a burden.
See?... I can own any darned amp I want to own, Class D, or otherwise. They're all the same to me, except for the sound quality.
:>) |
Revrob -- I've replied to your private message. Sorry for the delay, I've been offline for a month.
Sadly, the amp never made it to Spectron for repair. No one at Spectron had informed me that they moved locations two years ago, so I sent it to the wrong address. You'd think that UPS could redirect the package to the new address, as they had Spectron's account number at hand.
So instead of having it fixed while I was gone, I now have to resend it and wait until it's fixed... without music. Sucks.
It was a careless slip-up on both our parts, I'm sure, but still... Grrrrrrrr.... |
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Looks like it's time for me to update my own thread!
After receiving my amp back from Spectron, I continued to have some problems. Time to throw in the towel, I thought. The people at Spectron and I worked out an arrangement, and as a result, I'm now running a Spectron Musician III MK2 with all upgrades.
In a word, "happy." I haven't had a single issue with the new amp. Nada... Zilch... Perfect operation. It sounds fantastic.
My only "problem" is that getting the new amp caused a slew of upgrades, to the point that every component is new, from speakers to cables. Having just added some Vandersteen 2wq subs into the mix, I really couldn't be more delighted with how things turned out.
I'll probably never deal with this type of issue again. Just too much angst and expense in that.
Rob |
Thanks, Kernelbob... I think... :)
Budgetary restrictions preclude the possibility of a second Musician III at this time, although I do appreciate your insights.
One thing that surprised me: The Vandersteen 2wq subwoofers were the best possible additions (given my budget, of course.) With the battery-biased crossovers between the pre- and amp, they take a lot of the load off the Spectron, leaving it more free to handle the power-hungry Magnepan 3.7s, as well as providing bass that the Maggies can't really reach anyway. The difference was anything but subtle... we haven't turned off the music since getting the subs in. |
