Talon-New owner-NO customer service

Just my .02 cents here. If you're going to buy used, then you got to expect if things don't work our right, then it's your "tough luck". Most manufacters aren't going to take care of "second owners" and there ain't going to be any warrenties. Every now and then a manufactuer will go the "extra mile" for a second owner, but truth is, they really don't have to, and to expect otherwise is unrealistic. If you can't deal with that reality then perhaps you should buy new.

"I have to disagree with the notion that manufacturers have no obligation to fix gear for a second owner. What if Toyota or GM had this policy?"

I think that's a bad analogy because most auto warranties are somewhat transferable and dealers honor them. Beyond that, then if you're getting work done you're going to pay the going Labor/Parts rate.

One of the bad things in the audio industry, is that when a company goes "out of business" or another company take them over, that quite often many of their products become "orphans". Going back and reading the orginal post it's apparent that Rives who now owns Talon, doesn't have a relationship with the amp manufacturer. An apparently the Talon Roc has become an "orphan" product. What is Rives suppose to do, other than what they did, which is to offer to replace the amp for $1600. Once again, buyers needs to do their homework when buying used (i.e. what happens if something goes wrong, who's going to take care of what, are parts still available, ect?) and don't ASSUME that any warranties are going to be in place, especially when buying from private "second parties", who are not authorized dealers.

Tnadu,

Let me ask you a question. At what point does a manufacturer "draw the line" especially when dealing with with products that are sold by second and third parties? I would be much more sympathetic to Robyatt if he had been the orginal purchaser of the Talon Roc and had bought it from Talon through one of it's authorized dealers. If that had been the case, then Rives should have more responsive in their responds to him. The big problems start coming up when products get sold over the Internet by second and third parties, and unauthorized dealers and then something happens to that product. Apparently, you feel that manufacturer should "bend over backwards" to take care of the problem. And the truth is Rives offered to take care of the problem for $1600. If that what it cost to replace the amp, then that's the cost to replace the amp. To expect Talon/Rives to go the "extra mile" for the second owner is unrealistic because let's face it, neither Talon or Rives made any money on that second sale. More and more you're starting to see disclaimers from manufacturers about products sold over the Internet and through unauthorized dealers and second and third parties. Don't believe me, starting visiting some of their websites.

Interesting topic and good discussion. Anyway, was browsing the speakers sales this morning and noticed that a 'goner was selling a "NEW/FACTORY SEALED BOX" of VS VR-1s.

I also know that VS has a policy about Internet sales of their speakers which states "ANY NEW VSA PRODUCT SOLD OVER THE INTERNET, BY OTHER THAN OUR ONE AUTHORIZED ONLINE DEALER, WILL NOT HAVE ANY WARRANTY."

Now this is the sort of thing that leads to misunderstandings between customers and manufacturers. No doubt the individual buying these speakers from this seller (and I'm assuming the seller is NOT an authorized dealer) will probably, and erroneously, assume that the speakers are under VS's warranty. So what happens, if couple months down the road, one of the speakers develops some problems? No doubt, VS would fix the speaker, but should the repair be covered "as if" the speaker was under warranty (which unless the seller is an authorized dealer, it is clearly not) or should they charge the buyer (who will "no doubt" be upset to find out his "NEW/FACTORY SEALED BOX" of VS VR-1 speakers didn't include a warranty) the cost of doing the repairs on his speaker?

BTW, I sent the seller the following message:

"Are you an authorized Von Schweikert dealer? If not you might want to mention the speakers will not being under warranty (see link - http://www.vonschweikert.com/_pricesus.htm). Just mentioning this because someone buying these "NEW" speakers might assume that they would be under Von Schweikert warranty, and if you're not a dealer that's not the case."

Hopefully, he'll amend his ad, and mention about the lack of warranty, but nevertheless, I think you can see some of the points I was trying to make about warranty issues and second/third party sales and manufacturers and who's responsible for what.

Well heard back from the seller, and apparently he won these speakers in a drawing at an audio show. Also, the seller does a fair amount of business on Audiogon, and has a good reputation. Nevertheless, the seller also thinks that VS would provide warranty on these speakers since they are not "gray market" speakers, even though VS website is quite clear about on-line sales and warranties. I emailed VS and asked them what their thoughts are, and if I get a reply, I'll let you know what VS thinks on this matter. One more thing, I see the seller lower his price, since I let him know that VS had significantly lowered it's price on the VR-1 in the particular finish that he is selling. Apparently the finish is being discontinued.

Hate to say it, but I think in this situation, it's all about Robyatt. I think Rives was pretty upfront about what was needed to repair the subwoofer amp, and I think that they were willing to do it at cost, but apparently, that wasn't good enought for our friend, Robyatt. Glad he found a cheaper solution, and I certainly hope it works out for him, but nevertheless, I think with Robyatt, there was no way to make this guy happy. People need to remember that customer service (in the best sense), is a two way street.