2. amps-preamps
  3. 185125-96030

How Long Is Too Long?

I know this forum has tons of experience with all things audio. 

My question to the members is when you send a piece of gear to the manufacturer for repair; what is a reasonable turnaround time? 

I will leave the "company" out for now because I don't want to potentially hurt their business if it's not warranted.

I sent my phono pre and step up device in for repairs four months ago.  It's a small one man operation in California.  Around the time I sent them in, one of his products got a small positive review in Stereophile magazine and he said that since then he's been swamped with orders.  Understandable I guess and good for him.  Not so good for me though.

As I said, I haven't seen my equipment in four months.  Is this considered reasonable?  I called him about a month ago and talked to him directly and he assured me that he would get to my equipment soon.  So far, nothing.  I guess I should have asked what his definition of "soon" is.

I'm happy that he's selling units and business has picked up for him but with his new found success it appears like us early supporters are being left out in the cold. 

I know my hands are tied at this point and I do have a back up phono pre of lower cost and quality so I haven't been without the ability to play records.  

I appreciate any thoughts or advice.  

Thanks, 

Nick

nicktheknife
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

Thanks to all for the suggestions and advice.  

The company is:  Lounge Audio

My two pieces are/were:

LCR MkIII Silver & Copla

grislybutter
2,309 posts
 

@nicktheknife the flipside of this is: you should say "don't fix it, give me my money back!" If he has so many orders he has the money to pay you. He can then fix your preamp and sell it, on his own schedule. He can't have it both ways. 

It is wrong to sell equipment with warranty and then ignoring his warranty commitment for being busy selling new equipment...

 

sokogear
1,054 posts
 

I would hesitate to buy direct from a manufacturer. A dealer wouldn't work with a company that has terrible customer service (at least I hope). A good one can help you resolve problems. Exception is cable companies. I wouldn't expect them to break.

I'm not saying you can't have a good outcome buying direct. It's just riskier for all of the reasons stated above..

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@grislybutter, 

I can't seem to get him to respond or answer the phone.  I guess I'll just have to wait it out.  

In the meantime, I'm thinking about a Parasound JC3 Jr. 

When I get the Lounge pieces back, I'll make sure they work and then try to sell them.  

I'll have to put it down as a learning experience.  

 

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

By the way, I'm running a Technics SL1200GR and since the LCR MkIII and Copla have been MIA, I'm using a MoFi Studio phono pre.  

Cartridges are a Benz Micro Glider, Ortofon MC Rondo and Audio-Technica VM540ML. 

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