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

I can understand your concern in regard to having to wait so long for your audio equipment to be repaired.  Unfortunately,  Covid has only made the situation worse.

Especially when you are dealing with a small company (sometimes even a one person operation).   I ordered a DNA Starlett headphone amplifier in January of 2022, with an estimated delivery date of November of 2022.

I'm still waiting nearly 18 months later.  My Starlett is now scheduled to be delivered in July of this year.  Hopefully it will be.  The owner of DNA,  Donald North has explained to me that Covid has created numerous problems with supply chain issues. In addition to this,  there have been many quality control issues with parts not meeting specification, that had to be disregarded. 

This only slows the manufacturing process even further.

I know that DNA manufactures world class headphone amplifiers,  so I am willing to accept the long manufacture time.  It just goes with the territory. 

 

 

 

I already mentioned that it's not a supply issue.  Covid is not to blame in this instance.  I spoke to the owner about it.  He's simply "swamped" with new orders after a Stereophile magazine review on one of his products.  As a result, those of us with gear that needs repairing are on the backburner..

Not really a repair issue, I had a pair of Salk Veracity STs built with a build time estimate of two months that turned into, well over a year. Will never do that again..