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A simple request---Please pack audio gear well.

I just received a Rowland amplifer today via Fedex Ground. It came from within the state so it was a shorter transit time.

the amp came with a bent rear heat sink. I have not yet checked to see if it works operationally.

the amp was packed in a single, fairly thin walled cardboard box. the amp was not wrapped in plastic, so I spent 10 mins, poking out shipping peanuts out of the heat sinks.

There really needs to be guide here on Audiogon on how to properly pack audio equipment for those to follow.

Some of my suggestions

1. Never use peanuts, they are worthless, especially when shipping anything over 1 pound in weight. a 50 lb amp will render a .0001 oz piece of foam useless when it rolls on top of it.

2. double box things or use a thick walled box. Computer boxes are great if you can't double box.

3. wrap the item in something. never just pack it naked. use a garbage bag if need be. a pillowcase. USE something!

4. if you don't have something at home, use a packing professional, I have done this and the $20-$45 cost was worth the risk.

I am very worried about powering up this amp and will be using a pair of speakers I found at the flea market as the Guinea Pig while testing if it works.
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stevecham
3,298 posts
 
Bubble wrap we like.

Peanuts NO!!!
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
there aregood use for peanuts- between an outer and an inner box, or between multiple, smaller, well packed boxes inside one larger box. Otherwise, yes, bubble wrap or rigid insulation foam are the way to go.
sherod
1,681 posts
 
I took an idea from a seller of refurbished Marantz receivers on Ebay( who has a good reputation) and bought a large sheet of styrofoam from Home Depot, 1/2" thick( @ $10.00). I cut the styro into the shape of each box side to fit the inside of the box and doubled each side (This basically becomes like a triple boxed item) After putting the component in a sealed plastic bag, wrapping it a few times with large air bubbles, and placing it in this inner styro box, I found that the component ships very well and can take quite a beating from our friends at either fedex or UPS ground.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I am now packing all my gear that does not have it's original packing (and some that does but is inferior IMO...like my VAC 160 monoblocks) with 2" egg crate packing foam. Cut to size and doubled up where appropriate. Completely filling the empty space around the component. It works like a charm. About $11 for a 24"x48" sheet where I live. Can be expensive, but it's worth it.
bdgregory
1,580 posts
 
Bubble wrap is great for light components, but alone isn't enough for heavy amps or speakers. Their corners will cut right through it and be destroyed the first time the package is drop-kicked. I've been the recipient of amps poorly packed in bubble wrap. Speakers too.

I have found that the solid foam insulation from home depot is great. it comes in various thickness (1" - 2") and also different densities (white vs pink). They sell it in panels 2ft x 8ft for anywhere from $5 to $12 depending on thickness and type. It also comes in 4ftx8ft size. It cuts to size very nicely.

If I use peanuts, I put them in a poly bag and seal it up with tape. It helps prevent shifting, and is also much friendlier to the receiver.
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