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Esoteric A100 Service Nightmare

My Esoteric A100 which has been stuck in a safety circuit mode after an electrical surge.  I have contacted the Esoteric Service department and the unit was shipped to TAP electronics in Buena Park CA.  I was contacted by the service department that the A100s cannot be serviced in the US and must be shipped to Japan due to a required tool that is only available in Japan.  What???  I was quoted a shipping charge in the thousands $ and that there is no guarantee that the unit is even salvageable.  The interaction with TAP electronics was a nightmare but its not relevant here.   A100 has essentially become an expensive paper weight.  I am disappointed and puzzled by the lack of adequate service support for a unit that sold for over $18,000.  Any thoughts or recommendation on addressing this unit?  I am ready to consider the unit dead and move on.  This is unfortunately a last resort plea before I drop this unit to recycling.


Regards

Frank

kimf70
jetter
1,035 posts
 
This all sounds just plain wrong.  At first I assumed that your unit was a CD player, but realize its an integrated.

I would find out exactly what tool is needed and verify with Esoteric that no other domestic Esoteric repair location has it.  Hell, have them ship the "tool" to the U.S.

Maybe this is all obvious, but just trying to help.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
2,065 posts
 
Is this unit under warranty? Have you contacted your dealer for assistance?
alexatpos
500 posts
 
You might search for better shipping provider. I have sent the quite heavy and bulky SF Guarneri speakers, in their three large boxes to Hong Kong, from Europe, for 250eur, via Schenker fright company.

https://www.dbschenker.com/global

I am in no way associated with that company, just used their service
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
You could ask the guys on the Esoteric Forum @ AudioAficionado.com
One of the members  may have already gone through this.
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
79 posts
 
Suggest you put in a claim with your Homeowner's Insurance company. Get docs to show unit is not repairable. If you have replacement cost coverage, you'll get the money you need to replace the unit.
Larry
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