2. misc-audio
  3. 1182453941

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.
128x128justlisten
dazzdax
599 posts
 
It is recommendable to use the factory supplied packaging box: they are made for transport. For example in case of Accuphase, I always use the factory supplied box because it is the only way to ship the units. In these boxes there is a high probability the units will survive shipping. I thought JDRG units are being shipped within wooden crates or flight boxes?

Chris
ckorody
640 posts
 
Jeff Rowland Design Group (JRDG) do ship in ATA (Air Transport Association) flight cases. Compared to cardboard boxes with inserts these are relatively bullet-proof and certainly much longer lived since they are designed for re-use.

I "roadshowed" for many years with a fleet of these and never had a problem with any of my gear.

BUT nothing will truly protect delicate electronics from hard shock. Meaning that the cosmetics may be preserved but a solder joint gets busted loose.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
That's a great post Blindjim. Some info in it you rarely hear. Thanks for taking the time.
blindjim
2,837 posts
 

Tobias
Thanks... that info, just like learning to play poker, cost me some amount. I'd hate to see other's pay as dearly.

The notion of the flight cases is quite a good one too.

.,.and most recently, I've even heard tell, (though have no actual exp.) that carriers charge extra for wood crated items... Why? Splinters.... go figure.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I've even heard tell, (though have no actual exp.) that carriers charge extra for wood crated items
Blindjim (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

UPS charges extra for wood crated items. I was charged extra each time I shipped my wood-crated Lamm LL2 Deluxe preamp.

I didn't consider the upcharge a big deal. The wood crate with foam liner provided excellent protection for the preamp.
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