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The black hole of component repair?

Is the repair time for components typically measured in months? I have been fortunate over the last ten years with this hobby but at the end of January I had to send an amplifier and a DVD player in for repairs. The DVD player was past warranty and had to be sent to an independent service facility. They have had the player for 6 weeks and informed me today that the manufacturer in the UK sent them the wrong part (or maybe they ordered the wrong part) and they are waiting for the correct part. Looks like another 3-4 weeks before I see the DVD player. The amplifier was under warranty so that went back to the manufacturer. The amp sat on the floor for 6 weeks. I was told today that they have looked at it and that they have located the board they need to fix it. They may be able to get it installed in a week but can not make any promises. I am guessing that it will be another 3-4 weeks before I see the amplifier. I know some of this repair time is unavoidable but weeks can quickly turn into months especially with shipping time and components sitting around for weeks before they are even looked at. I now know why there are frequently things for sale on Audiogon where the listing states something like "just back from the factory in perfect working order". I guess when you send something in for repair you might just as well go ahead and replace the item right away and then sell whatever you sent in for repair when you finally get it back.
mchd1
ozfly
887 posts
 
My California Audio cd player took about 2 months to repair(when they were still in business). My daughter's Consonance integrated amp took about 3.5 months (that may have been partly her fault). On the other hand, the owner of PBN (they make Sierra and Montana equipment) flew out on his dime to my house for a service call within about 6-8 weeks (we just couldn't align schedules sooner). That six weeks didn't seem very bad at all given the personal service involved. I've been a long time customer and it was a unique problem so I'm not trying to suggest that's typical service at PBN, but the personal touch makes time fly. Good communication and an honest approach to good service makes a real difference.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
On the other hand, I once had an issue with a Kora Eclipse, which I sent back to FRANCE and received it back in my hands 10 days after sending (with shipping covered both ways!).
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
My Sony 36XBR400 TeeVee died about two years ago.
I never got it fixed... just did without.
Even the dealer sez: "we'll pick up the 225lb monster, and give you a credit toward a new purchase if you want."
The bastard-child TeeVee sits, face to the wall, in shame.
I HATE getting stuff repaired.
(instead of being a TV couch potato, I am a music pumpkin.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Here we are 10 days later; still haven't got my piece back from Synergistics Research yet. I guess they are going for 4 months.-When I called last Friday they promised me it would go out on Monday and I should get it on Tuesday. (They just didn't say WHAT Tuesday.)
leedistad
104 posts
 
Funny Story:
When I was employed by Sony of Canada, I bought an MDSJE510 MiniDisc when it came out. In the first six months I sent it to service 3 times, each time for a separate fault. After the third time, I got into a testy debate with the head of Service for Western Canada, and her response was "The problem, Lee, is that your using it too much."
Well, since that candidness blew my mind, I unloaded it that week for $100 to a co-worker who was willing to take the risk, and I upgraded to the MDS-JA20ES, which has been plugging away ever since.
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