I have experience with UPS, Fed Ex and Woodbridge Stereo / Video.
Shippers:
I've had much better experience with Fed Ex than UPS, fortunately Fed Ex hasn't damaged a package of mine yet. I've received multiple damaged packages from UPS - including a severely dented motorcycle gas tank, damaged Snell speakers and a damaged Meridian 861 processor (both of which were very well packaged). UPS's claim process has changed over the years, going from an inspector visiting our home (for the set of Snell speakers) to me having to submit documentation and the item being returned to UPS for inspection. It has been my experience that the UPS claim process is now configured to avoid reimbursement for damage claims whenever possible.
It is the shipper who must file the claim, unless a release is provided to the UPS to allow UPS to deal directly with the receiver (which I arranged for the Meridian 861 processor).
Woodbridge Stereo / Video:
I've purchased from Woodbridge Stereo / Video when it was formally Woodbridge Stereo, when owned by Mark C and had employees Tom A, Igor, Mark F, and Craig. I've also used their technical services when I had a Nak Dragon cassette deck. I've only stopped patronizing them because they've migrated from while I've migrated to the sharp edge of high end equipment.
On a side note - I was very sad to hear of Igor's passing. I vividly remember his love for Ducati motorcycles and music. I don't think I'll ever forget one of his expressions (sorry I can't share it on this forum),
My experiences have ALWAYS been very positive with the store and their staff.
I now belong to an audiophile club which Tom A is a member and when I attend meetings (which unfortunately is way too infrequent) I occasionally get to see him. I will say that Tom A is VERY knowledgeable, and I learn / learned much from him. This isn't to say that I always agree with Tom A but in my experience, he is an educated insightful business man with a keen intellect and has always conducted himself as such. I have NEVER experienced or have been aware of Woodbridge Stereo / Video or any staff member conducting themselves unprofessionally.
I would be remiss if I didn't say Tom A has the ability to set up systems like no one else I've met (in almost 30 years). The systems Tom A has set up sound better then ANYTHING I've ever heard. I've been to many shows, showrooms and homes and listened to many systems (I'm old) and the systems that Tom A set up have sound AMAZING! The guy is talented. These systems included equipment from Wilson, Martin Login, Infinity, Audio Research, Pass, Meridian, Esoteric, Classe, MIT, Audio-Quest, Rel - which immediately come to mind (there was many more I'm sure I'm leaving out). I'll always remember the sub-woofer demonstration he did for me, read Rob Harley's (of The Absolute Sound) JBL sub-woofer review with his reference system to get an idea of what one properly set up can do. Still, if you haven't experienced it - you have no idea - literally! Anyway, Tom A's set ups must be experienced to be believed - he is a gifted individual.
Disclaimer:
My name is Thomas Foti and I have no financial or undisclosed affiliations with Woodbridge Stereo / Video or any of the personal associated with the store. I was a customer of theirs for many years until they moved away from (as I moved more towards) very high end equipment. I'm an engineer by education and profession and I'm extremely critical when investing in equipment.
Shippers:
I've had much better experience with Fed Ex than UPS, fortunately Fed Ex hasn't damaged a package of mine yet. I've received multiple damaged packages from UPS - including a severely dented motorcycle gas tank, damaged Snell speakers and a damaged Meridian 861 processor (both of which were very well packaged). UPS's claim process has changed over the years, going from an inspector visiting our home (for the set of Snell speakers) to me having to submit documentation and the item being returned to UPS for inspection. It has been my experience that the UPS claim process is now configured to avoid reimbursement for damage claims whenever possible.
It is the shipper who must file the claim, unless a release is provided to the UPS to allow UPS to deal directly with the receiver (which I arranged for the Meridian 861 processor).
Woodbridge Stereo / Video:
I've purchased from Woodbridge Stereo / Video when it was formally Woodbridge Stereo, when owned by Mark C and had employees Tom A, Igor, Mark F, and Craig. I've also used their technical services when I had a Nak Dragon cassette deck. I've only stopped patronizing them because they've migrated from while I've migrated to the sharp edge of high end equipment.
On a side note - I was very sad to hear of Igor's passing. I vividly remember his love for Ducati motorcycles and music. I don't think I'll ever forget one of his expressions (sorry I can't share it on this forum),
My experiences have ALWAYS been very positive with the store and their staff.
I now belong to an audiophile club which Tom A is a member and when I attend meetings (which unfortunately is way too infrequent) I occasionally get to see him. I will say that Tom A is VERY knowledgeable, and I learn / learned much from him. This isn't to say that I always agree with Tom A but in my experience, he is an educated insightful business man with a keen intellect and has always conducted himself as such. I have NEVER experienced or have been aware of Woodbridge Stereo / Video or any staff member conducting themselves unprofessionally.
I would be remiss if I didn't say Tom A has the ability to set up systems like no one else I've met (in almost 30 years). The systems Tom A has set up sound better then ANYTHING I've ever heard. I've been to many shows, showrooms and homes and listened to many systems (I'm old) and the systems that Tom A set up have sound AMAZING! The guy is talented. These systems included equipment from Wilson, Martin Login, Infinity, Audio Research, Pass, Meridian, Esoteric, Classe, MIT, Audio-Quest, Rel - which immediately come to mind (there was many more I'm sure I'm leaving out). I'll always remember the sub-woofer demonstration he did for me, read Rob Harley's (of The Absolute Sound) JBL sub-woofer review with his reference system to get an idea of what one properly set up can do. Still, if you haven't experienced it - you have no idea - literally! Anyway, Tom A's set ups must be experienced to be believed - he is a gifted individual.
Disclaimer:
My name is Thomas Foti and I have no financial or undisclosed affiliations with Woodbridge Stereo / Video or any of the personal associated with the store. I was a customer of theirs for many years until they moved away from (as I moved more towards) very high end equipment. I'm an engineer by education and profession and I'm extremely critical when investing in equipment.